Simple: It is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsium, which are largely made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates.

Hard water is measured as grains per gallon (gpg).

• SOFT – 0.6 to 3.6 gpg

• MODERATE – 3.6 to 7.0 gpg

• HARD – 7.0 to 10.5 gpg

• VERY HARD – > 10.5 gpg

When combined with heat or soap hard water becomes extremely problematic. Heat and hard water create the formation of scale or rock. Scale builds up in plumbing, water using appliances, water heaters and fixtures. Soap reacts with hard water to create soap scum or curd making cleaning harder, your laundry duller and clinging to hair & skin.

Private Water Sources.

Private Water Source Such as private Wells, Community Wells Often Have Common Problems Such As: Iron

• Stains plumbing fixtures
• Stains laundry
• Metallic taste
• Musty odor
• Sprinkler stains