Water Hardness

Introduction

When water passes through or over mineral deposits such as limestone, the levels of certain ions present in the water increase greatly and cause the water to be classified as hard water. This term results from the fact that calcium or magnesium ions in water combine with soap molecules. This forms a sticky scum that interferes with soap action and makes it “hard” to get suds. Soft water, such as rainwater or melted snow, is mostly free of these ions. Soft water, when mixed with soap will form suds. A Conductivity Probe can be used to test for ions in water. Hard water, because of the ions it contains, gives a high conductivity reading. Soft water gives a low conductivity reading.

In Part I of this experiment, you will learn how to test water hardness and find the hardness of the tap water in your school. In Part II, you will plan and conduct a water hardness study.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use soap to find water hardness.
• Use a Conductivity Probe to find water hardness.
• Determine the hardness of the water in your school.
• Apply what you have learned as you conduct a water hardness study.