What is a common effect of high water hardness?

High water hardness is primarily associated with elevated levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. One of the notable effects of high hardness is scalation, which occurs when these minerals precipitate out of the water, especially when heated. This process leads to the formation of scale, a hard, mineral-based deposit that can build up on the surfaces of appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes.

As appliances operate, the heat can drive the minerals to form these deposits, ultimately leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage over time. The scale insulates heating elements, requiring more energy to heat water and potentially shortening the lifespan of appliances due to increased wear.

Therefore, the common effect of high water hardness that results in scalation in appliances highlights how mineral content impacts the functionality and longevity of water-using systems.