
Water hardness
Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, in the water. When these minerals are present in high concentrations, the water is considered "hard." Hard water can cause mineral buildup in pipes, reduce soap's effectiveness, and leave spots on dishes and fixtures. It doesn't pose health risks but may require specialized treatment to prevent scaling and maintain appliance efficiency. Softening water, typically through filtration or ion exchange, reduces mineral content, making it easier to work with and preventing potential issues caused by mineral deposits.