Degree of water hardness

The hardness of water is an important factor that influences the quality of drinking water. Water hardness refers to the proportion of minerals in the water, mainly calcium and magnesium compounds. A high proportion of these minerals results in hard water, while a low proportion results in soft water.

What is water hardness?

Water hardness depends on the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. These minerals are absorbed through the water's contact with rocks and soil as it makes its natural way through the ground. The hardness of water is measured in various units, including millimoles per liter (mmol/L), degrees of German hardness (°dH) and parts per million (ppm).

Water hardness in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the degree of hardness of water varies greatly from region to region. The degree of hardness of water is measured by the water suppliers and varies from region to region. In some regions the water is very hard, while in others it is very soft. In many regions, the water is of average hardness.

What are the effects of hard water?

Hard water can lead to problems in households and businesses. One of the most common effects of hard water is limescale deposits. This can cause blockages in pipes, kettles and other household appliances and shorten the life of these appliances. The use of descaling agents can minimize these problems, but this is only a temporary solution. A long-term solution would be to reduce the hardness of the water.

What are the effects of soft water?

Soft water generally has no negative effects on households or businesses. On the contrary, soft water has many advantages. Because it does not contain minerals that can cause blockages, soft water leads to a longer life for household appliances and pipes. It also leads to a softer feeling on the skin and cleaner clothes, as soap and detergents work better in soft water.

How can you measure the hardness of water?

A water hardness test kit can be used to measure the hardness of water. This is a simple test that can be carried out at home. The kit usually contains a test strip that is immersed in the water. The strip then changes color depending on the hardness of the water.

How can you reduce the hardness of water?

There are various ways to reduce the hardness of water. One option is to use water softening systems. These systems remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water and thus reduce the degree of hardness. Another option is to use water softener salts, which are added to the water. These salts ensure that the calcium and magnesium ions are bound and can no longer be deposited on surfaces.

Another option is to chemically treat the water with special descaling agents. These agents contain acids that dissolve the calcium and magnesium ions in the water and thus reduce the degree of hardness. However, this method is not suitable for all types of water and can lead to corrosion on water pipes.

A modern method of reducing the degree of hardness is the use of reverse osmosis systems. These systems work with a membrane that only allows water molecules to pass through, while dissolved minerals and other substances are retained. In this way, the hardness of the water can be effectively reduced.

It is important to consider the pros and cons of these methods and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. An expert can help you choose the right system and also assist with the installation and maintenance of the system.

Conclusion

The hardness of water is an important factor that affects the taste, use and maintenance of water installations. Water that is too hard can lead to limescale and other problems, while water that is too soft has poorer foaming and cleaning properties. It is therefore advisable to determine the hardness level of the water in your household or business and, if necessary, take measures to reduce or increase it.

There are various methods of reducing the hardness of water, including softening systems, chemical treatments or the use of reverse osmosis systems. It is important to understand the pros and cons of these methods and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Overall, the hardness of water is an important factor to consider when using and consuming water. Regularly checking the degree of hardness and, if necessary, using methods to reduce hardness can help to extend the service life of household appliances, reduce the cost of cleaning surfaces and improve the overall quality of the water.