Hard Water or Soft Water - What is the Difference?

Hard Water or Soft Water

Well, simply put, hard water is water with a high content of dissolved minerals in it and soft water is the opposite being very low in dissolved minerals. Hard water is found naturally and we drink it bottled for instance, as bottled mineral water. Soft water also occurs naturally, but we are more likely to recognise it when soft water is found as an additive for car batteries or steam kettles for example and has been processed to remove the minerals naturally dissolved in the water.

Taste of Hard Water and Soft Water

Hard water will have some taste or flavour depending on its origin and the amount of dissolved mineral in the water. The most common traces of minerals found in hard water are calcium, magnesium and sodium. Soft water being largely free of any dissolved minerals will most probably taste flat and insipid. Sometimes soft water can taste salty.

Examples of Hard Water and Soft Water

Rainwater is a good example of a naturally occuring soft water - it will have no dissolved minerals in it, though it may contain other impurities. An example of hard water would be a mineral spring where water bubbles from the ground after being filtered through porous rocks, granite or peat. This water is going to be full of dissolved minerals and may have a unique flavour.

How to tell if you have Hard Water and Soft Water

A simple test to see if you have hard or soft water coming from your taps is the soap lather test. Soap (or toothpaste) bubbles, froths and lathers easily in soft water but not so well in hard water. So if you find you can easily create a rich soapy lather when washing your hands then you are most likely in a soft-water area of the country.

Which is better? Hard Water or Soft Water?

There is no simple answer to this question. Hard water has some flavour of its own and a unique character depending on its origin, and hard water carries essential minerals for our health. Hard water probably gives tea and coffee flavour so may be a preferred choice for drinking on its own or to make hot drinks (See my hard water or soft water for tea page). Soft water on the other hand is good for washing as it is gentler on clothes, your hair and skin, and soap will lather more effectivel in soft water. Another advantage of soft water is that it won't cause kettles or washing machines to fur up. There is a good information page at the Drinking Water Inspectorate which is set up by the government to monitor drinking water quality in the United Kingdom.