How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While not a direct health hazard, Moraine's hard water significantly impacts daily life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving a residue on your skin and hair. This often leads to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema.
- Dull, brittle hair and an irritated scalp.
- A persistent feeling of residue on your skin after showering.
For families with infants, preparing baby formula with very hard water can be a concern, as the excess minerals may alter the formula's consistency and nutrient balance.
Filtration Guide for Moraine's 18.6 GPG Water
With water this hard, simple pitcher filters are inadequate as they do not remove hardness minerals. Protecting your entire home is the most effective strategy.
- Recommended System: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the best solution for 18.6 GPG. This removes the hardness minerals at the source, protecting all your pipes and appliances. Pair it with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for purified drinking water.
- Salt-Free Alternative: For those concerned with salt discharge, a salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup but will not provide the other benefits of soft water (like better soap lather).
A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) represents a sound investment. Based on the potential annual savings of $198 from lower gas bills, reduced detergent use, and extended appliance life, the system effectively pays for itself in approximately 7.6 years.