Water Hardness testing

Water Hardness: Health Impacts, Diseases, and the Importance of Testing

Water is vital for survival, but not all water is ideal for human consumption. One key parameter in assessing water quality is water hardness. Hard water may appear clean, but its elevated mineral content can silently affect your skin, hair, internal organs, and even your home infrastructure.

What Is Water Hardness?

Water hardness refers to the concentration of divalent metallic cations, primarily calcium (Ca²?) and magnesium (Mg²?), dissolved in water. These ions enter water through natural geological processes, especially where water interacts with limestone, dolomite, gypsum, or other mineral-rich deposits.

Types of Hardness:

• Temporary Hardness – caused by bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium, removable by boiling.
• Permanent Hardness – due to sulphates and chlorides, not removable by boiling, requiring softening processes.

Classification of Water Hardness

According to WHO and BIS (IS 10500:2012) standards:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) prescribes 200 mg/L as the acceptable limit, and 600 mg/L as the permissible limit in the absence of an alternative source.

 How Hard Water Affects Human Health

While hard water is not directly toxic, long-term exposure — especially with very high hardness levels — can contribute to several chronic and acute health issues.

1. Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

Hard water adds to calcium load, and over time, may increase the risk of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, especially in people with low fluid intake, poor hydration habits, or predisposition to kidney disease.

A study published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (2014) noted a higher prevalence of nephrolithiasis in populations exposed to water >300 mg/L hardness.

2. Skin Disorders

Bathing in hard water can worsen:

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – mineral ions interact with soaps, forming insoluble salts that irritate the skin.
• Dry, itchy skin – especially in children and elderly.
• Psoriasis – though not directly caused, hard water may exacerbate symptoms.

Hard water has been shown to reduce the skin's natural oil barrier, leading to increased dryness and susceptibility to allergens.

3. Hair and Scalp Issues

Prolonged washing in hard water may cause:

• Hair dullness, breakage, and frizz
• Scalp irritation, dandruff
• Blocked follicles, contributing to hair fall

Mineral buildup can also alter the pH of the scalp, affecting hair growth cycles.

4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

While calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients, excessive intake — particularly from untreated hard water — may cause:

• Constipation
• Bloating
• Hypercalcemia in people with compromised renal function

Infants and individuals with kidney dysfunction are especially vulnerable.

5. Cardiovascular Impact

Research provides mixed findings:

• Some studies suggest magnesium-rich water can be cardioprotective.
• Others warn that excessive calcium intake (especially from inorganic sources like water) may contribute to vascular calcification.

The WHO notes that water with moderate hardness may be beneficial, but excessive levels (>400 mg/L CaCO?) may be problematic.

6. Microbial Risks in Plumbing

Hard water causes scale deposits inside water heaters and pipelines. These deposits can harbour:

• Legionella pneumophila – causing Legionnaires' disease (a serious respiratory illness)
• Biofilms – supporting growth of pathogens in storage tanks

Non-Health Effects (But Still Important)

• Scaling in geysers, RO membranes, washing machines
• Soap wastage (hard water reduces lather)
• Shortened lifespan of appliances
• Discoloration of clothes and dishes

Why Testing Is Important?

Hardness cannot be identified by taste, colour, or odour. Testing is essential to:

• Know your exact mineral load
• Compare it with WHO/BIS standards
• Choose suitable treatment systems (RO, softeners, conditioners)

 Get Accurate Insights with Water Hardness Pro by Virat Global Lab

To truly understand the impact of your water on health and household, it’s essential to start with data. “Water Hardness Pro” by Virat Global Lab offers comprehensive laboratory testing for:

• Calcium and magnesium concentrations
• Total hardness in mg/L as CaCO?
• Recommendations for treatment, filtration, or softening

Whether you use borewell water, municipal supply, or tanker, testing ensures safe consumption, longer appliance life, and peace of mind.

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