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Minerals in hard water can influence the taste of your household water, but is perfectly safe to drink!

However, it can leave residue or film on appliances, dishwashers, tubs, sinks, and glassware.

The average American uses 100 gallons of water a day.

On average, Americans spend about $100 per person each year on bottled water.

For larger households, the cost can easily add up to several hundred dollars each year. All the while, tap water that is even overly rich in mineral content (hard water) is perfectly safe to drink!

Hard water is generally high in mineral salts, especially calcium, and magnesium carbonates. The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

Due to local geology, mineral deposits build up in water as it travels through the soil. New Braunfels’ water ranges between 13.7 and 17.4 grains per gallon and is considered ‘very hard’ water.

WATER HARDNESS CLASSIFICATIONGRAINS PER GALLON (GPG)MILLIGRAMS PER LITER (MG/L)
Soft Water0 – 10 – 17.1
Slightly Hard Water1 – 3.517.1 – 60
Moderately Hard Water3.5 – 7.060 – 120
Hard Water7.0 – 10.5120 – 180
Very Hard Water> 10.5> 180
FAQ

Understanding the Effects of Hard Water

Since we know it’s safe to use hard water, no matter the circumstance, NBU has put together the following information to help customers understand the effects of water hardness. See other guidelines and resources online as well.

Watering Guidelines and Resources