Hard water is water with a high mineral content; and by comparison, soft water is surface water that contains low concentrations of ions - in particular low in ions of calcium and magnesium.

Researchers found that those living in soft water areas had a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, based on 2005 data. This map shows current hard and soft water locations (source: Bristan) ...

San Antonio’s water is so hard because our main water supply comes from the mineral-rich Edwards Aquifer, a massive underground limestone formation that spans nearly eight counties and supplies ...

Hard water requires more soap and synthetic detergents for home laundry and washing, and contributes to scaling in boilers and industrial equipment, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.