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Drinking hard water: what are the health risks?

Hard water is a subject that raises a lot of questions, particularly about its effects on the environment. potential health effects. Hard water, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesiumThis is often considered beneficial for the body. However, an excessive concentration of limescale in water can lead to short- and long-term inconvenience. This article explores how hard water can affect your health and your daily life, and suggests ways in which you can reduce your water consumption. practical solutions for treating hard water effectively.

Understanding limescale and its origins in water

What is limescale?

Limestone is mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate. It is naturally present in tap water and certain mineral waters.

The presence of limestone influences water hardnesswhich is measured in hydrotimetric titre (TH). Water is considered to be hard when its TH exceeds 15 °fH. Conversely, water below this threshold is classified as sweet. The higher the calcium content of water, the more it encourages scale build-up in pipes and household appliances. What's more, excessively hard water can cause skin irritation and drynessespecially for people with sensitive skin.

Why does water become laden with limescale?

Water naturally takes on limescale as it passes through mineral-rich soilssuch as those composed of calcium and magnesium. Its hardness therefore varies according to the geological composition of the terrain it passes through.

Fresh water When water flows through sandy or granite soils, it contains less limestone.
Hard water The water flows over chalky or calcareous soils and becomes heavily laden with minerals.

Once the water has been extracted from its natural environment, it is conveyed to a treatment plantwhere she is purified and controlled before it is distributed. In France, drinking water is one of the most important the most strictly regulated foodswith more than 60 quality criteria analysed to guarantee its safety (Source : CIEAU).

Regions most affected by hard water

Water hardness varies considerably from one region to another, depending on the nature of the soil through which it flows. In France, some areas have particularly hard water, while others have softer water.

Where do you find the hardest water in France?

The regions with the hardest water are mainly those with soils rich in limestone and chalk :

Hauts-de-France The water here is very chalky due to the chalky soils.
Île-de-France Hard water with a TH often higher than 30 °fH.
Great East Region heavily affected by the presence of limescale in the water.
Centre-Val de Loire and Burgundy-Franche-Comté Chalky soils resulting in very hard water.

📌 Good to know You can consult the TH (hydrotimetric titre) of your water on the website of your local water supplier or on the ARS quality reports (Source : CIEAU).

Regions with softer water

Conversely, some areas have naturally softer water, due to the granitic or sandy nature of their soils:

Brittany Low limestone content thanks to granite soils.
Massif Central and Alps : Softer water overall.
Corsica A naturally low mineral content water.

📌 Why is this important? Knowing the hardness of your water allows you to adapt your daily use, particularly in terms of skin care, appliance protection and water filtration.

The impact of limestone on human health

Effects on the skin and hair

Water rich in limescale can have a direct impact on the skin and hair. In fact, limescale leaves mineral residues which alter the natural balance of the epidermis and scalp.

Dry, irritated skin Hard water prevents the skin from retaining its natural moisture, leading to skin irritations. tightness, redness and itching.
Worsening dermatological problems : People prone to eczema or psoriasis symptoms can be intensified by hard water.
Dull, brittle hair Limescale weakens the capillary fibre, making the hair more fragile. dry, rough and difficult to style.
📌 Solution: Install a filtration system or water softener to reduce the concentration of limescale and improve skin comfort (See solutions).

Effects on the digestive system

Drinking hard water is not harmful to healthBut it can cause discomfort for some sensitive people.

Mild digestive disorders High mineral content can cause bloating or gastric discomfort.
Altered taste Limescale can give your water an unpleasant taste. slightly chalkywhich can influence daily consumption.

📌 Good to know: The UV-A water purifiers eliminate chlorine and improve the taste of water without altering its essential minerals (Find out more).

Impact on the kidneys and urinary system

Contrary to popular belief, hard water does not encourage the formation of kidney stonesUnless you have a particular predisposition. On the other hand, excessive consumption of hard water can increase renal load and may need to be adapted for certain people with kidney disease.

📌 Medical advice : If you suffer from kidney problemsit is recommended to consult a health professional to adapt your water consumption to your condition.

Limescale and household appliances: a problematic duo

The impact of limescale on household equipment

Hard water doesn't just affect your skin and your health, it can also cause serious health problems. serious damage to household appliances by encouraging the build-up of tartar.

Blocked pipes Limescale: Limescale forms deposits that reduce the flow of water and can clog pipes in the long term.
Damage to electrical resistors Water heaters, kettles and washing machines are particularly hard hit, leading to an increase in the number of water boilers. loss of efficiency and excessive energy consumption.
Reducing the lifespan of equipment Excessive limescale can cause premature failure of equipment that comes into contact with water.

📌 Good to know An accumulation of only 1 mm of tartar on an electrical resistor can increase energy consumption by 10 %.

How can I protect my equipment against limescale?

There are several ways to avoid these problems:

Water softeners These devices eliminate the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for water hardness.
Regular maintenance Using white vinegar to clean appliances reduces limescale deposits and extends their life.
Citric acid can be used to treat household appliances and surfaces in a way that is neutral to joints, which is not the case with white vinegar. It is also capable of eliminating rust, making it an excellent ally, without the odour nuisance of vinegar.

📌 Investing in an anti-scale solution not only protects your equipment, but also saves you energy and maintenance costs in the long term.

Ecological perspectives and alternatives

In the search for environmentally-friendly water treatment solutions, water softeners represent a step forward in reducing the effects of limescale and protecting your domestic installations. However, although effective, these devices have a significant environmental impact. The ion exchange resins used generate salty wastewater when they are cleaned, which can pollute groundwater and harm aquatic ecosystems. What's more, they require a lot of water to operate, contributing to the over-consumption of resources.

Fortunately, there are more environmentally-friendly alternatives: LAVIE salt-free water softeners are a wise choice, offering sustainably softened water, while reducing ecological impact and preserving natural resources.

FAQ on hard water and its effects

What are the effects of limescale on health?

In itself, hard water is generally not harmful to health. It contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial to the body. However, in the case of specific pathologies, excessive consumption may cause digestive problems in some sensitive individuals.

Does hard water cause kidney stones?

No, hard water is not directly responsible for the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are generally caused by factors such as dehydration, a diet high in salt or animal proteins, but not specifically by the presence of limescale in the water.

What level of water hardness is good for my health?

A minimum calcium and magnesium content of around 200mg/l is good for your health. Although hard water contains limescale, this is not harmful to the body. On the contrary, the calcium it contains is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Is softened water safe to drink?

Softened water can be drunk, but this is not generally recommended for regular consumption. Water softening replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium (salt), which can increase sodium intake. Excess sodium can be problematic for people with cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure or kidney disease. What's more, a lack of calcium and magnesium can, in the long term, lead to deficiencies that are dangerous to health.

Conclusion: Should you be afraid of limescale in your water?

Basically, drinking hard water poses no health risk and can even have a beneficial effect thanks to the minerals it contains. However, limescale can lead to deposits on heating elements, pipes and in household appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. To manage hard water effectively and in an environmentally-friendly way, it is advisable to opt for anti-limescale systems, such as salt-free water softeners.

Article written on 15/02/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.