Hard water vs soft water

Hard water is water that contains higher levels of dissolved minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium). Soft water has fewer of these minerals, either naturally or due to treatment.

What does that really mean?

Those minerals in hard water can build up inside your kettle, affect how well your soap lathers, and even change the taste of your water. Soft water feels gentler on your skin and is often kinder to appliances – but it’s not always perfect either.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences.

Hard Water vs Soft Water

Knowing whether your water is hard or soft can help you protect your appliances, look after your skin, and even get more flavour out of your tea.

So, how do you find out what’s coming through your tap?

How to know if your water is hard or soft

There are a few ways to find out. The most accurate is to use a water hardness test kit or test strips, which are easy to order online. These detect the level of minerals in your water and give you a quick answer in parts per million (ppm). According to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, anything over 200 mg/L of calcium carbonate is considered hard.

But there are also simple clues you can look for around the house.

• Struggling to get soap to lather? It could be hard water.
• Noticing white scale in your kettle or around your tap? That’s limescale – left behind by hard water.
• Does your skin feel dry after showering? Hard water might be the reason.

You probably don’t have a testing kit on hand right now. Geography gives us good clues, too. Here's a quick guide based on where you live.

Health impacts of soft water vs hard water

Hard water isn’t unhealthy

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium — both are minerals your body needs. According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines for drinking water quality, drinking hard water can help contribute to your daily intake. So it’s not harmful at all.

But it can be harsh on your skin and hair. According to Healthline, some people find it worsens eczema or leaves skin feeling dry. It can also leave a film on your hair and scalp that’s hard to rinse away.

Soft water is gentler – but watch the sodium

Naturally soft water is absolutely safe to drink. But if your home has a water-softening system that uses sodium, that’s worth knowing. It can increase the salt content slightly, which isn’t ideal if you're on a low-sodium diet or mixing baby formula.

So which is healthier? Let’s be clear: they’re both healthy and safe. But soft water often feels better, especially on your skin.

Which tastes better – hard water or soft water?

This one is surprisingly personal.

Hard water has a fuller, sometimes chalky flavour (especially if it’s high in magnesium). Some people prefer it. But others find it gives tea or coffee a dull or flat taste.

Soft water is smoother, but it can also taste slightly flat if you’re used to mineral-rich water. Filtered soft water strikes a nice balance – clear flavour, clean finish.

And if you’re a coffee lover, soft or filtered water is your friend. It brings out more nuance in the flavour.

How to control water hardness in your home

If you’ve got hard water, the good news is you can do something about it. And you don’t have to overhaul your entire plumbing system to make a difference.

The most comprehensive fix is a water softener. Water softening systems are usually installed at the point where water enters your home, and they replace hard minerals with sodium or potassium. But while they're great for your plumbing, it's not always the best option for drinking water, especially if you're on a low-sodium diet.

For most people, it’s about picking your battles. Descaling products are a handy way to deal with mineral build-up in your kettle or coffee machine. You can also clean taps and shower heads with vinegar to remove scale naturally. These are quick wins – especially if you stay on top of them.

Then there’s filtration. A good water filter can reduce hardness, improve taste, and protect your appliances all at once. It won’t soften your water entirely, but it makes a noticeable difference. And it’s an easy upgrade if you're not ready to commit to a full softening system.

One more thing to consider? Bottled water. If you’ve been reaching for it to avoid the taste of your tap water, there’s a better way. A filtered system gives you the same crisp, clean taste – without the cost or plastic waste.

FAQ: Hard water vs soft water

Is water in Australia hard or soft?

It depends on where you live. Perth and Adelaide have very hard water. Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra have soft water. Sydney and Brisbane vary depending on the suburb.

How do you know if your water is hard or soft?

Look for white scale on appliances or around your taps, poor lathering soap, or dry skin after washing. You can also check your provider’s website or use a water hardness test kit.

What is better, hard or soft water?

Both are safe. Hard water has helpful minerals but can damage appliances over time. Soft water is better for your skin, easier on your plumbing, and often better for coffee and tea.

Now you know about hard vs soft water, let’s take a look at sparkling water. Learn what’s so special about sparkling water or read our guide to the benefits of sparkling water.