What is the unit of measurement called the th of water (TH)?

What is water th? In simple terms, it's an indicator of water mineralisation. So the more your water contains minerals, the harder it is. Hard water, soft water - these are words we hear all too often. But there are many implications of TH in water. What are they? First of all, TH raises the question of drinkability. Rest assuredtap water is drinkable in France. You can drink it without worry!

However, there is a tendency to hear rumours about the dangers of the limescale present in this water. So what does science have to say on the subject? Using the hydrotimetric titre, let's look together at the issues surrounding the presence of limescale in tap water, and how to interpret its presence.

What is the hydrotimetric titre (TH) of your water?

The hydrotimetric titre, also known as TH, indicates the concentration of magnesium and calcium salts in our water from the tap. On the face of it, there's nothing to be alarmed about, since mineral salts are excellent for your health. However, if you don't like the taste, you can always buy one of our Lavie purifiers ! Thanks to UV-A light emissions, our purifiers eliminate chlorine, tastes and odours in 15 minutes. Hydrate and enjoy fresh, chlorine-free water! However, one question remains: why are we so afraid of limescale? Let's take a look at why the TH of hard water scares us so much!

Why worry about the hardness of your water?

Is the TH of water, which tells us about the presence of limescale, a dangerous indicator? The answer can be summed up in one word: No. In fact, the limescale in our tap water does not represent a risk to human health. no danger for human health.

However, it can be quite aggressive on the epidermisIn the long term, limescale can cause breakdowns and force you to buy new appliances. Over the long term, the concentration of limescale can cause breakdowns and force you to buy new appliances. However, we offer water softeners salt-free to protect your appliances! Compatible with pipes, valves and taps, Lavie softeners do not affect the quantity of trace elements!

To sum up, the TH of the water must be taken into account to protect your appliances. As far as health is concerned, you can drink as much as you like! In both cases, it's always a good idea to have a softener. It will enable you to block the formation of limescale and so preserve your appliances, but also remove that distinctive taste that permeates your tongue when you drink tap water. The quality of water depends not only on its hardness, but also on how it is filtered. Certain methods help to preserve its natural benefits, such as thefiltered waterwhich improves its taste and purity.

What do French degrees (°f) measure in freshwater?

Water hardness, as we say in everyday language, refers to the presence of limescale in our water. To be more precise, it is measured by its concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, and is expressed in French degrees (°fH). Several methods, available in shops for the general public, can be used to measure it. And it varies greatly from region to region. Let's delve into the science of water hardness! If you'd like to find out more about TH and what it means, there's nothing like exploring these different units of measurement!

The different units for measuring water hardness

To protect your appliances from limescale, it's essential to analyse water hardness. As mentioned above, water hardness is measured in French degrees. 1 °fH corresponds to 10 mg/L of calcium carbonate. Soft water has a hardness of less than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, while hard water exceeds 30 degrees Fahrenheit. How do you measure this concentration?

Methods for measuring TH: tests and tools

For a rapid diagnosis, nothing beats these two tests.

Colorimetric tests Colorimetric tests are a simple method of measuring water hardness. By adding a chemical reagent to a water sample, they work by causing a change in colour according to the concentration of calcium and magnesium. Affordable, quick and easy to use, they're perfect for domestic use! However, take a step back from what they display, as they often lack precision.

Single reagent tests Included in the hardness kits, they can be found in shops. It's pretty much the same method! This type of test can be used to assess several water points and, above all, is easy to transport.

The impact of limescale on daily life

Let's now delve into the impact of TH on different aspects of our daily lives. In this section, we'll look at the following myths about limescale in waterand why they're absolutely wrong!

Effects of hard water on human health

A hard waterwater, which is generally harmless to human health, can provide a supply of mineral salts. Beware of very hard water, which can cause skin dryness and irritation, or aggravate certain conditions such as eczema.

Consequences of TH on household appliances

Hard water accelerates the formation of limescale in appliances such as washing machines, water heaters and dishwashers, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. It also increases energy consumption, as appliances have to work harder to compensate for the build-up of limescale. To save moneySo it's best to get rid of this excess limescale - or, better still, prevent it from forming in the first place!

Influence on gardening and aquarium keeping

In gardening, hard water can inhibit the uptake of certain nutrients by plants, due to limescale deposits in the soil. For aquarists, water with inadequate TH can upset the chemical balance necessary for the health of fish and aquatic plants.

Approaches to regulating water TH

Use of water softeners

Water softeners are the most common solution for reducing TH. These devices replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions using ion exchange resins, thus eliminating limescale by replacing it with salt.

Chemical products: Softener salt and alternatives

Adding softener salt to softening systems is effective, but there are also alternatives such as limescale inhibitors or polyphosphate-based systems. You can see for yourself: the TH of softened water contains fewer mineral salts than the TH of untreated water!

Note that LaVie offers a salt-free water softener that retains mineral salts but prevents them from precipitating as limescale in your household appliances, see here : Odouce, the salt-free water softener

Protecting your home from hard water

Regular use of anti-scale cleaners and maintenance of household appliances can limit the effects of hard water. Installing a central softening system can also protect the whole house.

The link between TH and pH: What you need to know

Differences between TH and hydrogen potential

TH measures the hardness of water, while pH indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Although distinct, these two parameters influence water quality.

How do these two factors interact?

A high pH combined with high hardness can aggravate limescale deposits. Balanced management of TH and pH is essential to avoid these problems.

Beyond TH: Other water quality parameters

Identifying problems such as cloudy or smelly water

Cloudy or smelly water can indicate the presence of sediment, metals or bacteria. A thorough analysis is needed to identify and resolve these problems.

Analysis of the chemical composition of water

In addition to TH, parameters such as chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals need to be monitored to ensure that the water is safe and suitable for drinking and domestic use.

FAQ : Everything you need to know about hydrotimetric titration (TH)

How is TH measured?

TH can be measured using colourimetric or reagent tests, available in shops, or by laboratory analysis for greater accuracy.

What to do when the water foams?

Foaming water can indicate excess limescale or cleaning products. A water softener or an adjusted detergent dosage can limit this phenomenon.

What is the unit of measurement for TH?

TH is expressed in French degrees (°fH), where 1 °fH corresponds to 10 mg/L of calcium carbonate.

Why is the pH of your pool dropping?

A low pH can be caused by water that is too soft, acid rain or an unbalanced chemical treatment. A pH corrector can stabilise it.

Conclusion : Controlling water hardness

The hydrotimetric titre (TH) is a key indicator for understanding water hardness and its effects. Although it is not harmful to your health, it can affect your equipment and your everyday comfort. Fortunately, there are solutions for soften it and preserve your installations. Adopt the right steps to ensure that your water is suited to your needs! Water's hydrotimetric titre (TH) measures its hardness, i.e. its concentration of mineral salts, mainly calcium and magnesium ions. The higher the TH, the harder the water and the more likely it is to cause limescale build-up in pipes and household appliances. Conversely, soft water contains few salts and is more pleasant for the skin and clothes. The TH of your water varies from region to region: in Brittany or the Massif Central, the water is soft (0 to 5°f), while in other areas it is very hard (over 20°f). The unit of measurement used to measure TH is the French degree (°f). Moderately hard water is between 5 and 10°f. A softener makes it possible to reduce the hardness of your water en remplaçant les ions calcium et magnésium par des ions sodium. La boutique LaVie.bio propose des solutions naturelles pour contrôler et ajuster la minéralisation de votre eau, en fonction de son pH et de sa teneur en calcaire. Si vous souhaitez connaître la dureté de l’eau chez vous et éviter l’entartrage, il est essentiel de tester régulièrement la dureté de votre eau. Découvrez d’autres conseils et solutions pour améliorer la qualité de votre eau en explorant nos articles sur LaVie.bio.

Why know your water hardness?

Water hardness affects skin health, the smooth operation of appliances and the maintenance of installations. Measuring it allows you to adopt the right solutions.

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.