The Effect of 11.6 GPG Water on Skin and Hair
While your tap water is safe to consume, its high mineral content can cause noticeable cosmetic and comfort issues. Hard water reacts with soaps to form a scum-like residue that doesn't rinse away easily, leading to:
- Chronically dry and itchy skin, potentially worsening conditions like eczema.
- Hair that feels brittle, looks dull, and is difficult to style.
- A sticky film on your skin even after showering.
For young children and infants, this can be particularly irritating to sensitive skin, and the mineral concentration is a factor to consider when preparing baby formula.
The Smartest Filtration Strategy for Missouri City Homes
At 11.6 GPG, a basic faucet or pitcher filter won't address the core problems of water hardness. A whole-home solution is the most effective approach to protect your investment in your property.
- Recommended Solution: A salt-free water conditioner is a solid choice for scale prevention. However, to eliminate all hard water issues (dry skin, soap scum, high detergent use), a traditional whole-house water softener is the best solution. For purified drinking water, add an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system.
- Financial Payback: A whole-house softener installation costs around $1,500. With calculated annual savings of $122 from reduced energy and soap usage, the system effectively pays for itself in about 12.3 years. An RO system also replaces the need for bottled water, saving the typical family an additional $600-$900 per year.