Educational

Understanding Water Hardness in the Hudson Valley

February 25, 2026 8 min read

Well Water and Municipal Water Both Have Hardness Concerns

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that hard water is only a well water problem.

Not true.

Whether you are on a private well or municipal water, hardness can still be a concern. Municipal water is treated for safety — it is not always treated for hardness. We regularly test town water that still falls in the moderately hard to hard range.

What Is Water Hardness?

Water hardness is caused by dissolved minerals, primarily:

Calcium

Ca²⁺

Magnesium

Mg²⁺

As water moves through rock and soil, it absorbs these minerals. That applies to groundwater used by wells and surface water used by municipalities.

Hardness is measured in grains per gallon.

0 to 3 GPG Soft
3 to 7 GPG Moderately Hard
7 to 10 GPG Hard
10+ GPG Very Hard

In our area: well systems commonly test 10 to 20+ GPG. Municipal systems are often lower, but still hard enough to cause scaling.

Signs You Have Hard Water

It does not matter where the water comes from. The symptoms are the same.

White Buildup

White buildup on faucets and showerheads

Poor Lathering

Soap that does not lather properly

Cloudy Glassware

Cloudy glassware after washing

Dry Skin & Hair

Dry skin and hair after showering

Inefficient Heating

Reduced water heater efficiency

Appliance Wear

Premature appliance wear

Hard water is not typically a health issue. It is a mechanical and efficiency issue.

Scale buildup reduces heat transfer, restricts piping, and shortens equipment life.

How Ion Exchange Softening Works

The most effective and proven way to treat hardness is with an ion exchange water softener.

Ion exchange is a chemical process where hardness minerals are physically removed from the water.

1

Mineral Tank

Resin beads carry a sodium charge

2

The Exchange

Ca & Mg attach, sodium releases

3

Regeneration

Brine flushes minerals, recharges resin

That is why it works. The hardness is not altered. It is removed. You cannot cheat chemistry.

Complete Water Softener System

Complete System

Water Softener Internal Components

Internal Components

Water Filtration Installation

Installation

Water Treatment Equipment

Equipment

The Truth About Salt Free Systems and Scale Filters

Marketing vs. Reality

Many products are marketed as effective water treatment solutions, but they don't deliver what they promise.

Common Marketing Claims:

Salt free softeners
Magnetic conditioners
Scale prevention filters

These systems do not remove hardness minerals. The calcium and magnesium remain in the water.

They may attempt to change how scale forms, but the hardness level does not decrease.

In high hardness applications like we see across the Hudson Valley, these systems often fall short.

Ion exchange removes the minerals. That is why it remains the industry standard.

Proper Sizing Is Critical

A softener must be sized correctly based on multiple factors

Hardness Level

The measured GPG of your water supply

Iron Content

If on a well, iron levels affect sizing

Household Size

Number of people in the home

Daily Water Usage

Average gallons used per day

Peak Flow Demand

Maximum water usage during high-demand times

Undersized

Regenerates too frequently, wastes water and salt

Oversized

Can be inefficient if programmed incorrectly

Testing and proper design matter.

The Bottom Line

Hard water affects both well and municipal homes

Left untreated, it damages plumbing and appliances

Ion exchange softeners protect your investment

If you are unsure what your hardness level is, we can test it and design a system that fits your home correctly.

Griffen Pump Service

Hudson Valley Well and Water Treatment Specialists

845 897 3107

No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just proven treatment done right.

Need Help With Your Water Quality?

Our team can test your water and recommend the right solution for your home.