Water hardness
What causes water hardness?
Natural sources
The main natural sources of water hardness are sedimentary rocks, seepage, and runoff from soils. In general, hard waters originate in areas with thick topsoil and limestone formations. Groundwater is generally harder than surface water.
Industrial sources
The two main industrial sources of water hardness are the inorganic chemical and mining industries.
Quick facts about water hardness
- Hard water causes scaling in the water distribution system.
- Soft water, on the other hand, can cause corrosion in pipes.
- Hardness levels between 80 and 100 mg/L (as CaCO3) are generally considered to provide an acceptable balance between corrosion and incrustation.
- Hard water requires a considerable amount of soap to produce a lather.
- Water hardness levels vary greatly across Canada.
Why control water hardness?
Health considerations
Mechanical considerations
Since hard water can cause scaling in water distribution systems, controlling water hardness is key to extending the life of piping and equipment. Some provinces recommend an aesthetic objective of 80 mg/L to 120 mg/L for water hardness.
What’s more, hard water requires considerable amounts of soap to produce lather, resulting in additional expenses for laundry facilities and industries where washing is part of the process.
How can Magnor help?
Magnor provides custom-built turnkey water-softening solutions.
Whether you’re looking to reduce hardness in your municipality’s drinking water or your industrial process water, we can customize our water softeners to meet your flow rate needs.