Can You Drink Hard Water?

Drinking hard water does not pose a risk to your health. Lime is made up of the minerals calcium and magnesium. Both are important for our bodies. So drinking hard water is not harmful or unhealthy. Conversely, one could even say that drinking hard water is rather healthy. Because it supplies our body with calcium and magnesium. However, many people don’t like the taste of calcified water – and you can get the necessary minerals just as well from fruit and vegetables, whole grain products or yogurt, for example. Lime-rich water is characterized by a comparatively strong taste of its own. You can also taste this when you prepare hot drinks such as coffee or tea with hard water. So if the tap water in your area is very hard, you might want to filter it before drinking for the sake of enjoyment. Or you go straight to mineral water.

Even if you don’t have to worry about your health: Limescale in water is harmful to many household appliances. White deposits of lime on the heating element in the kettle, in your coffee machine, or in the washing machine are visually unattractive – and above all increase the energy consumption of the devices. Water softeners are recommended here. Alternatively, clean the affected devices regularly with vinegar.

Is hard water unhealthy for skin and hair?

Even if you can drink hard water without hesitation, this high concentration of lime can have a negative effect on your skin and hair. The minerals can dry out your hair and make it dull. In addition, shampoo and shower gel do not foam as well with hard water, which can increase soap consumption under certain circumstances. The reason: the calcium and magnesium ions combine chemically with the cleaning agents in the shower gel or shampoo and neutralize them. Hard water is often an additional burden for people with sensitive skin. Calcium can intensify skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or eczema. Even in people without skin problems, it can sometimes lead to itching and dry skin. Here, a special shower filter helps to soften the water.