What is Hard Water?
Water hardness is the most common problem found in the average home. Hard water is water that contains dissolved hardness minerals above 1 GPG.
Calcium, Magnesium, and Lime are the most common minerals to cause hard water.
Do I have hard water?
If you are connected to a municipal supply, call the water Superintendent, or City Hall. They can either provide the answer, or direct you to the proper individual. If you are on a private supply, you could contact your county extension agent: collect a sample in an approved container and send to the city or state health department for testing.
1. Dry Skin & Dull Hair
If your skin feels tight, itchy, or your hair seems dry and lifeless after a shower, hard water minerals could be to blame. The calcium and magnesium in Lubbock’s water leave behind a film that blocks moisture from being absorbed — leaving your skin dry and your hair looking dull or brittle.
Tip: Soft water helps your skin and hair stay hydrated and smooth by rinsing away cleanly without residue.
2. White Spots on Dishes, Faucets, and Shower Doors
Those cloudy spots and chalky build-ups on your glasses, silverware, and bathroom fixtures are signs of mineral deposits — also known as limescale. No matter how much you clean, the spots return because the minerals are coming from the water itself.
Did You Know? Hard water scale can even clog your showerheads and reduce water flow over time.
3. Soap and Detergent Don’t Lather Well
If you notice you’re using more soap, shampoo, or detergent to get the same clean, it’s probably due to hard water. The minerals in your water prevent soaps from foaming properly — meaning more waste and less cleaning power.
Fact: Soft water can cut soap and detergent use by up to 50%, saving you money every month.
4. Appliances and Plumbing Wear Out Early
Hard water doesn’t just affect what you can see — it’s also building up inside your pipes, water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. That buildup forces your appliances to work harder, use more energy, and fail sooner than they should.
Result: A water softener can extend the life of your appliances by several years and reduce costly repairs.
5. Strange Taste or Odor in Your Drinking Water
Does your tap water taste metallic, salty, or like chlorine? Poor-quality water often contains excess minerals or chemicals that affect flavor and smell. A reverse osmosis system removes those contaminants — giving you crisp, clean water straight from the tap.
Bonus: Many families find that once they install a reverse osmosis system, they stop buying bottled water entirely.