Do you know how much money hard water is costing you?

Hard water is a fact in 85% of American homes according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Most water supplies tend to be moderate to extremely hard which is inconvenient and expensive.

Cleaning and Personal Care Supplies

In a recent Consumer Survey it was determined that 17¢ to 20¢ of each dollar spent at the grocery store is for cleaning, laundry, bathing and personal care products. This can represent over $100 per month for an average family of four. Many of these products are purchased to fight the effects of hard water.

Each box/bottle of soap products sold in the United States
contain on average for every dollar spent:

Amount Item Purpose
49% or 49¢ Water softening agents Break down minerals so the soap can work
33% or 33¢ Filler/buffering agents Make product look bigger and more voluminous
8% or 8¢ Whiteners/Brighteners(bleaches or oxi-clean type agents) Keep graying and yellowing from happening
10% or 10¢ Pure Soap Cleanse dirt from items

Softened, Conditioned water can save as much as 30% of these costs!

Average Costs for a Family of Four
to Wash and Keep Clean in Hard Water
Size Price Price per oz. Amount Used How
Often		 Cost per Week Cost per Month Cost per Year
Laundry Care
Tide 100oz. $8.79 9¢ 2oz. 6 $1.05 $4.55 $54.60
Shout 22oz. $3.29 15¢ 5.5oz. 1 $0.82 $3.55 $42.60
Bounce 120ct $5.59 5¢ 1sheet 6 $0.28 $1.21 $14.52
Clorox 64oz $1.59 2¢ 8oz. 3 $0.60 $2.60 $31.20
Calgon 40oz $6.19 15¢ 2oz. 6 $1.86 $8.06 $96.72
$4.61 $19.97 $239.64
Dish Care
Cascade 50oz. $3.29 7¢ 2oz. 7 $0.92 $3.99 $47.88
Dawn 28oz. $3.49 12¢ 1oz. 7 $0.87 $3.77 $45.24
Jet Dry 3.5oz. $3.19 91¢ .875oz. 1 $0.80 $3.47 $41.64
$2.59 $11.23 $134.76
Personal Care
Dove 6oz. $6.29 $1.05 .85 oz 7 $1.05 $4.55 $54.60
Herbal Essence 12oz. $4.29 36¢ 2oz. 7 $5.01 $21.71 260.52
Conditioner 25oz. $6.29 25¢ 2oz. 7 $3.47 $15.04 $180.48
Keri Lotion 15oz. $9.99 67¢ .5oz. 7 $2.50 $10.83 $129.96
$12.03 $52.13 $625.56
Misc. Cleaners
Comet 17oz. $1.09 6¢ 4.25oz. 1 $0.27 $1.17 $14.04
409 32oz. $3.69 12¢ 6oz. 1 $0.69 $2.99 $35.88
Tilex 32oz. $4.49 14¢ 8oz. 1 $1.12 $4.85 $58.20
Lime Away 16 oz. $3.09 19¢ 4oz. 1 $0.77 $3.34 $40.08
Lysol 22oz. $3.29 15¢ 5.5oz. 1 $0.82 $3.55 $42.60
Shower Fresh 32oz. $2.95 9¢ 2oz. 7 $1.29 $5.59 $67.08
$4.96 $21.49 $257.88
Totals $24.19 $104.82 $1,257.88
30%Savings $7.26 $31.45 $377.35

The average person cleaning the home spends more than 6 hours a month cleaning
water spots, streaks and scum alone. – Ohio State University

Laundry

Water hardness poses some obstacles to cleaning. Hardness causing minerals react with soap to form an insoluble curd that can show up on fabrics as a white powder, make fabrics feel stiff and attach to the inside of washing machines. The forming of the curd uses up some of the soap and reduces its cleaning ability.

The life of clothing and textiles was prolonged up to 15% when washed in conditioned water. – Based on a study by the School of Civil engineering and the School of Consumer and Family Sciences, Purdue University

Dishwashing

Filming and spotting are the most common aggravations that hard water can cause on dishes and glassware. Most all dishwashing detergents contain water softeners such as phosphates to reduce this condition. The manufacturers of the detergents advise you that the harder the water the more soap you will need to use to get satisfactory results.

The amount of detergent should be increased according to the hardness
(one teaspoon per grain). – Maytag Answer Book

Water Heater

In a study conducted by New Mexico State University’s Water Quality Research Council, they found that water heaters consume 22% to 29% more energy when operated on hard water. The heating of the water in your home consumes an average of 30% of your energy expense.

As little as 1/8” of scale in a water heater adds 20% to the fuel costs. – According to tests conducted by the US Bureau of Standards

Hard Savings on Soft Water

After adding up all the savings that a water conditioner can generate, many consumers conclude they can’t afford to be without soft treated water in their homes.

Soft treated water can make a real difference where it counts most– in your pocketbook.

Consider how soft treated water could start saving you money today:

  • Lower energy costs – According to the Water Quality Research Council at New Mexico State University, water heaters work nearly 30% more efficiently when operated on soft treated water.
  • Fewer repair bills – Without exception, all water-using appliances work more efficiently and require fewer repairs with soft treated water. Even leading appliance manufacturers, such as Maytag, recommend using soft treated water for optimum performance of their products. Plumbing lasts longer, too, without the lime scale buildup caused by hard water.
  • Spend less money for cleaners and detergents – Since soaps and detergents work more efficiently in soft treated water, you’ll only need one-fourth to one-half of the recommended amount. And you’ll be able to obtain the same optimum results using shorter wash cycles and cooler water.
  • Smaller clothing allowance – Clothes last longer and look better when washed with soft treated water. According to a study conducted at Purdue University, the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15% when washed in conditioned water. When detergents mix with hard water, they form lime curd deposits, which can cause yellowing, or graying of clothes. As the deposits accumulate, they contribute to fabric stiffening and matting.
  • Fewer lotions and conditioners – Hard water can dry skin and hair because the minerals combine with the soap to form a sticky residue that’s difficult to rinse away. With soft treated water this film doesn’t form, so hair and skin are smoother and healthier looking.