Are You Knowledgeable about the Water You Drink?
Water is a vital element needed by all living things. Mother Nature gives it as a natural gift to nurture her children. As you can see, water can be found anywhere, whether on the earth's surface or within its soil.
Nowadays, we also have bottled water. There are different kinds of bottled water. These waters are made to be alkaline, contain minerals, have different flavors, and even be carbonated to give the effervescent taste of spring water. But little do we know that water is also classified as hard or soft.
Different Kinds of Water
Did you know that there are two types of water? Water is classified as hard water and soft water. Hard water has detectable amounts of naturally present minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.
Hard water, usually groundwater, is the preferred drinking water because it contains essential minerals that are beneficial to health and have a natural flavor. It is found in deep wells.
Soft water, on the other hand, is treated wherein the only compound left is sodium ion. Rainwater is naturally considered to be one of nature's soft waters. However, when rainwater falls to the ground and seeps its way through the water supply, it picks up minerals naturally found in the soil, such as calcium and magnesium.
Though hard water is the best drinking water because minerals are naturally present, it still isn't potable. Aside from the minerals found in hard water, it is also abundant with pathogens that can cause diseases.
Since hard water is rich in harmful pathogens, it is highly recommended that soft water be used as drinking water. Soft water is safe because it is treated with chemicals and microorganisms that cause certain illnesses.
Differentiating Water with the Naked Eye
Hard water and soft water can be easily distinguished. The advantage of hard water is it is rich in minerals. But then again, hard water gives you a lot of dilemmas. Giving you a few examples:
- Soap is less effective, and the lather is not that bubbly
- Hair feels sticky and looks dull
- Leaves residue and spots on the dishes
- Dingy looking for clothes after washing
- Soap scum and film on bathtubs
If consumed, hard water can be the cause of abdominal disturbances such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps due to the harmful pathogen it possesses
However, tasks can be easily performed when using soft water. The advantages of using soft water are:
- Soap lather is better and bubbly
- Cleans dishes without leaving any residue
- Glasses sparkles
- Hair becomes healthier
- Scum-free shower curtains and bathtubs
- Skin and clothing are softer
- Prolong machine life, such as dishwater, heater, and washing machine
- Potable enough to drink without pathogens and chemicals
Though soft water has many advantages, it also has a downside. It is not recommended for individuals with heart or circulatory problems or who are on a low-sodium diet.
Since soft water undergoes specific processes, minerals are removed, leaving only enriched sodium ions, which puts susceptible individuals at higher risk.
The solution to the Dilemma
Hard water is the best to drink due to its minerals and is safe from pathogens. Although soft water is the cleanest and most beneficial, it is still not advisable for individuals with certain ailments.
The good news is there is a way to combat these disadvantages. Different processes remove sodium from soft water and filter pathogens out of hard water.
With continually evolving technology, there is a solution to safe and potable drinking water. These processes are reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization.
Making Water Safe
Currently, there are different ways to ensure water is safe for drinking. One process is reverse osmosis, in which water is filtered under a set pressure, and a solution is added to remove particles and disease-causing microorganisms.
Water distillation purifies water by sequential evaporation and condensation. Condensation cools gas and turns it into water, similar to rainwater.
Deionization is also a process in which ion is removed from the water.
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