Question

What is the main problem with hard water for most people?

Answer 1

Getting a lather from your soap.

Explanation:

When you travel you will find some areas of the world have tap water that tastes beautiful, and when you have a wash your skin feels fresh and clean. Water here is "soft", slightly acid.

In places where water hardness is a problem, the tap water is slightly alkaline (i.e. `pH` `>` `7`) (it might only be `7.05`, but this is enough). When you wash your clothes (unless you add a water softener) the detergent is not so effective; the tap water tastes a bit bitter. This can be traced to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts in the water that form insoluble carbonates (soap scum!).