Ventura’s Hard Water Woes

Hard water is one of the greatest, and most widespread, water quality concerns here in America. In fact, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) almost 90 percent of homes here in the US are plagued with hard water problems. Hard water is characterized as water with a high mineral content. It is created as ground water permeates through deposits of chalk and limestone, which are mostly comprised of magnesium carbonates and calcium.
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon; very soft water contains zero grains per gallon, whereas very hard water measures 10.5 grains per gallon. Our water here in Ventura County, on the other hand, measures between 20 and 50 grains per gallon which translates into severe hard water conditions. So what does that mean for Ventura residents? Well, the short answer is that installing a water softener is pretty much a necessity if you live here.
The biggest issue with hard water is that it is exceptionally hard on plumbing and plumbing fixtures. Untreated hard water will not only dramatically shorten the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and other water utilizing appliances and utilities, but it will also drastically lower their efficiency as well. This translates into high maintenance costs as well as higher utility bills.
Another area where the effects of hard water are felt is in on the skin and hair. Homeowners who bathe or shower with hard water, oftentimes notice that not only does their hair become brittle, dull and limp but their skin also dries out easily and is often itchy. Eczema sufferers are especially sensitive to hard water and notice an increase in breakouts and irritation if they bathe in hard water.
Hard water will also reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. If you have ever washed clothes with hard water, you will notice that they just don’t appear as white as they should. Over time, whites become grays and colors fade much faster than normal. Softened water, on the other hand, allows soaps and detergents to do their job as intended and clothes will be noticeably whiter and brighter and will wear much longer.
So the bottom line is that a water softener isn’t necessary for every homeowner, but in homes with hard water, they are a definite necessity. The long term effects of hard water and the wear and tear it puts on – well everything – makes water softeners a must have for hard water. We offer water treatment systems in different locations. Whether you are looking for a water softener system in Ventura or RO systems in Oxnard, we can help. Contact us today!