Wasserhärten

Wasserhärten, also known as water hardness or water mineralization, is a measure of the concentration of minerals in water, particularly calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are typically added to water through the presence of calcium and magnesium compounds, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium sulfate.

Soft water, with low levels of these minerals, tends to be more soluble and has a lower viscosity, making it more easily absorbed by the human body. However, water with very low mineral content can also be prone to causing scaling, corrosion, and other problems in pipes and household appliances.

Medium to high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, on the other hand, indicate hard water. Hard water is often associated with certain geographical areas where the underlying rock structure is rich in limestone, dolomite, or other minerals that leach into the water supply. Hard water is generally considered less desirable, as its high mineral content can lead to a range of negative effects, including:

* Reduced soap and detergent effectiveness

* Increased energy consumption through pipe scaling

* Increased maintenance requirements for household appliances

The hardness of water is typically measured in degrees (°dH), which is a standardized unit of measurement for the concentration of calcium carbonate in water. A degree of hardness represents one gram of calcium carbonate per 1,000 milliliters of water. The most common scale is: 0-4 °dH (soft water), 5-8 °dH (medium water), and 9 and above (hard water).

Wasserhärten can be treated through various methods, including water softeners, ion exchange systems, and chemical treatment. These solutions aim to remove or mitigate the negative effects of hard water by adjusting the mineral content to a suitable level.