Yes, Oxford water is hard. The water hardness in Oxford, like many areas in the South and East of England, exceeds 200mg of calcium carbonate per litre.
Understanding Water Hardness
Water hardness refers to the concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, dissolved in water. The higher the mineral content, the harder the water.
Why is Oxford's water hard?
- The South and East of England, including Oxford, are underlain by chalk and limestone bedrock.
- Water passing through these rocks dissolves minerals like calcium carbonate.
- This process results in higher mineral concentrations, leading to hard water. According to information from 09-Feb-2020, the South and East of England have the hardest water in the country.
Effects of Hard Water
Hard water can have several effects:
- Scale buildup: Minerals can precipitate and form scale in pipes, water heaters, and appliances.
- Reduced soap efficiency: Hard water interferes with soap's ability to lather, requiring more soap for cleaning.
- Dry skin and hair: Some people find that hard water dries out their skin and hair.
Managing Hard Water
While hard water is generally safe to drink, some may prefer to mitigate its effects. Options include:
- Water softeners: These devices remove calcium and magnesium ions from water through ion exchange.
- Water filters: Some filters can reduce mineral content.
- Using more soap/detergent: Compensate for reduced lathering by using more product.
