Temporary and Permanent Hardness in Water

The hardness of water is due to the presence of soluble bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates of calcium and magnesium. Water which does not give lather with soap is hard water.

The hardness of Water and its Treatment

Water is the most important compound that is needed for the survival of life on earth. Water is present in the oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes, glaciers, etc.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water has high mineral content. It is formed when water percolates through the deposits of chalk and limestone which are made up of magnesium and calcium carbonates. It does not lather with soap, so it is not suitable for laundry purposes.

The hardness of water is harmful to the boilers as the deposition of salts occurs which reduces the efficiency of the boiler. Hard water is safe to drink but using over a long interval of time can lead to many problems like:

• Strains in skins
• Water appliances work harder resulting in higher water bills
• Spots appear on clothes and linens

Types of Hardness of Water

The hardness of water can be classified into two types:

• Temporary Hardness 
• Permanent Hardness

Temporary Hardness of Water:

The presence of magnesium and calcium carbonates in water makes it temporarily hard. In this case, the hardness in water can be removed by boiling the water.

When we boil water the soluble salts of Mg(HCO₃)₂ is converted to Mg(OH)₂ which is insoluble and hence gets precipitated and is removed. After filtration, the water we get is soft water.

Permanent Hardness of Water:

When the soluble salts of magnesium and calcium are present in the form of chlorides and sulfides in water, we call it permanent hardness because this hardness cannot be removed by boiling.

We can remove this hardness by treating the water with washing soda. Insoluble carbonates are formed when washing soda reacts with the sulfide and chloride salts of magnesium and calcium and thus hard water is converted to soft water.

Disadvantages of Hardness

1. Wastage of soap
2. Wastage of fuel
3. Formation of scales on metallic boilers.

⇒ Also Read: Heavy Water – Methods of Preparation and Properties

Remove Hardness of Water (Temporary)

By Boiling:

Soluble bicarbonates are converted into insoluble carbonates which are removed by filtration.

Reactions: Ca(HCO3)2 → ΔCalo3↓ + H2O + CO2

⇒ Mg(HCO3)2 → ΔMgCO3↓ + H2O + CO2

By Clarks Method:

Calcium hydroxide is Clark’s reagent. It removes the hardness of water by converting bicarbonates into carbonate.

Reaction: Ca(OH)2 + Ca(HCO3)2 → 2CaCO3↓ + 2H2O

How to Remove Permanent Hardness of Water?

Gan’s Permutit Method:

In this method, sodium aluminum ortho silicate known as permutit or zeolite is used to remove the permanent hardness of water.

Reaction: Na2 Al2 Si2 O8.KH2O + Ca⁺⁺→ 2Na⁺ + Ca Al2 Si2 O8.xH2O

Calgon’s Process:

In this method, sodium-hexa-meta-phosphate (NaPO₃)₆ known as Calgon is used. The hardness in water is removed by the adsorption of Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ ions.

⇒ Check: Difference between Adsorption and Absorption

Ion Exchange Resin Method:

In this method, the permanent hardness of water is removed by using resins. Ca⁺⁺/Mg⁺⁺ ions are exchanged with Cl^–, SO₄^-2 ions are exchanged with anion exchange resin (RNH₂OH). Demineralized water is formed in this process.

⇒ 2RCOOH + Ca⁺⁺ → (RCOO)2Ca + 2H⁺

⇒ RNH2OH + Cl^– → RNH2Cl + OH^–

⇒ H⁺ + OH^– → H2O

Harmful Effects of Hard Water

Some of the most common signs of hard water include:

• Linens and clothes look dull and feel rough.
• Ugly stains on white porcelain and scale buildup on faucets
• Low water pressure from showers due to clogged pipes.
• Chalky, white residue or spots appear on dishes.
• Strains appearing in the shower.