Characteristics of Water Hardness
Potable water, however, may possess soluble minerals
such as calcium and magnesium that are of significant importance. These
ions form precipitates with bicarbonates in water when it is heated, and
with sulfates when water is evaporated from solution. This phenomenon is
known as water hardness. The hardness of water may be expressed quantitatively
in terms of parts per million (ppm) for calcium, ppm of calcium carbonate,
and grains calcium carbonate per gallon of water. Based on grains of carbonate
per gallon, water is classified as follows:
Soft: 1 to 4 grains per gallon
Medium: 5 to 10 grains per gallon
Hard: 11 to 20 grains per gallon
Hard water is also sometimes classified as temporarily hard or permanently hard. Temporarily hard water is softened when the water is boiled. Soluble carbonates are converted to insoluble carbonates, and the unwanted ions are removed from the water. However, these precipitated carbonates form a deposit on equipment in homes and plants using hard water. This "scale" can act as an insulating layer against efficient heat transfer and may eventually clog valves and pipes in homes and food production facilities. These deposits can harbor bacteria, thus making it quite difficult to clean and sanitize equipment. Boiling cannot soften permanently hard water. Sulfates and chlorides of magnesium or calcium cause this type of water hardness.
Cooking Fruits and Vegetables in Hard Water
When fruits and vegetables are heated (cooked) in water,
the amount of calcium ions in the water will influence the textural properties
of the products. For example, calcium ions may form insoluble salts (calcium
pectates) that are beneficial for maintaining firmness in cooked fruits
and vegetables. However, if there is an excessive amount of calcium ions
in the water, the fruits and vegetables may become excessively tough, and
dried beans and dried peas will be difficult to rehydrate when cooked.
Cleaning with Hard Water
Hard water is also a problem in households and manufacturing
facilities when it influences the ability soaps and detergents to form
lather or "suds." For these reasons, chemical water softener treatments
have been developed to eliminate the calcium and magnesium ions. Washing
soda ( a laundry aid), Na2Co3,
an alkaline salt is often used to precipitate the calcium or magnesium
ions as insoluble calcium or magnesium carbonate. Polyphosphate salts also
soften water by binding calcium or magnesium ions.
Ion-exchange water-softening systems may also be installed in homes and businesses as a way to remove unwanted ions from water. When this method is used, water is allowed to pass through a bed of insoluble granular material that removes calcium or magnesium ions from the water in exchange for sodium or hydrogen ions. When zeolites (hydrous silicates) are used, sodium ions from the zeolite are exchanged for calcium or magnesium ions of the water. When the chemical can bind no more calcium, the complex is regenerated by flushing it with a solution of sodium chloride, which removes the calcium or magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions. If resins instead of zeolite are used, hydrogen ions rather than sodium ions replace the calcium and magnesium ions.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Chemically Softened Water
The beneficial effects from the use of chemically softened
water include a decrease in the amount of soap and detergent needed for
personal hygiene, laundry, and equipment cleaning; improved appearance
of clean equipment and laundry; and decreased energy expenditure due to
decreases in time required to cook fruits and vegetables.
Disadvantages with the use of chemically softened water
are dependent on the amount of sodium salts remaining in the water after
"softening." These salts increase the sodium content and influence the
flavor of foods cooked in the softened water. It has also been stated that
the presence of sodium ions in water softened by ion exchange prolongs
the time that water remains in contact with the coffee grounds, thus increasing
the bitterness and caffeine content of the brew. It is often recommended
that brewers of coffee should not use chemically softened water and that
tap water used for preparing coffee be filtered to remove off-flavors and
the effects of chlorination.
References