Do you have hard water in Calgary? If so, you are probably very familiar with the problems that it causes — damaging mineral scale buildup, hard-to-remove soap scum, and “uglifying” your hair and skin.
Fortunately, water softener installation is an effective treatment method. It will reduce the mineral content in the water supply, leaving the water soft and clean.
Is a water softener right for your home? This article provides the answers you need to make an informed decision. If you want to learn about everything water softeners, check out our buyer’s guide to water softeners.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains a higher than usual amount of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. Water hardness is usually measured in terms of grains per US gallon, equivalent to 3.8 litres; 3 grains per gallon (gpg) or above is unacceptably hard.
Unlike bacteria and similar contaminants, hard water’s excess mineral content cannot be reduced by boiling.
Is Hard Water Bad?
Hard water is not bad in the sense of being harmful to ingest. Calcium and magnesium are both essential minerals that should be included in every healthy person’s diet. So you don’t need to worry about drinking or cooking with hard water.
Hard water does have an undesirable effect in your home, though. It produces a buildup of mineral deposits inside plumbing pipes, kettles, water heaters, washing machines, and other water-using appliances.
The mineral sediment, known as limescale, reduces the energy efficiency of appliances and can clog your plumbing. Unfortunately, this same buildup also tends to leave your hair and skin looking dull and dry after being washed.
Does Calgary Have Hard Water?
Calgary’s water and surrounding communities are classed from Hard (7-11 gpg) to Very Hard (higher than 11 gpg). The Bow and Elbow Rivers contribute a high level of calcium and magnesium to our local water supply.
Calgary water’s mineral levels vary throughout the year. For example, they are lowered temporarily in the spring due to the melting snow, but even the lowest-end measurements fall into the Hard category.
Check out the grains per gallon measurements in some Alberta cities below:
Calgary
Measurement: 11.6 – 15.1 gpg
Rating: Very Hard
Cochrane
Measurement: 11 gpg
Rating: Hard
Airdrie
Measurement: 11.6 – 15.1
Rating: Very Hard
Okotoks
Measurement: 12.5
Rating: Very Hard
Knight Knows Water Softeners
We’re your Calgary plumbing experts. We know the local hard water problems… and we’re here with solutions.
Would you like more information on water softeners — or are you ready to order water softener installation for your home? Reach out to us for reliable help today.
