How do I know if I have Hard Particles in my Water?

If there is white residue on plumbing fixtures, or if you use more soap than you should, you probably have hard water. See the EPA Office of Ground & Drinking Water-Local Water Report for information on whether you have hard water in your area. If you have a well or are located in a municipality not listed in this report, you may conduct a water test to confirm the amount of hardness in your water. You can contact a state-certified lab for testing, or you can test the water yourself with a water test kit. Scroll down on this page for more information on determining whether your water's problem is indeed hardness.

What Level of Hardness is Acceptable in my Water?
3 or fewer grains per gallon is considered slightly hard water, between 3 and 7 grains per gallon is considered medium hardness, between 7 and 10 grains per gallon is considered hard water, between 10 and 14 is considered very hard water, and anything over 14 grains per gallon is considered extremely hard water.

Notorious Geographic Areas for Hard Water Problems
The midwest (including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, and Ohio), and south central US (including Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, colorado), and Florida. Other areas with hard water include those in limetone areas that have well water systems.