Hard water is more common than we may think.
According to the United States Geological Survey, over 85% of the country experiences hard water.
If your home has hard water, you’ll no doubt be familiar with its downsides, especially the ones related to health.
Hello, the very obvious: Dull hair and dry skin!
But did you know the health effects of hard water can sometimes go beyond the very obvious?
As in, real serious?
Read below to find out four (serious) health effects of hard water you may not know…
Please note: These adverse health effects are usually caused by VERY hard water. Contact a water testing service to get a water analysis for your tap water.
Kidney stones
We’ve all heard about kidney stones.
Much has been documented and verified about how kidney stones develop.
However, not enough has been said (and is talked about) in the context of how hard water can increase the risks of recurrence of kidney stones in an individual.
Scientific literature suggests drinking hard water can significantly influence the recurrence of renal calcium stones in an individual.
Cardiovascular disease
Various studies have found that drinking hard water can worsen certain cardiovascular health conditions.
This can be attributed to the combined action of magnesium and calcium ions (found in excess in hard water) on the heart muscles.
Do you have a cardiovascular disease?
Eczema
Eczema is defined as an inflammatory, non-contagious skin disorder, characterized by the development of rashes.
Many environmental factors play a part in the etiology of the condition, but the specific causes are still unknown.
People suffering from eczema are strongly advised to avoid hard water.
This is because hard water makes the skin dry and dryness in turn makes eczema worse. In some cases, it may even trigger an infection.
Reproductive failure
Hard water can have detrimental effects on reproductive health of men. There have been reports showing high occurrence of reproductive failure in hard water regions.
What’s the link between hard water and infertility, you ask?
Clinical researches attribute the oxidative action of calcium as a reason for the observed reproductive failures.
Is your home supplied with hard water?
Unsure?
Call us for a free water analysis; our Racine county water treatment experts will be happy to serve you.
A BONUS read: Lead in Water: Is Your Tap Water Drinkable?
