gives further information on why water can be hard.Water hardness is caused by dissolved calcium and, to a lesser extent magnesium, which occurs naturally in the water.
Hard water can cause scale deposition to form, for example in kettles and steam irons. Hard water also leads to greater soap consumption and scum formation around basins and baths. Soft waters, on the other hand, may be more corrosive to water pipes.
An information leaflet on water hardness (.PDF 120Kb) gives further information on why water can be hard.
The map below provides an indication of hard and soft water areas in Northern Ireland. For more detailed information on the water hardness in your area, contact Northern Ireland Water on 08457 440088.
