Understand the difference between hard and soft water? Know which is best for drinking

Have you ever noticed white stains on your tap or wondered why soap doesn’t lather properly sometimes? Or perhaps you have heard people say that their area has hard water, but never really understood what that means. These small, everyday problems often occur due to the minerals present in water.

Based on the amount of minerals it contains, water is mainly divided into two types: hard water and soft water. Both are commonly used in homes, but they behave very differently. From the way they affect your skin and hair to how they impact your appliances. 

In this blog, we will explain the difference between hard and soft water and help you understand which type of water is best for drinking.

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that has a high amount of natural minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. When water flows through soil and rocks underground, these minerals mix into the water. Because of this, it is called hard water. 

Some common signs of hard water are white stains on taps, soap that does not lather well, and clothes feeling a little stiff after washing. These issues are seen in daily use, but in most cases, hard water is safe for drinking.

What is soft water?

Soft water is water that has very low or no minerals like calcium and magnesium. Sometimes it occurs naturally, and sometimes hard water is changed into soft water using machines. In soft water, soap makes foam easily, clothes feel softer after washing, and there are no white stains on taps or utensils. 

Because of this, soft water is more convenient for cleaning and bathing. It is also safe to drink, but it does not contain the minerals found in hard water.

The difference between hard and soft water

Let us break down the difference between hard and soft water in a simple way:

Drinking hard water vs soft water: which is better?

When it comes to drinking water, many people wonder which one is better for drinking purposes, hard water or soft water. Both are generally safe to drink, but there are a few differences that can help you decide.

Hard water contains natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are good for the body and help support strong bones and muscles. Because of this, many people prefer hard water for drinking. It may taste slightly different, but it does not have any added chemicals.

Soft water doesn’t have any minerals present. Due to this extra sodium, people who have high blood pressure, heart problems, or who need to eat less salt should avoid drinking soft water on a daily basis. 

So, if your hard water is clean and properly treated, it is usually a better choice for drinking. Soft water works well for cleaning and bathing, but for daily drinking, hard water is often the healthier and more natural option.

How to check if your water is hard or soft

You don’t need to be an expert to know whether your water is hard or soft. There are just a few easy things you can try at home.

• Soap test: Take a small bottle, fill it with tap water, add a few drops of liquid soap, and shake it well. If you see lots of bubbles, the water is soft. If there are very few bubbles and the water looks milky, this is a common sign of hard water.
• Check for white marks: If you notice white, chalky marks on taps, showerheads, kettles, or utensils, then it is probably hard water.
• Notice your skin and hair after bathing: After a shower, if your skin feels dry and hair feels rough, frizzy, the water is likely hard. If soap washes off easily and your skin feels smooth, then it is soft water.
• Home water testing kit: A water testing kit is a small tool you can buy that checks how many minerals are in your water. It gives a clear result showing whether your water is hard or soft.

Final thoughts

When it comes to drinking hard water vs soft water, most people can safely drink both. What really matters is what you like, what suits your health, and how the water affects your daily life at home. Some people prefer the natural minerals in hard water, while others like the smooth feel of soft water. 

If you are still confused about whether your water is hard or soft, or if it is safe to drink every day? AquaDrink in Kanpur is here to help. They check your local water quality and suggest the right water purifier, so your family gets clean, safe, and healthy drinking water without worry.