I am sure we have all heard the terms "hard water" and "soft water". But what do they actually mean$%: After all, all water is softish isn't it$%: And, why do we worry so much about it$%:
Well, yes, water is soft. It is a non-viscous liquid. But there is more to it than that. All water contains more than just the molecules of hydrogen and oxygen - there are multiple dissolved chemical depending on the source of the water.
One of these chemicals, limestone, causes water to be hard. The limestone dissolves into the water from the soft rock. This is usually disadvantageous - soap will not lather so much and will form a scum on the surface of the water. This means that things don't get as clean as well - bodies, clothes etc. The net result is more soap or lather is needed to achieve the same beneficial effect.
Hard water also leaves multiple hard, scaly deposits in items it comes into contact with - boilers, washing machines and kettles. Different areas of the county will be designated as having either hard or soft water. In hard water areas, the water can be treated by using washing soda or borax. This prevents the build up of scale and adds to the lathering effect.
Large communities can be served by industrial water softening devices using a mineral called zeolite which will get rid of the hard water chemicals. The life span of zeolite in softening water is restricted but can be replenished by washing in salty water.
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