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Water is considered "hard" when it
contains a high level of dissolved minerals. In the Las Vegas Valley,
the two nontoxic minerals that cause our hard water are calcium
and magnesium. They're carried into Lake Mead from the mineral-dense
Colorado River and do not pose a health risk.
The hardness of Las Vegas Valley Water District water is about 275 parts per million (ppm) or 16 grains per gallon, categorized
as "very hard."
Source of our hard water
The water in Lake Mead, which represents about 90 percent of our
water supply, begins as snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains. As it makes
its way to the Colorado River channel, it dissolves minerals such
as calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock. While these
minerals pose no health risk, the residue can be a nuisance.
Effects of hard water
Hard water can make it difficult to produce a lather (or suds) while
washing. It also can leave a chalky build-up on fixtures and spots
on glassware. These effects are solely aesthetic—they don't
affect your health—and can be remedied with packaged water
softening products and household
water softening systems.
Water Softeners
Household systems reduce the hardness of the water by replacing
calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium, depending on the
type of softener. Installation of a water softener, however, is
strictly an issue of personal preference and should be done only
out of aesthetic concerns, not because of fears about water quality.
Advantages of water softeners include improved "feel"
on skin when bathing, longer life of appliances and reduction of
water spots and deposits. Disadvantages include potential health
risks from sodium intake, harm to houseplants due to elevated salt
content and overload or reduced effectiveness of septic systems.
Alternatives
There are several alternatives to reduce problems associated with
hard water. They include laundry detergents that include water-softening
agents, dishwasher rinse aids, bath salts and lime- or mineral-dissolving
household cleaners.
Deposits on fixtures and countertops can be prevented
by wiping surfaces dry. Mineral residue on surfaces only occurs
when water is allowed to evaporate.
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