Hard water is often considered undesirable. However, from a health perspective, the opposite is true. Calcium and magnesium, which make water hard, have a positive effect on health.

How does lime get into drinking water?

On its way through the subsoil to the waterworks, groundwater dissolves minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the soil and carries them dissolved in the water to households. Whether water is hard or soft depends on the geology of the region.

What problems does hard water cause?

Hard water causes damage to household appliances due to limescale deposits. Washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee machines can be damaged as a result. Soft water is better for watering plants and making good tea.

What can be done about hard water?

Plants are best watered with collected rainwater. Special drinking water filters are available to make tea taste better.

However, a complex filter system installed directly on the water pipe is only useful above a certain hardness level and only for hot water. In addition, this causes the drinking water to lose its health benefits. Appropriate descaling agents for dishwashers and washing machines are usually sufficient.

What can be done about limescale stains?

With hard drinking water, limescale deposits can also be found on bathroom and kitchen fittings, as well as in kettles. Vinegar (essence) and citric acid can help:

• Bring the kettle to the boil with a mixture of water and vinegar essence.

• Remove bathroom and sink plugs, shower heads, and faucet attachments and treat them in a bowl with hot water and vinegar.

• Remove limescale deposits on surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen with citric acid or cleaners based on it. Commercially available limescale removers are not recommended, as they usually contain hazardous acids such as phosphoric or hydrochloric acid.

How hard is Mainz's drinking water?

The three waterworks Eich, Hof Schönau, and Petersaue supply Mainz and the surrounding area with drinking water. You can find the current drinking water values on the Mainz Networks website.