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Is My Water Hard or Soft?

Brockney C • Feb 23, 2018

Spot the Difference...

Hard water contains lime, calcium and magnesium and affects what is is used for Soft water only contains sodium and gives more clarity.

Water in its purest form is simply a combination of two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom and the chemical formula is H2O.

However, the water that we cook with, grow with and drink is not simply pure H2O. Because many substances will easily dissolve in water it will pick up many chemicals from the environment en route to us. This is not necessarily something that is done by the treatment works - if you look at the back of a bottle of spring water you will see that it naturally contains many different chemicals.

The chemical composition of our water has an effect on its properties in many ways and where you are in the country will affect the dynamics of your tap water.

In certain areas people may find a residue on the bathtub or on the dishes. This is due to the water absorbing minerals such as lime, calcium and magnesium from where it reaches the ground to where it leaves the tap. Water of this type is known as Hard Water.

Soft Water lacks these mineral components and just has a small component of sodium ions within it. The water will feel smoother when washing in it and will leave less residue on a sink.

As you can imagine, the content of the water can make a significant difference where plant growth is concerned because of the chemicals within it. A quick way to ascertain if you have hard or soft water is to look inside your kettle. If there is a buildup of limescale then you are in a hard water area. Conversely, if soap easily gives a good lather in your hands, you are in a soft water area.

So, when you see nutrients labeled as Hard or Soft (sometimes HW or SW) this is why - the nutrients have been designed to feed the plants according to the type of water they receive.

A definite way of checking the hardness or softness is with a pH meter. Hard water will be alkaline, with a pH higher than 6.5. Soft water is acidic with a pH of less that 6.5. Below is a map as a guide to the water type in different areas of England and Wales.

The hardness or softness of water in different parts of England or Wales. Some water is acidic and some is alkaline
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