Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium ions that cause two types of hardness: temporary hardness and permanent hardness.
• Temporary hardness: temporary hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. It is removed by boiling.
• Permanent hardness: permanent hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium sulfates. It is removed by the addition of washing soda or a commercial water softener, e.g. Calgon, or by installing a softening system.
Effects of hard water
• Limescale builds up in kettles, washing machines, hot-water pipes and boilers, reducing their efficiency.
• Hard water causes difficulty producing a lather from soap, which can lead to inefficient cleaning.
• Scum forms on baths and sinks. • Hair becomes dull and coarse and skin can dry out.
Water charges
Limescale build-up on a washing machine element i L
Irish Water was established by the Irish government in 2013 as the sole supplier of public water and public wastewater services. Homes were fitted with water metres to record water consumption, measured in cubic metres (m3
).
One cubic metre is equal to 1,000 litres. Bills issued to homes were based on consumption.
? Write an informative note on water with
reference to the following: water charges. (5) HL
Methods of conserving water in the home
For infomation on methods of conserving water in the home see page 455.
?
Describe three methods of conserving water in the home. (15) OL
Water meter
Wastewater means waste material including sewage waste and used bath/ shower/sink water that is collected and treated at wastewater plants.
