Missoula’s water is unusually hard, according to several water hardness tests undertaken throughout the years.
Water hardness testing have always yielded results more than 8 grains per gallon (gpg). The amount of hardness in Missoula’s water is 10 grains per gallon (gpg).
A hardness level of 10 gpg in water should be more than enough to pique your interest.
Because very hard water has significant consequences for your home and your health. Please keep reading if you want to learn more.
Is the tap water in Billings, Montana, safe to drink?
The Environmental Working Group’s drinking water quality report includes information from the US EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database, as well as results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (ECHO). This water utility’s tap water met federal health-based drinking water criteria for the most recent quarter analyzed by the US EPA (January 2021 – March 2021).
Is the water in Helena, Montana, hard?
Helena has hard water, which varies in hardness according on location and season. Helena is primarily fed by Ten Mile Creek in the winter and spring. This is runoff water with a GPG of roughly 6 gallons per gallon. It is replenished with Missouri River water at roughly 15 GPG in the summer and fall.
Is the water at MSU hard?
Consumers are concerned about the color and flavor of MSU’s water, despite the fact that it is clean, safe, and periodically tested to ensure it fulfills state and federal water quality criteria. MSU’s well water contains high amounts of hardness and minerals by nature.
Is a water softener required at what hardness?
It is not necessary to soften your water. Softening is a personal choice that can have an impact on your house and the environment. If the hardness of your water exceeds 7 grains per gallon (120 mg/L), you may require a water softener to keep your appliances running smoothly and enhance the taste, fragrance, and appearance of your water.
Understand the hardness of your water
Learn about the hardness of your home’s water to see if you need a water softener. A test kit or an independent laboratory can be used to determine the hardness of your water. EnvironmentalLaboratory Accreditation Program can help you find laboratories. If you acquire your water from a public water system, you can ask them directly about the hardness of your water.
Is it true that soft water is preferable to hard water?
It is preferable to use soft water. Many people believe that soft water is better for your body and home since it does not leave a mineral deposit, like hard water does. However, neither sort of water provides a better or worse clean. Soft water, on the other hand, may leave a residue on your skin due to the lack of minerals, which makes skin feel slippery.
Rainwater is abrasive. Because it can’t transport as many minerals during evaporation, water that falls from the sky begins out soft. It does, however, collect up minerals as it runs through the ground.
Intake of minerals. Mineral supplements are generally beneficial to your health. However, in rare situations, they may be harmful to one’s health. Magnesium overdose can cause kidney problems and diarrhea, similar to a laxative effect.
Is soft water beneficial to your hair?
If your home has hard water, you may find that your hair seems filmy and straw-like. This is because extra minerals in the water react with shampoo to form a curd-like substance that adheres to your hair in the same way that soap scum adheres to the shower walls. Your first instinct may be to shampoo your hair more regularly to remove the soapy residue; nevertheless, the more often you shampoo your hair with hard water, the less moisture may penetrate the hair strands effectively. This causes your hair to become dry, coarse, and frizzy, as well as drying out your scalp and producing dandruff.
You may also notice that your hair is losing its color. Hard water minerals build on the hair shaft, causing colored hair to take on a brassy tone. Washing your clothes frequently can cause the color to fade faster.
The good news is that there are treatments to assist you tame your mane if you have hard water hair. Only one, however, gives a simple, long-term solution to your home’s hard water issue.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo every now and then is one approach to maintain it looking fantastic and behaving properly. Clarifying shampoo differs from regular shampoo in that it penetrates minerals in water and styling products, whereas regular shampoo only removes excess oil from your hair and scalp.
It’s crucial to remember that clarifying shampoos are designed to remove stubborn residue and mineral buildup from your hair, and they can be harsh on your hair if used too often. If you have hard water hair, you should use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month in your shower regimen.
Create Your Own Vinegar Rinse
A vinegar rinse is one do-it-yourself approach for preserving your hair from hard water. Because vinegar is acidic, it acts to remove scaly mineral buildup from your hair, such as magnesium and calcium.
Although distilled white vinegar will work, apple cider vinegar is preferred for this rinsing. Simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 3 cups of water to make a vinegar rinse. After shampooing, apply this mixture to the scalp and let it remain for a few minutes before rinsing. Apply this rinse once a week to keep your hair moisturized.
Rinse with Bottled or Filtered Water
Another alternative for protecting your hair from harsh water is to finish your shower with bottled or filtered water. While neither approach provides a long-term solution to hard water in the home, it might help your hair become less unruly due to mineral buildup.
Keeping bottles of water near your shower may seem annoying at first, but it can quickly add up to a significant cost. Using filtered water from a pitcher or jug is another more environmentally friendly option.
Protect Your Hair for Good with a Water Softener
There are temporary remedies for flat or oily hair caused by hard water, but installing a water softener is the way to go for long-term, consistent results.
Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium from the water supply in your home, leaving you with soft water and manageable hair. To obtain optimal results, soft water necessitates less soap and fewer rinses, implying that your hair will retain its color and condition for much longer. Soft water also balances the pH level of your hair, leaving you with silky smooth hair after each wash.
Additionally, soft water can aid in the reduction of topical ailments such as eczema flare-ups and dry skin.
If you’re tired of your hair being dull, lifeless, and unruly, don’t put off finding a permanent remedy any longer! For additional information on installing a water softener that’s perfect for you, contact a household water treatment professional near you.
- Products from the Impression Series and Sanitizer Plus
- Products for WaterCare
If you are concerned about the quality of your water or the possibility of pollution, you may have it tested at our Clean Water Testing lab to receive the answers you need.
What are the effects of hard water on your hair?
If you’ve ever washed your hands and then noticed a film on them, you’re dealing with hard water.
This is due to a mineral buildup in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium. This leaves a coating on the hair that prevents moisture from penetrating.
As a result, the hair becomes dry and breakable. If you don’t take care of these problems, you can lose your hair.
Fortunately, there are several things you can take to mitigate the negative consequences. Continue reading to learn more about these hair-saving methods.
Is the water in Billings, Montana, fluoridated?
A CITY OF BILLINGS RESOLUTION REQUIRING THE ADDITION OF FLUORIDE TO THE CITY’S WATER SYSTEM. WHEREAS, fluoride can be added to the city of Billings, Montana’s drinking water system as a measure to improve public health and welfare.