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Questions & answers about how to measure the hardness or mineral content of water
This article explains how to measure water hardness or grains of hardness: a measure of water mineral content. We discuss different methods for measuring water hardness and we give references on where to buy water hardness tests.
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MEASURE WATER HARDNESS - How is Water Hardness Measured?
Water hardness is measured in "grains" per gallon, in
milligrams of calcium (Ca) per liter, or parts per million, and German Degrees of Hardness (dH) [which we drop here as this is for fish tanks].
You can take a water sample to a water test lab to have its hardness measures.
You can convert among water hardness measures. Water with hardness of 25 ppm = 25 mg. of hardness-causing minerals per liter of water.
Degrees of Water Hardness
Soft water
0-17.1 mg/L of minerals
Slightly hard water
16.1-60 mg/L of minerals
Moderately hard water
61-120 mg/L of minerals
Hard water
121-180 mg/L of minerals
Very hard water
more than 180 mg/L of minerals
- adapted from web search Wikipedia 01/31/2011
We repeat this table with more details, below where we show other measures of water hardness..
Use this simple soap test to measure the grains of hardness of your water supply
You will need:
a small glass bottle with a tight cap, or a water hardness test kit bottle that is of an ideal size and has a water level line mark on it.
dish soap
any measuring device such as a measuring cup marked in ml, cc's or ounces, or a 12-oz drinking glass
Water hardness can be easily measured using a simple soap test kit that will measure in "grains of hardness"
(a little bottle with a line marked on it which you
fill to the line with water, add a drop of soap, and shake to look for suds. More drops of soap - more degrees of hardness).
The very crude do-it-yourself water hardness test method that some folks try is just adding dish soap to 12-oz of tap water (the left two columns in our table below). In our OPINION this is a very crude test and you'd be better off obtaining a free or low-cost but more accurate water hardness test from one of the sources listed below at Water Test Kits & Guide
Water Hardness Measurements - Crude Home Soap Test Method
Test Water Volume - crude test
Soap drops - crude test
Grains/gallon GPG of Water Hardness
ppm mg/L
Water hardness in parts per million in milligrams per liter
Softness of the Water
12 oz
10
0-1
0-17.1
Very Soft
20
1-3.5
17.1 - 60
Slightly Hard
30
3.5 07/13/2010 - 07.0
60 - 120
Medium Hard
40
7.0 - 10.5
120 - 180
Hard
50
> 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.
Sources of Water Test Kits & Guide to Using a Water Hardness Test Kit
Water hardness test kits may use water hardness test tablets or paper test strips (see below).
When mixed with (a test tablet) or wet by (a test strip such as those shown at left) water of a specified volume (fill the test bottle with the specified amount dictated by the test kit instructions or to the line marked on the test bottle), the water in the bottle plus test tablet changes color (green or red, for example) or the test strip changes color (on a scale, for example) that is compared to a standard provided with the kit.
Other simple test kits provide a small glass bottle with a line marked on it and intended for use with dishwasher soap. One drop dish soap at a time. More soap drops = harder water. We bought
our Total Water Hardness Test Kit at Sears where water softeners were sold.
Or the hardness of your water may be measured at no charge if you ask the local water treatment company to take a look.
A typical water hardness test kit that uses water strips provides with each strip a color chart. Match the color on the strip (after you wet it with your test water) against the color chart to see the hardness of your water sample, measured in ppm or gains. A typical water hardness test kit strip measures hardness from 0-1000 ppm or from 0-59 grains of hardness.
Water Hardness Test Kits [available at Amazon.com and from other suppliers]
[Disclosure: you can buy these test kits from many online sources including Amazon.com. Amazon pays us a pittance per item if purchased via these links. Here are our WEBSITE VISITOR PRIVACY POLICY (we do not collect any information about individual website visitors) and our ADVERTISING POLICY.]
Aquamerck® Mercks total hardness & oxygen content "rapid tests" using the titrimetric method with dropping bottle or titration pipettes for accuracy. Contact Merck or EMD Chemicals in the U.S. or other countries. Merck & Co., Inc. Global Headquarters, One Merck Drive, P.O. Box 100, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100 USA, Phone: 908-423-1000 - http://www.merck.com/
Diamond Crystal Water Softening Products: free water hardness test kit: Tel: 800-428-4244. Website: http://www.diamondcrystalsalt.com/. Note: The free test kit distributed by Diamond C.W.S.contains one Hach SofChek test strip which we describe immediately below.
Hach SofChek Dip-and-Read Water Quality Test Strips: Total Hardness 0-425 ppm, Easy to use test strips - dip and read against a scale on the bottle label.
OPINION: Suitable for checking water softener operation - Ed.
Home Water Quality Test Kit, Industrial Test Systems, Inc. , most expensive test kit in this list, measures for Bacteria, Nitrates, Nitrites, Hydrogen Sulfide, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Chloride, Copper, Sulfate, Iron, & pH.
Watch out: some state health departments (e.g. New York) may not accept as valid the type of bacteria test provided.
Sears, Roebuck & Co., (Kenmore) Free water test. Sears offers free water testing to its customers, testing for hardness, acidity, and clarity. Website: http://www.kenmorewater.com/ Kenmore Water Telephone: 1-800-426-9345. Most Sears stores will provide a sterile water sampling bottle at no charge. Fill the bottle with tap water from your building and return it to Sears for a free "in-store" analysis. Or use your own sterile (clean) glass jar with a scure lid, collecting 4 ounces of tap water for this test. Sears will report Hardness in grains per gallon or GPG, clarity (iron or color or sediment), and acidity of your water sample.
Total Water Hardness Water Test Kit m#480008 [bottle of 50 test strips, available at Amazon.com], produced by Industrial Test Systems, Inc. - a reader comments were critical of a lack of precision in this test with an uncertainty of at least 200 ppm [Jan 2011]; others complained that test strip colors did not resemble the color chart. Easy to use.
Measuring Water Hardness to Test Water Softener / Water Conditioner Operation using Water Hardness Test Tablets
If you need to confirm that your water softener equipment is working properly you will want to measure the hardness or mineral content of your water supply taken at a plumbing tap (sink faucet) located after or "downstream from" the water softener. The following procedure is adapted from IBC [using "water hardness tablets" and other water conditioner installation manuals.
There are three conceptual data points you might want to test:
incoming water hardness - take a water sample from a tap that bypasses or is before the water softener
water hardness after a water softener regeneration or "backwash" cycle
water hardness a day or more after a backwash cycle, or each day of normal water usage in the building between one backwash cycle and the next one - this can confirm that the settings on the water conditioner controls, including regeneration or backwash cycle frequency are adequate.
Collect a water sample to be tested from a tap after the water softener if you are performing test #2 or 3 above.
Place 10 ml of water into a clean plastic bottle - choose a plastic bottle of about 30 ml capacity so that your water sample will fill the bottle to 1/3 full.
If working with an IBC water conditioner test kit, add one "Yes/No" tablet to the water sample and shake the sample until the tablet has dissolved completely.
Watch out: do not touch the Yes/No tablet with your fingers, or if you accidentally have done so, stop and wash your hands thoroughly. And don't put your finger in your eye or mouth.
Check the color of the water sample. If it is green (of any shade) the water is below 20 mg/L of hardness. If the water sample is red the hardness is 20 ppm or above.
Note: if your incoming water is very high in hardness, the water softener may not be able to drop the hardness level to below 20 mg/L - consult your water softener company for advice.
- Reference: Water Softener with Microprocessor: Installation & Operating Instructions, IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), IBC Water, Ltd., 18 Dividend Street, Mansfield Qld 4122, Postal Address:
PO Box 2247, Mansfield BC, Qld 4122 Australia, Tel: Sales/Service: 1-300-166-253; Tel: (07) 3347 1600 Int. +61 7 3347 1600, Facsimile: (07) 3219 2266 Int. +61 7 3219 2266,
Email: sales@ibcwater.com.au , web search 01/31/2011, original source: http://www.ibcwater.com.au/zone_files/PDF/as0922mp-cl.pdf
Questions & Answers regarding this article
Questions & answers about how to measure the hardness or mineral content of water
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North Dakota Standards for Water Softeners, North Dakota General Authority Law, Chapter 62-04-08, Water Softener Units http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/62-04-08.pdf. "The objective of this chapter is to provide a standard of quality, capacity,
and performance for water softener units. Water softener performance
is to be based upon referee tests procedures described in section
62-04-08-09."
Culligan Mark 10 Water Softener 1994-1998 Installation and Operating Instructions (covering models manufactured after 1995) (1-96) 01881948.pdf available from www.culligan.com
Water Softeners, CMHC, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/wawa/wawa_005.cfm - October 2008. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation acknowledges the contribution of Health Canada to the development of this document. For further questions regarding water treatment and water quality, contact Health Canada at watereau@hc-sc.gc.ca or call 613-957-2991 or 1-866-225-0709.
"Commercial Water Softener Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia) for commercial, industrial and residential application www.ibcwater.com.au (07) 3219 2233
"Non electric water softener,
Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
"Water Softener Twin Tank Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
Our Water Hardness Table used at originated with but was edited and added to from http://www.bestfish.com/tips/110598.html and also from http://www.water-research.net/hardness.htm
Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and
Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by
Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
Water Softener with Microprocessor: Installation & Operating Instructions, IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), IBC Water, Ltd., 18 Dividend Street, Mansfield Qld 4122, Postal Address:
PO Box 2247, Mansfield BC, Qld 4122 Australia, Tel: Sales/Service: 1-300-166-253; Tel: (07) 3347 1600 Int. +61 7 3347 1600, Facsimile: (07) 3219 2266 Int. +61 7 3219 2266,
Email: sales@ibcwater.com.au , web search 01/31/2011, original source: http://www.ibcwater.com.au/zone_files/PDF/as0922mp-cl.pdf
...
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389
(2006), Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies.
Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going
for homeowners but is a text we recommend for professionals--DF.
Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;
Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;
Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.
Design Manuals for Septic Systems
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manua [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,
Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books
Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,
describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in
both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,
consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill. Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers: * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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