What Is Hard Water—and Why Should You Care?

If you’ve ever noticed cloudy spots on your dishes, scratchy clothes after doing laundry, or dry skin no matter how much lotion you use, there’s a good chance your home has hard water. It’s a common problem here in Minnesota—and we’ve been helping folks tackle it since 1947.

But what exactly is hard water, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down, neighbor to neighbor.

First Things First: What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that’s rich in minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium. Now, those minerals aren’t harmful to your health (so no worries there), but they can cause a whole bunch of headaches around the house.

You might not always see hard water, but you can definitely feel it. It makes soap less sudsy, leaves behind chalky buildup, and can be tough on everything from your appliances to your hair.

The Hard Truth: Signs You Have Hard Water

Hard water loves to leave its mark. Here are a few signs you might be dealing with it:

• Spotted glasses that look like they’ve been through a dust storm.
• Soap that doesn’t lather—you’re using more and getting less clean.
• Dry, itchy skin and flat hair (no, it’s not just winter).
• White crusty buildup on faucets and showerheads.
• Dingy laundry that feels rough, no matter what detergent you use.
• Frequent appliance repairs (especially with your water heater).

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. About 85% of U.S. households have hard water—and Minnesota is no exception.

Why Does Hard Water Matter?

We get it—this might sound like one of those “not a big deal” issues. But over time, hard water can do more damage (and cost you more money) than you think.

Here’s why:

🛠 It’s Tough on Appliances
Hard water causes mineral buildup inside your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and more. That buildup forces them to work harder—and wear out faster.

💸 It Raises Your Utility Bills
Mineral deposits act like insulation inside your pipes and heater. That means your system needs more energy to do the same job. More energy = higher bills.

🧺 It Makes Cleaning a Chore
From extra soap scum in the tub to dull laundry, hard water makes it harder to clean—and you end up using more detergent, shampoo, and elbow grease to get the same results.

The Fix: Water Softeners Made for Minnesota Homes

Here’s the good news: hard water isn’t something you have to live with. A water softener removes those problem-causing minerals, giving you cleaner, softer water throughout your entire home.

At Commers Water, we’ve been designing and installing water softeners specifically for Minnesota water for over 75 years. Our systems are:

• Efficient: Use less salt and water than most.
• Custom-Built: Designed for your home’s unique water needs.
• Long-Lasting: Built right here and built to last.

And we don’t just sell you a system and wish you luck. We walk you through it, install it right, and stick around to support you however you need—whether that’s routine maintenance, salt delivery, or a friendly check-in.

“So… Is It Worth It?”

We hear that question all the time. And honestly? The answer is almost always yes.

Switching to soft water means:

✅ Longer-lasting appliances
✅ Cleaner dishes and clothes
✅ Softer skin and hair
✅ Lower energy and maintenance bills
✅ Less time cleaning up soap scum and scale

It’s better water—made easy. And that’s what we’re all about.

Why Trust Commers?

We’ve been Minnesota’s water experts since 1947. This is our home too, and we treat your water like we’d treat our own.

No pressure. No pushy sales. Just honest help and solutions that make sense.

When you work with us, you get:

• A local team that knows Minnesota water inside and out
• Custom water softeners and drinking water systems
• Clear, simple answers to all your water questions
• Friendly service—always with a smile

We’re proud to be family-owned, Minnesota-based, and still guided by the same values John Commers had when he started the company: treat people right, do quality work, and never stop learning.

Let’s Fix Your Water—Together

Hard water doesn’t have to be your normal. Whether you’re just curious or ready to make a change, we’re here to help.

Stop by, give us a call, or book your free water test today. We’ll walk through your options, explain everything in plain language, and help you find a solution that actually fits your life.

Because when it comes to water—you deserve the good stuff.

Commers Water. Better water, made easy.