Most Common Risks Associated with Drinking Hard Water

We all need water to live. Every aspect of our life from hygiene, sanitation, and food preparation food requires water. Here is the thing. Many people use hard water in their homes.

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. The world health organization maintains that hard water does not cause adverse health effects in human beings. In fact, hard water may provide some health benefits to the body thanks to the dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

But here is the problem. The elements in hard water affect human hair, skin, and exacerbate some health conditions. But that is not all. Hard water can damage plumbing and water passage appliances.

So let’s look at common risks associated with drinking hard water. Below are the details.

Affects hair

Hair loss is one of the harmful effects of hard water in the body. Calcium, Silica, and magnesium make the hair dry and thin which consequently leads to breakage. Using hard water regularly destroys the hair and even promotes dandruff formation. Another thing, hard water reduces moisture in your hair and leaves behind a film which gives the hair a strange texture.

The minerals present in hard makes it hard to rinse your hair thoroughly leaving a residue. Even if you try to fix the problem by washing your hair several times a day, the results will be the same each time. In a nutshell, below are signs your hair has been affected by hard water.

• Hair loss
• Your hair feels straw-like and filmy
• If your hair is colour-treated, it fades quickly. This means that you will require frequent treatment that could damage your hair.
• You will have residual shampoo in your hair
• It becomes hard to lather your hair with shampoo

Skin

While hard water irritates several body parts, the skin is the most vulnerable. For instance, after using hard water to shower or do some washing, you feel discomfort and itchiness on your skin.

The Excess minerals in hard water are responsible for skin problems. First of all, hard water makes your skin dry and flaky. You will also notice skin peeling off after direct contact with hard water. What’s more, hard water also makes it difficult to rinse off soap completely. This makes your skin feel dry.

Another thing, hard water leaves minerals on the skin surface which absorbs oils and natural moisture from the skin. Depending on mineral levels, this can cause breakouts. Some obvious effects of hard water on human skin include irritation and Eczema. Remember, Psoriasis, eczema, and sensitive skin make the effects of hard water on skin worse.

Effects on Kidney

Hard water is one of the causes of kidney stones. Consumption of untreated water that contains massive amounts of magnesium and calcium can leads to the development of kidney stones. While environmental, genetics and geographical factors are the main causes of kidney stones formation, hard water is also associated with the disease.

Water with high magnesium and sulfate concentration can cause a laxative effect. Reduced ability to excrete magnesium or renal insufficiency causes hypomagnesemia. Lastly, increased intake of calcium can lead to change in bowel habits.

Conclusion

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved salts such as magnesium and calcium. Using hard water can cause skin irritation, itchy, and dry. It also damages the hair and contributes to hair loss. The good thing is that hard water no known adverse health effects. That’s notwithstanding; you must have water treatment mechanism to avoid any health issues. This CleanerSofterWater’s DIY water treatment guide will be of great help. In conclusion, it is important that you use hard water softeners to be on the safe side.