soft water

Hard water and soft water are defining depending on water contaminants with some metals ions such as calcium, magnesium. Hard water is not good for all position; same way soft water also not suitable for all applications.

Generally hard water contains greater quantity of calcium and magnesium ions. On the other hand soft water contains little amount or no ions of some metals such as calcium, magnesium. We get soft water naturally such as rain water or conditioning the hard water.

Water for drinking purpose
Hard water is good for health than soft water. In health point of view hard water effects are neutral; some cases are beneficial because it is rich in minerals. Moreover it decreases the solubility of potentially poisonous metal ions as like copper and lead. On the other hand soft water rich in sodium ions, this is not safe to drink. It is health risk such as diabetes or high blood pressure. A study shows that less heart disease in hard water areas than in soft water areas.

Water for domestic cleaning
For domestic cleaning soft water is essential. Hard water is not suitable for this purpose because in hot water heater, steam iron, kettles, coffee makers etc it forms limescale. This water also creates spots on dishes and glassware. Moreover extra soap or detergents are consumed in this case. In addition hard water leaves iron or soap deposits in bathtubs, sinks and basins. On the other hand soft water save soap or detergents and all other hard water effects are not found in case of domestic cleaning.

When people are bathing with soap in hard water, a sticky film formed on the skin. Soil, dirt and bacteria can be trapped in pores beneath the soap scum; this is the possible skin infection.

Water for plumbing system
Domestic or industrial plumbing system is affected by hard water. It buildup limescale in shower head, taps, inner side of pipe, hot water tanks, washing machines, boilers, cooling tower and other industrial equipment. It reduces the life of plumbing system; even clog it. Hence increase plumbing system repairing cost. On the other hand these effects are not found in case of soft water.

Water for industry
In industrial purpose the uses of soft water is significant. Soft water is used for heat transfer, cooling tower, boiler, manufacture of beverages, sugar syrup, gelatin, juice etc in many industries. In contrast hard water is not suitable for industry; it buildup limescale in boiler, cooling tower, hot water tank etc. as a result decrease the life of tank or boiler and need more energy. Water hardness significantly effects on textile dyeing, washing and finishing section.

What is soft water
Soft water means when the water is free from the ions of chloride, sulfate and bicarbonate of calcium and magnesium salt or presence little amount of these ions; in particular total water hardness less than 150 mg/l calcium carbonate. Also free from some other metals for example iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum, strontium etc. We can also be define soft water depends on foam creation with soap or detergent. Soft water can easily create foam with soap and detergents. The source of soft water mainly rain water; other sources are water that comes from granite or sandstone. Soft water can be classified into two group depends upon total hardness. When total water hardness less than 75 mg/l calcium carbonate; it is called very soft water. If total water hardness is between 75-150 mg/l calcium carbonate; it is called soft water.

Soft water has a tendency to be somewhat acidic. For example:

Water + carbon di-oxide + calcium carbonate = calcium bicarbonate

H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g) + CaCO₃ (s) → Ca(HCO₃)₂ (aq)

Very Soft water can dissolve metals with which it comes into contact with at static condition or during flow time. Lead, copper, iron etc are susceptible to attack from this type of water. In this way Lead and copper may lead to poisoning the water, which is at risk for health. This is one of the main reasons in plumbing installations Lead and copper are no longer used.

Is soft water safe to drink
There are many reasons soft water is not good for drinking. But conditioning water is good for health. The soft water that contains high sodium ions is not safe to drink. It is health risk such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Sodium should not more than 2300 mg, it is better contains 1500 mg per day. If somebody takes soft water regularly, he/she should be need take vitamin that includes calcium. A study proves that not as much of heart disease in hard water areas than in soft water areas.

Benefits of soft water
Soft water is benefits for washing one’s body and hair because it does not create dryness. Moreover there are no sticky films formed on the skin. People escape from skin disease like Eczema. No limescale can form in kettles, coffee makers, faucets, hot water heaters, steam irons etc in whole household, Increase plumbing system life. It is also reduce cost in laundry purpose.
In industrial purpose the uses of soft water is significant. Soft water is used for heat transfer, cooling tower, boiler, manufacture of beverages, sugar syrup, gelatin, juice etc in many industries.

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Hard water vs soft water