Does Austin Have Hard Water

Faucet with hard water stains in an Austin home.

Everything about Austin, Texas, is great to live in-from its live music and good food to a plethora of fun activities one can engage oneself in. But perhaps one common fact that many observe from living in Austin is that one little issue: the water is hard. Now, what exactly does that mean? Hard water contains minerals-mostly calcium and magnesium-in it. This might become a very serious problem in your house. Let's learn what hard water is, how it affects you, and what you can do to fix it.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is a general term to describe water containing too much of specific minerals, usually originating from some sort of rock, like limestone, that the water flows through. The minerals get picked up and follow the path of the water right into your home. Austin's water is obtained from both rivers and underground water sources, or aquifers. Both of these may pick up minerals from limestone, which means the water in Austin is hard.

Even though it is not harmful to drink, hard water can be problematic in other aspects.

How Does Hard Water Affect You?

Your Skin and Hair

Hard water reduces the ability of soap to rinse easily. This could leave a sticky layer on your skin and hair, possibly making your skin feel dry and your hair look dull. It might make your skin feel dry and your hair look dull. In some cases, it can even make skin problems worse.

Appliances

These minerals found in hard water could build up in your appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, making them less efficient and perhaps leading to breakage over time.

Laundry and Dishes

Hard water makes soap less effective. You may notice that your clothes feel rough or that your dishes come out of the dishwasher with white spots.

Pipes

With time, hard water deposits build up in your pipes. This may cause blockages or slow flow of water. This is expensive to fix.

Hard water stains may need professional cleaning. You may consider move out cleaning services for your home.

Why Does Austin Have Hard Water?

Well, Austin's water is considered hard because of the nature of the geology in the city. Central Texas has a bunch of limestone, and the limestone itself is full of calcium and magnesium. As the water moves through these types of rocks, it picks up minerals. And so, by the time it finally gets to your house, it's already hard.

What Can You Do About Hard Water?

Here are a few easy ways to deal with hard water:

  • Use a Water Softener

A water softener is an appliance for taking the minerals out of the water to soften it for use in your household.

  • Clean with Vinegar

Vinegar does an excellent job of eliminating spots and stains caused by hard water. So clean your faucets, showerheads, and other areas with vinegar.

  • Special Detergents

Buy detergents that are formulated for hard water; they act more efficiently and may help reduce buildups on clothes and dishes.

If having hard water is a problem in your home, there is help for you. Visit Sparkly Maid Austin for professional cleaning services that can deal with hard water spots.

Is Hard Water Bad for You?

Hard water is safe to drink. As a matter of fact, the minerals in hard water can add small quantities of calcium and magnesium, both good for your body. However, it does have the effect of making your skin and hair feel dry. If these problems occur, a water conditioner or special filter will help.

Benefits of Hard Water Treatment

Hard water treatment in your residence can offer many benefits:

  • Longer-lasting appliances: no mineral build-up whatsoever. 

  • Softer skin and shinier hair: Hard water residue will no longer bother you. 

  • Cleaner laundry, cleaner dishes: No more rough clothes or white spots on dishes. 

  • Better water pressure: No more mineral deposit blockages in your plumbing.

 A few small changes can make your home more comfortable and your chores easier. 

Conclusion

Austin has hard water because of the limestone in the area. Hard water is not harmful to drink but certainly makes life harder in a multitude of other ways-from drying out your skin to destroying appliances. Fortunately, there are solutions. From water softeners to simple cleaning tricks, you can deal with hard water and keep your home running smoothly. 

Want your home to look the best? Here is our Maid Service to keep everything fresh and clean.

 

Business Name: Sparkly Maid Austin

Business Address: 200 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701

Phone Number: +1 (512) 617-5979

Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Afz5fkUDmatkYs5d8?g_st=ic

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