Civil and Environmental Engineering
Document Type
Fact Sheet
Date of this Version
5-2016
Citation
NebGuide G1274: Natural Resources, Water Management (revised May 2016)
Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska
Abstract
Hard water isn’t a health hazard but can be a nuisance within the home. Learn how to test water, interpret the results, and choose a treatment.
Water described as “hard” contains high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not a health risk but can be a nuisance because of mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures and poor soap and/or detergent performance.
Water is a good solvent and picks up impurities easily. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Dissolved calcium and magnesium are the two most common minerals that make water hard. The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.