Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
calcium carbonate
milligrams per liter
0-50
51-120
121-180
181-250
Figure 3
Occurrence of hard water in the continental United States. On this map,
water hardness is indicated by the amount of calcium carbonate
in milligrams per liter.
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Hard water is generally considered to be undesirable because of the
buildup that it can cause in pipes, sinks, showers, and bathtubs and
because it causes soap not to lather as well. However, the minerals that
occur naturally in groundwater have many health benefits. Our bodies
require certain minerals in order to work properly, and many of those occur
naturally in the water that we drink. Minerals often work as cofactors that
help enzymes to work and they are important in many other regular cell
processes. Not only do minerals have health benefits, but they also give
water a desirable taste. Many bottled water companies add minerals back
to water in order to replenish the “natural” taste.
Want to Know More?
See appendix for Our Findings.
