Total Hardness

Water hardness is mainly caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium. It is normally expressed as mg/L of calcium carbonate equivalent. Scale formation and excessive soap consumption are the main concerns with hardness. When heated, hard water has a tendency to form scale deposits.

Water softeners are often used to reduce water hardness. However, water softening introduces high quantities of sodium into drinking water, therefore it is recommended that a separate unsoftened supply be used for drinking and cooking.

The aesthetic objective is set at a maximum of 800 mg/L.