Is the Water in Florida Hard or Soft?
If you spend time in Florida and notice that the water has a distinctive taste, you may be drinking hard water. This type of water has a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium, and it’s different from “soft water,” which has a higher concentration of minerals. Hard water can dry out your skin, make soap work less well, and cause mineral deposits to build up in your plumbing, so many people invest in water treatment equipment to mitigate its effects. Knowing more about the water quality in your area can help you decide if treating your water at home is a smart move.
Florida Water Quality
Florida’s water quality can vary from hard to very hard, depending on your location. The karst landscape hosts a tunneled, porous limestone layer known as the Floridan Aquifer System that lies several feet below ground. The cavities of this reservoir hold countless gallons of fresh water that collects minerals from the surrounding rock as it flows, making the water hard. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that most of Florida’s ground contains up to 180 milligrams of hard minerals per liter. This accounts for the higher-than-average concentration of calcium in the water and its high mineral content overall.
Water Hardness in Florida by Location
According to a USGS table of water hardness levels, the average water hardness in Florida is 216 parts per million (ppm) of mineral content. Water sourced directly from the Floridian aquifer tends to be very hard, often exceeding 180 ppm. Other parts of the state, including Florida’s northern region, may only have moderately hard water. Well water in northwestern and central Florida tends to have a mineral content under 180 ppm. If you visit Gainesville, Tallahassee, or Orlando, your water should be moderately hard, with a mineral content between 126 and 140 ppm.
Florida’s water tends to be harder along the coasts and in the southern part of the state. Tampa has measured hardness levels at 186 ppm, while Miami, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach have very measured hard to extremely hard water at 219 ppm, 260 ppm, and 317 ppm, respectively.
Effects of Hard Water on Plumbing, Machinery, and Appliances
Although the dissolved minerals in hard water are generally invisible to the naked eye, they can still have noticeable and damaging effects on plumbing, machinery, and appliances. Many residents, businesses, and municipal organizations find that they must continually fight scale buildup in their plumbing and mechanical systems. Left unchecked, these systems will break down more often and need more frequent repair and replacement, which can increase costs and waste.
In particular, the scale buildup from hard water can significantly shorten the lifespan of air conditioners, refrigerators, ice machines, and pool components. When hard water scale collects in pipes, it can slow down drains and cause leaks and corrosion. Learn the benefits of installing a water softener in your Florida home or property.
Effects of Hard Water on Your Body and Belongings
Many people find that hard water can cause their skin to feel dry and easily irritated. People who suffer from dermatitis, atopic eczema, and acne may be especially susceptible to its effects. Hard water can also be rough on the hair and scalp, leading to complaints of frizziness, breakage, split ends, and dandruff. It can make your clothes look dull, cause them to wear out faster, and leave spots on your glasses, dishes, and silverware.
Treating Hard Water in Florida
The first step to dealing with hard water in Florida is learning where your water comes from. The state government employs five regional authorities to control its water management districts, which are assigned to Northwest Florida, Southwest Florida, South Florida, the Suwannee River region, and the St. Johns River region. If you know your region, you can do research online or call your local authority to learn more about water hardness.
Municipal water treatment can affect its hardness levels, so if you want to discover how hard your water is at home, it’s a good idea to have your water supply tested. Water testing is fairly inexpensive, and the results can help you decide if you want to pursue treatment options. Many people use reverse osmosis systems, water filtration systems, or other types of water softeners, conditioners, and treatment systems to solve their hard water problems. Learn how often you have to add salt to your water softener.
Improve Your Water Quality with a Great Water Treatment System
To improve your water quality, install a system in place that is robust enough to reduce the concentration of minerals in your water for several years without breaking down. A professional plumber can guide you toward picking a treatment system that will serve your needs. With the right water treatment, you’ll have a ready supply of fresh, clean-tasting water that will go easy on your skin, hair, and household appliances and save you money over time.