Water hardness in Florida is a prime issue for residents. As per the USGS, Florida has water hardness above 180 ppm and this number doesn’t stop here. In some areas, it gets as high as 1,900 ppm. So, the level of Florida water hardness is relatively high which can create several problems for folks, ruining their water heaters, water pipes, coffee machines, dishwashers and boilers, etc. Let’s get into more detail.
What is hard water?
The neutralization of soap by water defines its quality as being “hard” which also causes irritating problems like your soap not having any effect on you. So, you may have to deal with hygiene issues and invest more in cleaning agents like cleansing soaps, shower gels, dishwashing liquid, and fabric detergents. But, where does this quality of hardness in water emerge from?
This is due to the minerals like calcium and magnesium which are found in large amounts in the ground and are absorbed by water. Hence, producing hardness in the groundwater which is then distributed via the Floridan aquifer throughout Florida. However, in Florida, substantial contents of calcium carbonate are found in water which wins it the title of a “Karstic” state that contains a considerable amount of natural limestone in the ground.
The categories of water hardness:
Different parts of Florida deal with different levels of water hardness. Though water is divided into categories like soft, moderately hard, hard, and very hard, water in Florida is considered from hard to very hard. Given how in some cities like Tallahassee, Orange Park, and Apopka the water ranges from 120 ppm to 180 ppm, making it hard and in some cities like West palm beach and Deltona, it’s way beyond 180 ppm making the water very hard.
Florida hard water map
What kind of problems does hard water create for people in Florida?
Even though hard water isn’t considered to cause any serious health issues, it still creates annoying problems for the people of Florida. For instance, from high soap consumption to skin irritation and dryness to dull hair to yellowing of laundry and corrosion of water heaters and water pipes, etc.; there are these little too big issues that may even cost folks a lot of money for fixing their home appliances and water pipes. Also, it may increase their energy bills.
What can you do to combat hard water in Florida?
Some people would rely on salt; however, it isn’t the best solution to soften the water. It rather increases the levels of sodium in the water, removing calcium which isn’t very healthy for consumption. There are various professional service providers who would install a high-quality water filtration system for your home and use other alternatives rather than traditional water softeners to enhance the water quality, making it light and easily drinkable. The development of water conditioners helps in purifying the water and combat scale buildup in pipes and other home appliances.
Getting professional help may work as a permanent solution to deal with water hardness, given you could get clean and healthy water right out of your faucets and won’t have to worry about expensive machines getting out of order; meanwhile you could use vinegar in your dishwasher to handle spotting and look for other home remedies to temporarily deal with each issue separately.
Final Thoughts:
We discussed the problem of water hardness in Florida. This article informed you what water hardness is and why water is hard in the state of Florida. We also gave you the solutions to manage this issue, if you are having trouble with hard water in your residence, contact us as we respond to every query we get from our readers.
