Overview
The City of Kimberly's drinking water supply is generally hard so water softeners may be benificial. Using one is a matter of personal preference.
Using Water Softeners
Consider the following when deciding to use a water softener:
- Water softeners replace calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium
- People on special diets may want to consult their doctor before installing a water softener
If you already have a water softener, continue to use it or remove the softener from the plumbing in your house. An unused softener can grow bacteria and may contaminate the water in your home.
Water Hardness Measurements Chart
Grains/Gallon
| ppm mg/L
| Softness of the Water
|
|---|
| 0-1 | 0-17.1 | Very Soft |
| 1-3.5 | 17.1 - 60
| Slightly Hard |
| 3.5 10/23/2009 - 07.0 | 60 - 120 | Medium Hard |
| 7.0 - 10.5 | 120 - 180 | Hard |
| > 10.50 | > 180 | Very Hard |
NOTE: 1 German degree of hardness dH = 17.5 ppm. For fish tanks, 200-300 ppm is considered "hard", 300-500 ppm "very hard" and over 500 ppm "extremely hard" water.