The most likely reason your well water feels slimy is due to an increased sodium content.
While hardness is often associated with how water feels, in your case, the "slimy" sensation is more likely attributed to elevated sodium levels.
The Role of Sodium
Increased sodium alters the viscosity of the water, leading to that slippery feel. Although sodium doesn't contribute to water hardness, its presence significantly affects how the water feels on your skin.
What To Do
- Test your water: The first step is to get your well water tested. Look for labs that specifically test for sodium and other common well water contaminants. This will confirm if elevated sodium is the actual cause.
- Consider a water softener (if applicable): If your water is hard and has high sodium, a water softener might help. However, standard water softeners exchange calcium and magnesium ions (the cause of hardness) for sodium. This can increase the sodium content of your water.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: A Reverse Osmosis system can remove a significant amount of sodium from your water. These systems are installed at the point of use (e.g., under your kitchen sink).
- Water Conditioner designed for sodium reduction: These are less common than standard water softeners but are designed to reduce sodium levels without increasing them.
- Consult a Water Treatment Professional: A professional can assess your specific water chemistry and recommend the best solution tailored to your needs.
It's important to properly identify the contaminants in your well water before selecting a treatment method.
