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Water is one of the body’s basic needs, without which we cannot survive. We need water for everything right from the morning to clean ourselves, drink, wash clothes and utensils, etc. We think all water is alike. We can only differentiate it as impure water and filtered water.
However, there are other ways in which water can be differentiated too. Water can be hard water or soft water. While both might look very alike on the surface, there are some differences in their properties and composition.
Let’s take a look at what is hard water and soft water.
Hard water and Soft Water
The basic composition of any water remains the same. It’s two atoms of hydrogen combined with one atom of Oxygen. Around 71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water; hence some differences can be observed among water found in various parts. Hard water comes with minuscule calcium carbonates, magnesium carbonates, and similar materials. Hard water is high in concentration of minerals. Soft water has less concentration of minerals as compared to hard water. So basically, hard water has more particulate matter like minerals and carbonates in it, while soft water has less concentration.Hard water
Hard water contains a large number of sulphates, carbonates, and bicarbonates. Due to this fact, hard water can be beneficial for our health as it is a source of minerals. However, hard water can have some side effects on your hair and skin. To counter these side effects, water softening techniques are used. The water which we find underground is mostly hard water. This happens because water percolates through limestone and chalk deposits. In industries where hard water is used, the hardness of the water is monitored as excess hardness could cause the breakdown of the equipment.Soft water
The water that leads to foam formation when used with soap is soft water. It contains zero to low levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Soft water can originate in igneous rocks like granite. But it can also be found in sedimentary rocks and sandstone. The efforts needed for cleaning are significantly reduced when soft water is used. The lifespan of appliances that use water is also significantly increased when they are used with soft water. This is because, as opposed to hard water, soft water is not damaging.Differences between Hard Water and Soft Water
While the basic composition of the hard water and the soft water is not so different, they both differ in properties and concentration of minerals. The differences between them are stated below:Lathering with soap
- When soft water is used with soap, it leads to the formation of a significant amount of foam
- However, when hard water is used with soap, not much foam is formed; only a thin film is generated
Concentration of minerals
- As hard water originates from limestones and chalk deposits, it contains minerals like sulphates and carbonates in high quantities
- The soft water originates in igneous and sedimentary rocks, so the concentration of such minerals isn’t a lot compared to hard water
Taste
- Since the hard water contains much particulate matter like minerals, they render a characteristic taste to the water
- The soft water is devoid of such minerals in large quantities, so its basic taste is salty
Origin
- The hard water originates through deposits of limestone, chalk, and similar minerals. The tap water that comes to us is usually hard water
- The soft water originates through igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and sandstones. Hard water can be treated to make soft water
Suitability for Drinking
- Hard water provides the body with essential minerals. It also tastes better. Hence hard water is more suitable for drinking
- Drinking soft water can deprive the drinkers of essential minerals. Soft water also contains more concentration of salt, which is better to avoid
Suitability for Equipment
- Hard water contains particulate matter. Such matter can have corrosive and damaging effects on industrial equipment or household equipment. Hence, hard water is not much suitable for equipment
- Soft water doesn’t contain any such corrosive material; hence is best suited for equipment. Hard water with excess hardness is softened to avoid harm to equipment
