Difference Between Temporary And Permanent Hardness Of Water

Water hardness is measured in terms of the minerals calcium and magnesium dissolved. The two types of water hardness are temporary and permanent hardness. Permanent hardness is caused by the presence of dissolved minerals like chlorides and sulfates, while temporary hardness is due to bicarbonate ions. Permanent hardness cannot be removed through boiling or other simple treatments, while temporary hardness can be removed through boiling. A chemical process known as Ion Exchange is needed to remove permanent hardness.

What Is The Temporary Hardness Of Water?

Temporary hardness of water, also known as carbonate hardness or ‘alkalinity,‘ is a type of mineral hardness caused by dissolved bicarbonate minerals, such as calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate. These compounds can be removed from water through boiling or ion-exchange treatments, so temporary hardness is known as ‘temporary’ or ‘eliminable.’ The presence of bicarbonates in water can cause various problems, such as the formation of scale deposits on pipes and other surfaces, which can lead to corrosion issues. It can also affect the taste and smell of drinking water, making it unpleasant or unsafe to consume.

What Is Permanent Hardness Of Water?

The presence of dissolved calcium and magnesium sulfate minerals, such as gypsum, causes the permanent hardness of the water. Unlike bicarbonates, these compounds cannot be removed from water through boiling or ion-exchange treatments and must be removed through other methods, such as reverse osmosis filtration. Permanent hardness can lead to the same problems as temporary hardness, but usually at a much higher rate. This is because sulfates are more soluble in water than bicarbonates and have a greater tendency to form scale deposits on pipes and surfaces.

What Is The Difference Between the Temporary And Permanent Hardness Of Water?

• Definition: The permanent hardness of water is caused by dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium, while temporary hardness is due to bicarbonate ions.
• Causative agent: The leading cause of temporary hardness is bicarbonate minerals, such as calcium and magnesium bicarbonate. The permanent hardness of water occurs due to other compounds like chloride and sulfates.
• Removal through boiling: Temporary hardness can be removed from the water. This is because the calcium bicarbonate in the water decomposes into solid calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide gas, which escapes. On the other hand, permanent hardness cannot be removed this way as it consists of salts that are not affected by boiling.
• Other removal methods: Softeners are used to remove the temporary hardness of the water. Water softeners or ion exchange are used to remove the permanent hardness of the water.
• Other names: Temporary hard water is also called carbonate hardness. Permanent hard water is called non-carbonate hardness.
• Easy to remove: Temporary hardness can be easily removed. In comparison, permanent hardness can not be removed easily.

Benefits Of Temporary Hard Water

• The temporary hardness of water is beneficial because it contains calcium and magnesium, essential minerals for the human body.
• It also helps prevent mineral deposits from forming in pipes, fixtures, and other water-use items.
• Temporary hardness prevents the corrosion of many metals that come into contact with the water.
• It also can help reduce the ” scaling “ problem inside pipes caused by dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the water.
• Temporary hardness can even improve the taste of drinking water by providing a more balanced flavor than that found in soft water.

Benefits Of Permanent Hard Water

• Unlike temporary hardness, permanent hardness cannot be removed by boiling the water. This means it is more cost-effective in the long run, as there is no need to invest in treatments or processes to soften hard water.
•  Drinking and using hard water permanently will not cause any adverse effects on one’s health, making it safe to consume and use for household activities.
• The minerals in permanently hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, provide health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases.
• Permanent hardness helps protect pipes from corrosion as the metals form a protective layer on the inside of the pipe, providing an extra layer of protection against damage.
•  Permanent hardness can also provide additional benefits for plants in gardens and greenhouses because it helps to maintain a balanced pH level for optimal growth.
• This type of water benefits laundry as it acts as a natural detergent, cleaning clothes without needing extra chemicals or soaps.
• Hard water also makes hair feel softer and smoother, giving it a healthier shine.

FAQs

Can hard water be converted to soft water?

Yes, hard water can be converted to soft water by softening. This process involves removing the minerals that cause hardness in water, such as calcium and magnesium. The most common way of doing this is through ion exchange technology, where sodium ions replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. This makes it easier for soap and other cleaning products to lather and prevents scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

Is deep well water considered hard water?

Yes, deep well water is considered hard water. Hardness in drinking water occurs due to dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

What is standard hard water?

Standard hard water is defined as hardness between 60 mg/L and 120 mg/L.

Conclusion

The hardness of water is an essential factor to consider when it comes to drinking and using water. Permanent hardness cannot be removed, while temporary hardness can be eliminated by boiling or using a water softener. Both types of hardness can have a negative impact on household appliances and plumbing, so it’s important to know what kind of hard water you are dealing with.