Hard water is common in Texas, but how it may affect your health isn’t always common knowledge. Water is a good solvent and easily picks up impurities. However, the best part about water is how easily it can be purified. If health issues related to hard water are coming up in your area, confirming the status of the your own water is important.
Hard Water Components
Hard water consists of deposits of calcium and magnesium which are picked up during nature’s cycle of evaporation, precipitation, and finally runoff among areas holding such minerals. These deposits are dissolved as water is transported underground by streams or other waterways, ultimately becoming mineral filled. Most hard water is safe to drink, but there are other health hazards associated with its use. In some cases hard water may contain larger amounts of minerals resulting in the following issues:
- Very dry skin
- Excessive dry scalp and dandruff
- Increased skin problems like eczema
- Dish soap and remaining residue on household dishes
- Bacteria build up inside water lines
Is Hard Water a Health Hazard?
Over time there has been extensive research determining the health benefits and risks of consuming hard water. Both calcium and magnesium are actually needed inside the body, and are thought to be beneficial when drinking. This would insinuate that drinking hard water is a healthy alternative. However, there are other minerals possibly present among water taps stretched throughout the U.S. which may be harmful. Not all minerals are considered good for the body, and remember water is an excellent solvent. A solvent is any liquid capable of dissolving other substances, in particular harmful metals. There are other minerals in the ground beside calcium and magnesium which may cause specific danger to one’s health.
Possible Harmful Minerals Found in Water
There is current research being conducted concerning some metals found in ground water which may present health issues. If suspicion arises that your water is resulting in health issues, a physician or professional should be contacted. It is possible the water is contaminated. Luckily, in most cases it may not be extreme and can be treated. Regardless, if there is a concern, treatment of some level or inspection of the water source should be thoroughly checked. Aluminum is the most abundant, and most likely to be picked up in all ground water flowing through the earth’s crust. The concern pertains to the human nervous system. There are other harmful metals found in water besides aluminum.
Harmful Metals
- Barium is a danger to heart and blood vessels.
- Arsenic can cause weight loss among other issues.
- Chromium can cause lung tumors.
- Large amounts of copper is harmful to infants and those with metabolic issues.
- Mercury is poisonous.
All water will have traces of several minerals, but proactive measures should be taken if your water suggests it is the problem. Many health issues go unchecked or simply ignored when the solution could be easily implemented. There are many water purification professionals available, and clean, good tasting, healthy water could be your next accomplishment.
