Hardness in water is a measure of what?

Hardness in water primarily measures the concentration of scale-forming minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium ions. When water contains these minerals in significant amounts, it can lead to issues such as scale buildup in pipes and boilers. This kind of buildup can diminish efficiency and, over time, cause damage to equipment.

Water hardness is often categorized into temporary hardness, primarily due to bicarbonate minerals which can precipitate when heated, and permanent hardness, associated with sulfate and chloride salts that do not precipitate upon heating. Understanding hardness is crucial for managing water quality in steam systems, as it has direct implications for maintenance, safety, and operating costs.