kovuusasteita

Kovuusasteita refers to the hardness of water, a common measurement in water quality. It quantifies the concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, in water. Water is naturally softened as it percolates through underground rock formations, dissolving these minerals. The more minerals present, the harder the water.

Hardness is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It can also be expressed in degrees of hardness, such as grains per gallon (GPG) or German degrees of hardness (°dH). A general classification categorizes water as soft if it contains less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate, moderately hard between 60-120 mg/L, hard between 120-180 mg/L, and very hard above 180 mg/L.

The presence of hard water can have several practical implications. It can lead to the buildup of scale in pipes, appliances like water heaters and kettles, and on dishes and fixtures. This scale can reduce the efficiency of appliances and require more frequent cleaning. In laundry, hard water can reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, requiring more product to achieve the same cleaning results, and can leave clothes feeling stiff. In contrast, soft water is often preferred for bathing and drinking due to its lathering properties and absence of mineral deposits. However, some individuals prefer the taste of slightly harder water. Water softening systems are available to reduce the mineral content of hard water.