Soft water is the most common form of water in Australia.
Melbourne has low water hardness and TDS compared to other Australian cities, which means that cleaning agents perform better.
Look for Suds and Water Clarity
If your container has a good amount of suds at the top, and the water underneath the bubbles becomes nice and clear, then you likely have soft water. However, if you don't get many suds after shaking, and your water looks cloudy, that is a good indication you have hard water.
The Australian drinking Water Guidelines define elevated hardness as 200 milligrams of calcium and magnesium salts per litre of water. Ongoing tests confirm that the water we supply to customers meets all health guidelines and is safe to drink.
Use methods to soften hard water
Boiling water can remove large mineral deposits. Some people use water filters on their shower heads or taps.
Using a water softener is the easiest way to convert hard water into soft water. Here are some of the benefits of using a water softener: Hard water leaves white spots behind. But, using the water treated with a water softener can rinse the residue of soap keeping the dishes clean and no white spots left on them.
Hard water can cause long-term damage to your hair's natural growth. This damage is especially likely if you have eczema or psoriasis, as you are more susceptible to hair loss, preventing a healthy growth process for your hair.
Drinking hard water versus soft water is not a health hazard. In fact, the National Institutes of Health have found positive health benefits for drinking hard water, as calcium and magnesium play important roles in improved heart function, digestion, blood sugar regulation, even cancer-fighting.
Boiling water is certainly one of the most effective ways to soften it. The boiling will have the effect of draining the hard water minerals to the bottom, like calcium and magnesium.
“Soft water can actually make your hair greasy and flat,” Lee says. “The soft water will make your hair hold on to your products which can also cause buildup.” This can be particularly difficult for people with fine or oil-prone hair.
Reason 1: most of our water comes from protected catchments
Melbourne is one of only two cities in the world with drinking water that primarily comes from protected catchments, where water only needs to be disinfected. These native forests up in the Yarra Ranges act as sort of a natural filter.
Soft water is the most common form of water in Australia. Unlike hard water, soft water is free of harsh minerals that can damage your home and your body.
Frequently asked questions about tap water in Australia
Yes, tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink.
The reason your water feels slippery is that you're no longer feeling those rocky minerals when you're showering. Calcium and magnesium combine with your soap to create a soap scum residue. This residue sticks to your skin and clogs your pores, making it feel dry and itchy.
Can hard water cause acne? Fact: Natural oils react to the minerals found in hard water, ultimately converting from pliable to a hard, waxy substance that clogs pores. Over time, the buildup of wax in the pores can lead to breakouts and increased acne.
Your skin can also be affected by your water's mineral content — especially your hands, because you wash them most frequently. The most common effect of hard water on your skin is dryness. Much like with your hair, hard water makes it difficult to rinse away soap, leaving your skin dry and potentially irritated.
The simplest method of softening hard water is by boiling it. When you boil water, the salts precipitate leaving clean, soft water. Put some water in a pot and leave it boiling for at least five minutes for the best results. After the water has boiled sufficiently, turn the heat off.
Over time, topical exposure to hard water can also dry out your hair and harm your skin barrier. In fact, living in an area with hard water is associated with an increased risk of eczema, according to a study from researchers in London.