Effects on Skin and Hair
While municipally treated water is safe to drink, its mineral content affects your daily routine. The minerals in moderately hard water react with soap to form a film, rather than a rich lather. This residue can leave skin feeling dry and itchy and cause hair to become dull and brittle. It's a common cause of skin irritation and can be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Corning
At 6.5 GPG, a full-scale whole-house water softener is generally not a sound financial investment for homes in Corning. The data shows it clearly:
A whole-house softener (~$1,500 installed) would take 22.1 years to pay for itself through its minimal annual savings of just $68. A better approach is targeted filtration:
- Best for Drinking Water: A quality pitcher filter (like Brita or PUR) or a faucet-mount filter will effectively remove the taste associated with hard water and reduce chlorine for a better drinking experience.
- Upgraded Solution: For superior taste and purity, an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is an excellent choice. It eliminates the need to buy bottled water, which can save a family $600-$900 per year.