How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While hard water is not considered a direct health hazard, it has noticeable effects on skin and hair. The same minerals that create soap scum on your shower door leave a residue on your body, leading to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema or psoriasis.
- Brittle, dull-looking hair that's difficult to manage.
- A feeling of film or residue on your skin after showering.
For families with infants, preparing baby formula with hard water can introduce high levels of minerals that are not ideal.
The Right Filtration System for Trooper
With a hardness level of 7.4 GPG, you have effective options that don't necessarily require a full water softener.
For this level of hardness, a salt-free water conditioner is an excellent choice. It crystallizes the minerals to prevent them from forming scale on your pipes and appliances, without the need for salt refills or a regeneration cycle. For improving taste and removing chlorine from drinking water, a quality pitcher filter or an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system is recommended.
A traditional whole-house softener (~$1,500 installed) would work, but it would take approximately 18.5 years to pay for itself through the estimated $81/year in savings. For many homeowners, a conditioner is a more practical investment.