"Hard water" is water that contains high levels of calcium and / or magnesium. The presence of these minerals in high amounts can result in deposits, called scale, on appliances and fixtures and can adversely affect their performance over time. Hard water can also decrease the cleansing action of soaps and detergents we use in cleaning our dishes, clothing and in bathing by creating pasty films on surfaces instead of dissipating the soaps and detergents for optimal effectiveness. Depending on the level of minerals present in your water you may want to consider installing a water softening system in your home. Water softeners essentially eliminate calcium and magnesium through interaction with sodium through a process called ion exchange.