What effects does hard water have on my health, plumbing, appliances, and fixtures?

Hard water is not a hazard to you health.  Research by the National Research Council (National Academy of Science) has revealed that drinking hard water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium the human diet requires. Research has been done on the relationship between cardiovascular disease mortality and water hardness.  Many studies have suggested a correlation between hard water and lower cardiovascular disease mortality.  The National Research Council has recommended further studies on the relationship between hard water and cardiovascular disease mortality.  Below are the benefits associated with the minerals calcium and magnesium to the human body:

Calcium: essential to bone and tooth development, blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission – may reduce heart disease

Magnesium: neuromuscular activity of heart, energy metabolism, protein synthesis

Household plumbing and appliances are greatly affected by hard water conditions.  Some of the effects include clogged pipes, water heater inefficiency and hard scaling. Hard water is also linked to decreased water flow or pressure frozen valves and faucets, water heaters, and sinks.  According to a study at New Mexico State University, commissioned by The Water Quality Research Council, water heaters operate up to 30% less efficiently when hard water scale is present.  If some type of water softener device is not installed to correct the negative effects of hard water the repairs can be costly as well as a nuisance.  You will pay one way or another either by repairing damaged plumbing, replacing appliances or by purchasing a solution to take care of the negative effects of hard water.  The main purpose of all water softeners is to eliminate the negative side effects of hard water.

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