How Hard Water Can Affect Skin and Hair
You may only notice these effects seasonally. When the harder well water is introduced, soap and shampoo won't lather as effectively. This leaves a soap-scum residue on your skin and in your hair, which can cause:
- Temporary dry or itchy skin.
- Hair that feels dull, heavy, or difficult to manage.
- A slight film on your skin after showering.
These effects typically disappear once the city switches back to 100% Bull Run supply.
The Right Filter for Portland's Unique Water
Given the seasonal nature of Portland's hard water, a full, salt-based softener is usually unnecessary and not cost-effective.
- Recommended Solution: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent choice for Portland homes. It doesn't remove the beneficial minerals but instead alters their structure to prevent them from forming hard scale inside pipes and appliances.
- Drinking Water: For improving taste, especially when the earthier well water is in use, a quality pitcher filter or an under-sink carbon filter is perfectly adequate.
The Payback Problem: With potential savings of only $90/year (active only part-time), a $1,500 whole-house softener has a very long payback period of 16.7 years, making it a poor investment for most Portland homeowners.