Water Hardness: Causes, Consequences and Solutions for Industry and Commerce

Hardly any water quality issue is as ever-present as water hardness – and hardly any other causes such persistent costs in industry and commerce through limescale buildup, corrosion and premature equipment wear.

How Does Water Hardness Occur?

Water hardness occurs when rainwater picks up calcium and magnesium ions as it seeps through soil and rock layers, primarily from limestone and dolomite rock. Depending on the region, the hardness of tap water can therefore vary considerably.

What Damage Does Hard Water Cause?

When hard water is heated, limescale precipitates out and builds up as scale in heating systems, boilers, coffee machines and other water-carrying equipment. The consequences: declining efficiency, rising energy consumption, more frequent maintenance and, in the worst case, costly equipment damage. Hard water also shows up visually – for example as limescale spots on freshly washed vehicles, cleaned windows or solar panels.

How Can Water Hardness Be Reduced?

Conventional ion-exchange-based softening systems exchange calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions, reducing hardness but not changing the water’s overall salt content. Reverse osmosis systems go a step further: they remove not only the hardness-forming ions, but practically all dissolved salts – the result is fully demineralized water that causes neither scale nor water spots.

The Right Solution for Your Application

Whether it’s heating water treatment, boiler feed water, window and vehicle cleaning, or industrial processes – which method is most economical depends on the required water quality and the specific application. We are happy to advise you on the right solution for your business.