Hard and soft water
The water in some parts of the country is soft, while the water in other parts of the country is hard.
Hard water contains dissolved magnesium Electrically charged particle, formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron/electrons. (Mg2+) and calcium ions (Ca2+), which can get into the water when it comes into contact with limestone and other rocks that contain calcium A substance formed by the chemical union of two or more elements.. This can happen, for example, when rainwater flows over rocks on its way to a reservoir.
Temporary hardness
Temporary hardness is removed by boiling the water. The boiling of temporary hard water forms a layer of A hard solid residue formed when hard water is heated or boiled.. This may coat the heating element in kettles and irons, for example, making them less efficient. Limescale is unsightly and it clogs up hot water pipes and boilers.
[Higher tier only]
Temporary hardness is caused by dissolved calcium hydrogencarbonate, Ca(HCO3)2.
Rainwater is naturally Having a pH lower than 7. because it contains dissolved carbon dioxide from the air. It reacts with calcium carbonate in rocks to form calcium hydrogencarbonate (which is soluble):
calcium carbonate + water + carbon dioxide 鈫 calcium hydrogencarbonate
CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) 鈫 Ca(HCO3)2(aq)
When temporary hard water is boiled, the soluble calcium hydrogencarbonate decomposes (breaks down) to form calcium carbonate (which is insoluble), water and carbon dioxide:
calcium hydrogencarbonate 鈫 calcium carbonate + water + carbon dioxide
Ca(HCO3)2(aq) 鈫 CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
The insoluble calcium carbonate forms the limescale.
Permanent hardness
Permanent hardness is caused by dissolved calcium sulfate (CaSO4), which does not decompose (break down) when heated.
Therefore, unlike temporary hardness, permanent hardness is not removed by boiling the water.
Advantages and disadvantages of hard water
Advantages
- Some people prefer the flavour.
- Calcium strengthens children鈥檚 teeth and bones.
- Helps to reduce heart disease.
- Some brewers and bakers prefer hard water.
Disdvantages
- Difficult to form a lather with soap.
- Scum forms and wastes soap.
- Limescale forms within appliances such as kettles, washing machines and dishwashers 鈥 this slows down heat transfer, making them less efficient.
- Hot water pipes 鈥榝ur up鈥 and can become completely blocked.