Generally speaking, Pensacola’s water is soft, meaning it has low concentrations of dissolved minerals, especially magnesium and calcium. This softness is great for a home’s plumbing, appliances and your hygiene products since it lessens the accumulation of minerals in pipes and makes detergents and soaps work better. Nevertheless, the hardness of water might differ from one house to another.
Why Is the Water in Pensacola Soft?
Aquifers, which are naturally occurring water storage locations beneath the surface of the earth, are the principal sources of water for Pensacola. There are fewer dissolved minerals because these aquifers naturally filter the water, especially the Sand-and-Gravel Aquifer. Thanks to this filtration method and other local water treatment practices, the majority of Pensacola’s water stays soft. This is much unlike water that comes from lakes or rivers that absorbs more minerals as it passes through rocks and soil.
Does the Rest of Florida Have Soft Water?
Pensacola has relatively soft water compared to the rest of the state, which has varying degrees of hardness. Because of their water sources, communities in southern and central Florida, such as Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, usually have harder water. Rivers and lakes, which supply water to many of these areas, wash away sediment and other minerals from the terrain they traverse. In addition, localities with a lot of limestone in their geology tend to have water with greater calcium and magnesium contents. People living in these regions typically use water softeners to make their water drinkable again.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Soft Water?
Pros
The most notable benefit of soft water is that it stops minerals from accumulating in pipes and appliances, which means they last longer and need less maintenance. It also improves the foaming action of soaps and detergents, which in turn makes cleaning easier. When washing clothes or dishes, this is especially evident because soft water eliminates the buildup of soap scum, resulting in cleaner and residue-free products. Soft water also helps keep skin from drying out and becoming irritated.
Cons
Having said that, soft water isn’t without its drawbacks. When used for bathing or showering, it often feels slippery or slimy. This happens because soft water does a poor job of rinsing off soap, leaving behind a sticky film. Soft water may also lead to some people’s hair feeling less voluminous after washing. Water that is too soft might not be the best choice for drinking because it lacks the minerals found in hard water and has a bland flavor. A filtration system that replenishes the water with useful minerals can help with this.
Do All Homes in Pensacola Have Soft Water?
Even though most Pensacola homes have soft water, there are a few things that can make a difference in how hard the water is at different residences. In older plumbing systems, mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, can alter the pressure that passes through them, leading to low water pressure. Regardless of how soft the water was at the source, the accumulation of minerals in the water supply might cause it to become harder when it reaches your tap, impacting how it tastes. If you flush your pipes regularly and use a water softener as needed, you can keep the mineral buildup to a minimum. You might also have hard water if you get your water from a well.
How to Test Water Hardness?
You can find water hardness test kits at most hardware stores and they are easy to use to determine how hard your water is. As a general rule, these sets contain test strips that, when immersed in water, change color to reveal the mineral concentration. Sending a water sample to a lab for analysis is another option for a more precise readout.
Is There a Way to Make Water Harder or Softer?
A number of options exist for modifying the water’s hardness or softness. Water softeners work by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium through ion exchange, making otherwise hard water more drinkable. Adding healthy minerals back into the water with a remineralization filter is an option for those who like harder water. Many individuals do this because their reverse osmosis systems remove too many minerals from the water, making it too soft for their tastes.
If you need help testing the hardness of the water in your Pensacola home, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We can also discuss the different water-softening options available in your area.