Do I Have Hard Water?

The Village does not soften water during the treatment process, however we recommend residents purchasing a water softener and utility staff will be happy to help set it at the appropriate level.  The EPA requires us to maintain certain levels of calcium and magnesium - minerals that cause hard water. They protect customers from exposure to lead from internal plumbing systems. The water should be depositing a fine layer of calcium on the pipes. If the water is too soft, it can corrode or break down pipes and fixtures, releasing lead and copper from your plumbing. 

 

Yes, the Village strives to go above and beyond regulatory standards. Water hardness is considered an aesthetic issue. 

Your tap is perfectly safe without one. If you have an internal problem with your plumbing, you may want to consider a filter or treatment system. 

It's a personal choice. Since the EPA requires a certain degree of what we consider "hardness," you may notice some benefits of a softener, including using a lesser amount of soap and detergents and less spotting on hard surfaces. They can also leave your skin feeling softer, retaining more moisture.

The trade-off is that your home plumbing is more susceptible to corrosion, accelerating its wear and increasing the possibility that heavy metals will leach into your water. Remember, never ever use warm or hot water in the preparation of foods or beverages for consumption.

A water softener can also increase your sodium intake. Softeners transform calcium and magnesium hardness into soft salts like sodium.

Are you installing a water softener and need to input a "Water Hardness Number?" Call Village Hall at (608) 424 - 3341.

Carbon filtration at the incoming water supply will remove the beneficial levels of chlorine from the water, resulting in elevated amounts of bacteria growing in the internal plumbing system.

In most cases of calcium build-up, the hot water tank has been set at a higher than normal setting. High efficiency devices (i.e. tankless hot water heaters and re-circulating hot water systems) can also cause build-up in plumbing systems.

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