Do water purifiers work on hard water?

One of the most commonly asked questions about water purifiers is “Do water purifiers work on hard water?” But before we answer this, let’s first understand what hard water is. Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Unlike “regular” water, which may have some minerals, hard water’s high mineral content can cause a number of problems, like soap scum buildup, dry skin and hair, and even reduced appliance efficiency. 

Due to these drawbacks, treating hard water can be necessary. So, to answer the burning question, in this guide, we’ll explain whether water purifiers work on hard water and how they can impact the water quality.

Do water purifiers work on hard water?

Yes, water purifiers work on hard water but the effectiveness and longevity depend on the type and quality of the purifier.

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Hard water usually contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause scaling, reduce the efficiency of water purifiers as well as dry and rough skin. Unlike the beneficial mineral supplements, these minerals are present as tiny, indigestible rock particles that make the water hard, usually because the water comes from underground.

The best way to soften hard water is with a water softener. These devices use an ion-exchange process that swaps out the hardness minerals for sodium or potassium ions, giving you softer water. Furthermore, water softeners also get rid of excess calcium and magnesium, which cuts down on water hardness and helps keep your appliances in good shape. Apart from water softeners, some commonly used technologies to purify water include:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO):

RO systems are generally the most effective for hard water as they use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of impurities, including hardness-causing minerals.

While highly effective, RO systems can also remove beneficial minerals from the water. Some people prefer to remineralize the water after RO filtration for improved taste and mineral content.

2. Ultraviolet (UV) filtration:

UV light kills bacteria and other microorganisms but doesn’t remove hardness minerals.

3. Ultrafiltration (UF):

UF filters remove larger particles like parasites and bacteria but don’t target hardness minerals.

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To find the best system for your needs, start by checking the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in your water supply using a TDS meter. TDS is a general indicator of water quality, with higher TDS suggesting more dissolved minerals, including those causing hardness. Based on the TDS readings, you can then choose the appropriate water purifier. 

If the TDS level is above 500 ppm, an RO purifier is necessary. If it’s below 200 ppm, a UV or UF filter may be more appropriate. For TDS levels above 1000 ppm, consider a water purification system that combines both RO and UV/UF technologies.