Water Hardness Testing

Water Hardness Testing

What is Hard Water and How Do You Test Water Hardness?

Hard water is common in the Netherlands. Dutch tap water typically contains relatively high levels of magnesium and calcium, along with other natural minerals and metals. While hard water doesn't pose a health risk, it can lead to excessive limescale buildup in your water pipes, boilers, hot water heating systems, and other water-using appliances. Besides limescale buildup, hard water also means laundry and dishes don't clean as effectively as soft water. Hard water, loaded with minerals, means you need much more soap or shampoo to create the same lather for a normal wash, shampoo, or dishwashing session.

There are several ways to test water hardness. The most accurate test is performed by an independent laboratory using a sample you provide. Such a comprehensive water test can be expensive, and it will take some time to get the results back.

For quick and cheaper, albeit less precise, results, try one of the methods below to get a rough estimate of your water hardness.

Ask your local water company for information

Below, we provide an alphabetical overview of all water companies in the Netherlands. By clicking on the name of your local water company, you can find out how hard your water is. Handy, right? But be careful: having soft or fairly soft water doesn't necessarily mean you won't have limescale problems. Even if your water has a hardness of 7dH or lower, you may still eventually experience limescale buildup.

Brabant Water

Dunea

Evides

Oases

PWN

Vitens

Waternet (Amstel, Gooi, Vecht, Amsterdam Water Board)

WML Limburg drinking water

A TDS meter

A TDS meter, also known as a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter, is a handy device that measures the amount of dissolved solids in water, expressed in parts per million (PPM). These meters are available for around ten euros or less on Bol.com, etc. These dissolved solids can include various minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and other salts, which are responsible for water hardness. By measuring the ppm (ppm), a TDS meter can give you an indication of water hardness. The higher the ppm value, the more dissolved solids are present in the water and the harder it is. This makes a TDS meter a useful tool for monitoring the water quality in your home and identifying any hard water problems.

• Less than 50 PPM: Very soft water
• 50 - 100 PPM: Soft water
• 100 - 150 PPM: Moderately soft water
• 150 - 200 PPM: Moderately hard water
• 200 - 300 PPM: Hard water
• More than 300 PPM: Very hard water

Please note that these values ​​are indicative and may vary depending on the source used and local conditions. For accurate measurements and advice on water treatment, it is always best to have a professional analysis performed.

Soap Test

Supplies:

• Transparent bottle with cap
• Liquid dishwashing detergent

1. Prepare the bottle: Find a clean glass or plastic bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Fill the bottle about 1/3 full with tap water (should be about 250 ml).

2. Add dish soap: Add 10 drops of liquid dish soap; use pure liquid soap, not detergent, and shake well for at least 10 seconds. Set the bottle down and observe the results.

Determining Results: If the soap solution foams quickly, produces a lot of suds, and the water beneath the suds is relatively clear, you probably have at least reasonably soft water.

However, if the solution doesn't foam properly, produces only a shallow layer of foam, and the water beneath the foam is cloudy, you likely have hard water.

DIY Test Kit

Home water quality test kits are sold at hardware stores and DIY stores, and through many online retailers. Aquarium stores also carry them. Look for a kit made by a reputable water test manufacturer and make sure the kit tests for hardness.

One of the simplest tests to perform is a wet-strip test, similar to a pool or spa water test. You fill a container with tap water, immerse the paper test strip in the water, and compare the resulting color of the strip to the kit's color chart. The instructions will tell you how hard your water is based on the result.

Hard water in everyday life

Hard water doesn't pose a health risk. It can, however, cause discomfort and damage household appliances. Fortunately, solutions are available. The most obvious, though sometimes quite expensive, solution is installing a whole-house water softener. This is usually installed just after the main water line that enters your home and uses special salts to counteract calcium and magnesium.

If you'd rather not use a whole-house water softener, you can also take a cheaper route and use vinegar. It's an effective limescale remover and can be used to remove limescale from surfaces, faucets, and shower walls, as well as to descale showerheads. You can also run it through your coffee maker to descale it, and even add 1/2 to 1 cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle to lower the water's pH, making the minerals more soluble and keeping your clothes free of mineral deposits.