Water is one of the most important natural resources at our disposal. Although it appears to be a simple substance, its properties, such as hardness, are of great importance to our daily lives. In this article, we take a look at soft water – its properties, advantages and disadvantages, and its impact on health and everyday life.
What is soft water?
Soft water is water that contains a very small amount of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. It is usually found in regions where the water does not pass through limestone rocks and is therefore not enriched in these minerals. Water with low hardness (less than 4°dH) is a classic example of soft water.
Advantages of soft water
Soft water has a number of beneficial properties that make it valued in many areas of daily and industrial life. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Better for household appliances
Soft water leaves no limescale, which means that appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers or kettles do not decalcify. As a result , white goods have a longer life span and work more efficiently. Regular use of soft water reduces repair and maintenance costs for appliances.
2. Saving on detergents
In soft water, detergents and cleaning products work more effectively, because they are not neutralised by minerals such as calcium or magnesium. For this reason, smaller quantities of cleaning products can be used, which makes it possible to save on their consumption and to reduce expenditure on household chemicals.
3. Beneficial for skin and hair
Soft water is gentler on the skin and hair. Using it for bathing can reduce skin irritation, especially in people with dermatological problems. Hair does not become dry and dull, and hair care becomes easier.
4. Reduces deposits on dishes
Soft water does not form limescale deposits on the dishes, which is particularly important for glasses, cups or kitchen utensils. As a result, the dishes remain clean and do not require intensive cleaning.
Disadvantages of soft water
Although soft water has many advantages, it is not without some disadvantages that can affect daily life. Here are some of them:
1. Mineral deficiency
Soft water has a lower content of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are important for health. Prolonged drinking of low hardness water can lead to a deficiency of these minerals in the body, which can have a negative impact on bone and cardiovascular health.
2. Little impact on water hardness in plants
For those growing plants, low hardness water may not provide some of the essential minerals, that are present in hard water. Plants may require additional fertilisation to get the right amount of calcium and magnesium.
3. Treatment systems are needed
In areas where soft water naturally occurs, water treatment systems may be necessary, which improve its micronutrient quality, to provide the right amount of minerals for the body and plants.
How to improve water hardness?
If you live in a region where the water is soft, but you would like to increase its hardness ( for health or plant needs ), you can use water treatment systems, such as watersofteners or mineralisingfilters.
Summary
Soft water has numerous benefits, such as longer life of household appliances, less use of detergents and health benefits for skin and hair. However, its mineral deficiency can be a problem, especially if this water is consumed for long periods of time. It is worth considering water treatment systems to balance the composition of the water and improve the quality of life.