Hard water is referred to as with a high mineral content whereas soft water is referred to as with low mineral content.
Instead of easily generating bubbles or foaming with soap, hard water generates an insoluble compound, whereas soft water can easily form lather with soap.
Here are some of the main differences between them to help you understand how both differ:
Hard Water Vs Soft Water:
What is Hard Water?
Water has high concentration of mineral ions is referred to as “hard water.”
The most frequent ions present in hard water are the mineral cations calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+).
Hard water is divided into two categories: temporary and permanent.
Hard water that is primarily composed of calcium (Ca2+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions is referred to as temporary hard water.
High quantities of anions such as the sulphate anion (SO42-) characterize as permanent hard water.
What is Soft Water?
It is defined as water that contains fewer ions (especially calcium) with higher sodium content.
Rainwater, glaciers, glaciers, lakes, lakes, rivers, and streams are examples of natural resources, but they can also be created by water treatment.
It is purified water in which cations and sodium exists and the flavor is salty.
What is the Difference between Hard Water and Soft Water?
The mineral content of calcium and magnesium determines the hardness or softness of water:
- Softwater contains fewer than 17 parts per million.
- Water that is slightly harder includes 17 to 60 parts per million.
- Medium-hard water has a hardness of 60 to 120 parts per million.
- Water hardness varies between 120 and 180 parts per million.
- Extremely hard water has a hardness of more than 180 parts per million.
Here are some of the main differences between them to help you understand how both differ:
| Hard water | Soft Water |
| Hard water is characterized as water that has a higher mineral concentration. | Water with small concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium is referred to as soft water. |
| It has no taste. | It is usually salty. |
| Minerals exist in hard water, which comprises magnesium and calcium. | Minerals are few in soft water mostly made up of sodium ions. |
| Hard water can have a negative impact on the skin and hair. | It has no negative impact on the skin or hair. |
| Hair and skin might become dry. | Hair and skin become softer. |
| It has a pH of 8.5. | It has a pH level of 6.5 or less. |
| This water is unable to form soap or foam. | Soap and foam are made using soft water. |
| When water travels through limestone, gypsum, and other rocks, hard water is generated. | It is created by flowing hard water through an ion-exchange resin. |
| After the utensils dry, stains appear on them. | No stains on dishes after drying. |
| Sometimes drinking water is recommended. | Drinking water is not always recommended. |
| Minerals such as magnesium and calcium are present. | Minerals such as sodium ions are present. |
| The hardness of is water 17 to 60 ppm. | The softness of water is less than 17 ppm. |
| Example: Groundwater like deep wells, Handpumps. | Example: Rainwater. |
Also read: Difference between Acid and Base
Conclusion:
As a result of the previous discussion, the difference between hard and soft water is explained, proper use of water can be very comfortable.
This requires accurate identification of your water type before any use.
For example, use softwater for household and cleaning purposes and reverse osmosis, deionization and distillation can be used to remove excess sodium salts in it.
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