Seattle Water Hardness: What You Need to Know
Seattle’s water is known for being exceptionally soft, typically registering very low on the hardness scale. This means it contains minimal amounts of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for water hardness. The soft water has implications for everything from soap usage to plumbing.
What Does Water Hardness Mean?
Water hardness refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, in water. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the harder the water is considered. Hard water can lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, and leave spots on dishes and glassware. Conversely, soft water contains fewer of these minerals.
Seattle’s Water Source and Softness
Seattle’s primary water sources are the Cedar River Watershed and the South Fork Tolt River Watershed. These watersheds are located in the Cascade Mountains and provide naturally soft water. The water flows through granite bedrock, which doesn’t readily dissolve minerals, resulting in the soft water that Seattle enjoys. More about water hardness can be found on Wikipedia.
The Benefits of Soft Water in Seattle
The softness of Seattle’s water provides several advantages:
- Reduced Soap Consumption: Soft water lathers easily, requiring less soap for washing clothes, dishes, and yourself.
- Less Scale Buildup: Soft water minimizes scale formation in pipes, water heaters, and other appliances, extending their lifespan and improving their efficiency.
- Brighter Laundry: Soft water allows detergents to work more effectively, resulting in brighter and cleaner clothes.
- Health Benefits: While hard water isn’t necessarily harmful, some studies suggest soft water may be gentler on skin and hair.
Potential Drawbacks of Soft Water
While mostly beneficial, soft water also has a few potential downsides:
- Corrosion in Older Plumbing: In very old plumbing systems, soft water can sometimes be slightly corrosive to lead pipes. However, this is less of a concern in modern plumbing systems.
- Taste: Some people prefer the taste of hard water, finding soft water to taste “flat.”
FAQs about Seattle Water Hardness
Is Seattle water safe to drink?
Yes, Seattle’s water is safe to drink. Seattle Public Utilities rigorously tests and treats the water to ensure it meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
Do I need a water softener in Seattle?
Generally, no. Since Seattle’s water is already very soft, a water softener is usually unnecessary.
What is the hardness level of Seattle water?
Seattle’s water typically has a hardness level of around 1-3 grains per gallon (gpg) or 17-51 parts per million (ppm). This is considered very soft.
Does soft water corrode pipes?
In very old plumbing systems with lead pipes, soft water could potentially cause slight corrosion. However, this is not a common issue in most homes.
Why is Seattle’s water so soft?
Seattle’s water originates in the Cascade Mountains, where it flows through granite bedrock. This type of rock doesn’t readily dissolve minerals like calcium and magnesium, resulting in naturally soft water.
Summary
Seattle is fortunate to have naturally soft water, which offers numerous benefits like reduced soap usage and less scale buildup. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the advantages of soft water generally outweigh the disadvantages. Residents of Seattle typically don’t need to invest in water softeners, making it a cost-effective and convenient water source.
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