5 Common Myths About Hard Water
If you consider hard water in your home to be a demon, then you may have fallen victim
to a few hard water myths.
Here are five common myths that have been "floating" around for years:
MYTH #1 - Hard Water Clogs Pipes
Fact: Calcium and magnesium do not build up and clog copper pipes. Between 1950 and the late
1970s, most homes were built using steel (galvanized) pipes. Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium,
stick to steel. Most new and re-piped homes built after 1975 have pipes made of copper.
MYTH #2 - Minerals In Water Are Contaminants
Fact: Minerals are not contaminants, minerals are nutrients. Scientific findings supported by officials from the World Health
Organization (www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutrientsindw/en/index.html) have shown
that drinking water rich with essential minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, protects good
health and leads to lower instances of heart disease and stroke.
MYTH #3 - Water Softeners Filter Water
Fact: Water softeners do not filter water; they merely exchange sodium for minerals. In other words, water
softeners take dirty, chlorinated tap water and turn it into dirty, chlorinated, salty water.
There is still a need to install a reverse-osmosis system to remove salt, sediment and chlorine to produce
a palatable water for drinking and cooking - but only at the kitchen tap. Chlorinated, salty water
still runs throughout the rest of the home.
MYTH #4 - Hard Water Is Harsh, Fades Clothes and Dries Skin and Hair
Fact: Hard water does not fade colors or dry skin and hair, chlorine does this, just as chlorine bleach.
Water softeners do not remove chlorine or disinfection byproducts.
MYTH #5 - Water Softeners Are Safe For The Environment
Fact: According to Ann Heil, a Supervising Engineer of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County,
automatic water softeners waste water and put a salty brine into the waste stream. High salts in the
waste stream can harm aquatic life and can damage crops irrigated with downstream waters.
There are many simple solutions you can take to fix any mineral spotting - and none of them require a
water softener. A teaspoon of Sour Salt will handle mineral residue in the dishwasher. Rain-X or furniture wax will
minimize water spots on shower doors. Finally, a whole-house water filter, that retains healthy minerals,
will work great for bathing, cooking, cleaning and drinking.
For additional information on the effects of water softeners on the environment, visit www.lacsd.org/chloride
Source: NewsUSA
Note: As of 9/11/06, this article has been in over 250 publications, nation-wide.
|
