Hard Water in the Hill Country

Q: How often should I add salt to my water softener?

Usually every 6-8 weeks, depending on your water usage and the size of your softener. It's good to check the brine tank regularly.

Q: What's the difference between a softener and a conditioner?

A softener removes calcium and magnesium; a conditioner neutralizes them so they don't stick to surfaces but leaves them in the water.

What You Can Do About It

Published on May 8, 2025

Tired of Spots on Your Dishes and Crunchy Towels?

If you live in the Texas Hill Country, chances are you've got hard water running through your pipes. It's a common issue around here, thanks to all the limestone in our soil. That extra calcium and magnesium in the water might not hurt you, but it sure can do a number on your appliances, plumbing, and even your skin and hair.

Let’s break down what hard water really is and what you can do to make life a little easier.

What is Hard Water, Anyway?

Hard water is just water with high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals dissolve into groundwater as it flows through limestone and chalk deposits—which the Hill Country has plenty of.

While it's not dangerous to drink, hard water can cause all sorts of headaches like:

Spots and streaks on dishes and glassware
Soap scum in showers and sinks
Stiff, crunchy laundry (hello, scratchy towels)
Clogged pipes and reduced water flow
Scale buildup in appliances like water heaters and coffee makers

How Can You Tell If You Have Hard Water?

Most Hill Country folks do! But if you’re not sure, here are some telltale signs:

Soap doesn’t lather well
White scale buildup on faucets or showerheads
Dry skin and dull hair after bathing
Appliances breaking down sooner than expected

If you're nodding along, it's probably time to do something about it.

Solutions for Hard Water in the Hill Country

Here are a few ways to fight back against hard water:

Install a Water Softener - The gold standard. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water using salt or potassium. It’s the best way to protect your plumbing, appliances, and keep your skin and hair feeling great.
Consider a Salt-Free Conditioner - If you're not a fan of adding salt to your water, a salt-free conditioner (also called a descaler) can help prevent scale buildup. It doesn’t remove the minerals, but it keeps them from sticking to surfaces.
Use Spot Treatment Filters - For smaller issues, like spots on dishes, you can use a point-of-use filter under the sink or attach one to your showerhead. Not a full solution, but it helps in targeted areas.

Final Thoughts

Hard water might be a fact of life in the Texas Hill Country, but you don’t have to live with the downsides. Whether you go for a full water softener or just tackle specific spots, taking care of hard water helps protect your home and makes everyday life more comfortable.

Stick around for Part 5 of our Texas Hill Country Water Well Series, where we’ll cover the warning signs that your well system needs professional attention.