How to Treat Hard Water

Hard water is a problem in many parts of the world, rendering water unsuitable for drinking as well as causing fading and other damage to clothing during the process of laundering.  Fortunately, there are ways to treat hard water on small and large scales, making it possible to reduce the mineral content and make more efficient use of this essential resource.

• Consider sodium based treatment products.  Sodium can help to actually neutralize some of the other minerals present in the hard water.  This approach can be helpful in terms of treating water in pools or even water used to clean clothing. 


• Go with a polyphosphate.  This additive can also help to neutralize the minerals in hard water, helping to minimize any undesirable effects caused by those minerals.  The product basically absorbs into the water and coats certain types of minerals so they can be filtered with greater ease.  One drawback to filters that use this approach is that they work best with a low flow of water and also require that the water be cold in order to function properly.


• Try a magnetic water conditioner.  This type of conditioning approach calls for the creation of a magnetic field, then running the water through that field in order to reduce the mineral content.  While this approach has been used for decades around the world, critics note that verifiable data that confirms the efficacy of this approach is somewhat limited.


• Attach charcoal-based water filters throughout the water system.  This approach is often used for purposes of reducing the mineral content of hard water that is used for drinking.  Filters can be attached to taps or even within the plumbing system proper.  When the filters are replaced in a timely manner, this approach can effectively reduce the mineral content and make the water safer for use in many day to day uses.  Charcoal-based filters have a reputation for working with both cold and hot water sources.