Hard Water
Water containing dissolved calcium, magnesium and iron salts is known as "hard water." Hardness in water is objectionable primarily for two reasons.
The calcium, magnesium and iron salts react with soaps to form insoluble soaps that have no cleaning power, and they stick to fabrics to give a dingy appearance. They also make a ring in the bathtub. Excess soap has to be added to react with all of the calcium, magnesium and iron salts.
The second reason water hardness is objectionable is because hard water is responsible for the formation of boiler scale. At high temperatures the calcium, magnesium and iron form solid mineral matter coating the boiler or heater. Scale is a poor conductor of heat, and energy is wasted to heat the water. Click here to view testing parameters for water hardness depicted as Hardness as CaCO3 and CaCO3 (grains per gallon).
As is common with water in this region, Indianapolis water is considered hard due to the natural levels of the minerals calcium and magnesium. The water hardness, expressed as calcium carbonate, typically ranges from around 200 to 350 milligrams per liter or parts per million (ppm). This equates to 12 to 20 grains per gallon, the measure often referred to in determining water softener settings. Water hardness can vary depending on the hardness of the source water that is used to supply different treatment plants. More specific information about the water hardness typical at your address can be obtained by calling 317.631.1431.
