You may recall that at school you learned that water is chemically known as H2O, that is, it’s made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

But did you know…

That tap water contains other minerals that it picks up as it flows from its source up until it gets to our taps?

Yes, water is a good solvent, so when it permeates the soil and rock underground, it will pick up different minerals and impurities.

It follows that the seemingly “clean” water available for use at our homes is not as clean as we’d thought.

So,

Just How Dirty is Tap Water?

Recent analyses of tap water in America have revealed that there are still many harmful contaminants lurking in it,

Even after it being treated by municipal water-treatment facilities.

Paradoxically, it is the water treatment facilities that aggravate the problem by adding dangerous chemicals that are meant to treat the water.

These adverse chemicals include chlorine and fluorine.

Case in point: The Safe Drinking Water Act regulates only 91 potential water pollutants whereas…

There are more than 60,000 chemicals used when treating water within the States!

Additionally, water may contain a high content of naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. 

Unlike the chemicals added during water treatment, these minerals are absorbed naturally by water as it seeps through deposits of underground limestone and chalk.

Such water is described as “hard water” with the level of hardness depending on the concentration of calcium and magnesium.

In this article,

We focus on hard water, and how to remove calcium and magnesium ions in it.

What Impact Does Contaminated Water Have on Your Health and Daily Living?

Well, drinking hard water is generally safe and may be moderately beneficial to your health.

For instance,

It will fulfill your dietary needs for calcium and magnesium.

Still, you are better off drinking soft water as it has far more benefits.

However,

When it comes to matters outside our bodies, water containing calcium and magnesium is more of a nuisance than a health risk,

Because it can gradually wreak havoc on your hair, your skin, appliances, and even your plumbing.

The presence of calcium in water renders it almost useless in the home.

Hard water also impacts you financially in the long run. In fact, by one estimate, it can cost you more than $800 annually.

Household appliances such as washing machines, dishwasher, water heaters, and fridges will wear out 30% faster than normal and the buildup of scale on them will mean higher utility bills for you. 

Their efficiency will greatly be affected as well.

Your plumbing will be clogged up by scum and can become ineffective. 

Utensils, sinks, taps, toilet bowls will all bear the brunt of stains from hard water.

Worse still,

Bathing with water containing calcium and magnesium will reduce the moisture in your skin resulting in itchy skin, dandruff in your hair or dry-skin problems such as eczema.

It is not difficult to see why you should be concerned if your water supply is tainted with calcium and magnesium.

Consequently, if hard water is a concern to you, we are here basically to enlighten you on how you can reverse it to become soft water, free from calcium and magnesium.

So the question is:

What Methods Can Get Impurities Out of Water?

There are many ways of eliminating impurities from water,

With some methods dating back many centuries.

However, technological advancement has provided modern and convenient water purification appliances that can get the job done effectively.

Today, there are many options to choose from,

Here’s 4:

Water Softeners:

How it works is simple: it deploys a simple process called ion exchange. This basically means reducing the concentration of calcium and magnesium to optimum levels thus making the water soft. The hardness ions, namely calcium and magnesium, are exchanged with salt ions (Sodium or potassium). Inside the purifier, water flows through small resin beads covered with salt ions, and it is here that the “trading” takes place. The result is soft water, free from the hardening minerals.

Water Filters:

Most of these use the Activated Carbon Filter which attracts and traps any chemical impurities present in water through a process called adsorption. It is effective in removing many common impurities such as chlorine, pesticides, fluorine, and microbes. Over time, these filters require replacement.

Water Ionizers:

Also known as “Alkaline ionizers”, work by filtering out common pollutants present in tap water, as earlier highlighted, and properly balancing its level of acidity while adding minerals to it. Ionized water has many benefits, including enhancing metabolism, neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals, slowing down the aging process, boosting your immune system to name but a few. As a bonus, your drinking water will taste much better!

Water Distillers:

These use vaporization as the means of separating water from impurities. During the process of distillation, water gets heated to a low boiling point, and it begins to vaporize. The heat of the water is maintained at this vaporization point to help only the water to evaporate leaving behind the calcium and magnesium. This vaporization process also separates the water from disease-causing micro-organisms.  The vapor goes through a condenser which allows the steam to cool down and revert to its liquid form, collecting it into a receiving container. This refined water will be free from all impurities and micro-organisms.

Check out this video highlighting the dangers of tap and bottled waters over distilled water.

Which Purifier is The Best For Me?

Now that there are many water purifiers available on the market, your choice should be guided by several factors.

First,

You need to establish the purpose to be served by the water, be it drinking, cooking, cleaning or laundry.

For instance,

If the need is only drinking water a stand-alone purifier may suffice whereas a large family that needs large volumes of water daily could opt for a faucet mount water filter.

Secondly,

What is the volume of water needed every day?

And third,

The degree of concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in your tap water: is it temporary hardness or permanent hardness.

Temporary hardness can easily be reversed by boiling the water.

On the other hand, permanent hardness requires more effort.

You can procure a simple measuring kit that will help you ascertain the level of hardness.

Location is a major factor to consider here, as most people who live near the coastline will almost always be victims of hard water.

Bottom-line

No doubt after reviewing this article, not only do you know how to remove calcium and magnesium from water…

But you know why you should do it!

Soft, purified water has innumerable benefits.

All the wrongs of hard water discussed at the onset will be righted by using soft water free from calcium and magnesium ions or other contaminants.

Using a water purifier will ultimately enhance the health of the entire family…

The lifespan of household appliances,

And…

Boost the longevity of the plumbing as well.

To be sure you get the best, efficient, and appropriate purifying device for your needs, check out these articles where we list the Best 5 Water Ionizers Under $1000 and What Is The Best Water Distiller.