What Is Hard Water?
Ever noticed white chalky spots on your taps, dull hair no matter how much conditioner you use, or soap that refuses to lather? You might be dealing with hard water. But what exactly is it?
Hard water is simply water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to drink, it can be a nightmare for your appliances, plumbing, and even your skin. Knowing how to test for hard water can help you prevent costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly.
For a scientific breakdown of hard water, check out the U.S. Geological Survey’s guide.
So, how do you know if you have hard water? Let’s dive into the common signs of hard water, simple at-home hard water tests, and solutions to tackle the issue.
Signs You Have Hard Water
1. Limescale Build-up on Fixtures & Appliances
Ever seen a crusty white or greenish residue on your taps, showerheads, or inside your kettle? That’s limescale, a telltale sign of hard water. It forms when minerals in the water accumulate over time, clogging showerheads and reducing water flow.
2. Soap Scum in Bathrooms & Kitchen
If your shower screen constantly looks cloudy or your sink has a stubborn filmy layer, hard water might be the culprit. When soap reacts with minerals in hard water, it forms soap scum—leaving surfaces looking dirty and making cleaning a hassle.
3. Dry, Itchy Skin & Dull Hair
Does your skin feel tight and itchy after a shower? Do you struggle with frizzy, lifeless hair no matter what products you use? Hard water strips natural oils, leading to dry skin and brittle hair. If your conditioner isn’t cutting it, your water might be the problem.
4. Laundry Issues: Stiff, Faded Clothes
Clothes not feeling as soft as they used to? Hard water minerals get trapped in fabric, making towels scratchy and colours fade faster. Detergent also doesn’t lather properly, meaning your laundry isn’t as clean as it could be.
5. Plumbing Problems: Clogged Pipes & Low Water Pressure
Over time, hard water deposits minerals inside your pipes, slowly restricting water flow. If your shower pressure has dropped or you frequently call the plumber, you might want to check your water hardness.

How to Test for Hard Water at Home
Wondering how to test for hard water without fancy equipment? Here are a few simple methods:
The Soap Test
- Fill a clear bottle with tap water.
- Add a few drops of liquid soap and shake.
- If the water stays cloudy and doesn’t form bubbles, you likely have hard water.
The Vinegar Test
- Pour vinegar over a suspected hard water deposit.
- If it fizzes, it’s reacting with minerals in the water—another sign of hard water.
Use a Hard Water Test Kit
A quick and accurate way to determine water hardness is by using a test kit from a hardware store. These kits measure the mineral content and give you a precise water hardness scale reading.
For official water hardness measurements, visit the Tweed Shire Council’s report on water hardness in Australia.
Professional Water Testing
For a detailed breakdown of your water hardness level, a professional water test can give exact results. This is especially useful if you’re considering a hard water treatment system.
Hard Water vs. Soft Water: What’s the Difference?
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, while soft water has been treated to remove these minerals. Here’s how they compare:
- Hard water: Leaves residue, causes dry skin, damages appliances.
- Soft water: Lathers better with soap, keeps hair and skin healthier, prevents mineral build-up.
If you’re wondering, is Australian water hard or soft?—it depends on your area. Australia’s water hardness varies by region, and you can check the water hardness map Australia to see how hard your water is by postcode.
For more insight into the potential health impacts of hard water, see this study on PubMed Central.

What to Do If You Have Hard Water
If you’ve confirmed your home has hard water, don’t worry! Here’s what you can do:
Install a Water Softener
A water softener removes excess minerals, preventing limescale build-up and improving water quality. There are salt-based and salt-free options, depending on your needs.
Use Vinegar for Cleaning
Vinegar is a natural hard water treatment—it dissolves limescale and soap scum, making cleaning easier.
Choose Detergents & Soaps for Hard Water
Certain soaps and detergents are formulated to work better with hard water, helping your clothes stay soft and your dishes spotless.
Take Action Against Hard Water
If you’re noticing signs of hard water, it’s worth taking a hard water test. Simple DIY tests can confirm if your home is affected, and there are easy hard water solutions to fix the problem.
Want expert advice? Get in touch to discuss water hardness in Australia and find the best treatment for your home or business.