Hardness is a term used to describe the high level of calcium and magnesium in the water. Excessive hardness can cause scale (white deposits) to be deposited on boilers, pipelines, faucet aerators and shower heads. Hard water also requires the use of large amounts of laundry soap to achieve the desired results. Soft water is either water that is low in calcium or magnesium or water that has been treated with a softener.

No – the District does not add softeners to the water. The water provided to The Preserve & Frisco Ranch is ground water that is pumped directly from an aquifer right below the neighborhood!

If you would like to know more about what is in the water, please review the CCR (Consumer Confidence Report). For any questions pertaining to the water quality, please contact Jason Cork (District water operator) at 214-773-6013 or fill out an online form here

The two most common causes of white residue on dishes and household plumbing fixtures are water hardness or problems with home water heaters. Hardness in water is made up primarily of two elements: calcium and magnesium.

Both naturally exist in groundwater and surface water supplies. Periods of low precipitation can cause hardness levels to increase for short periods of time. These levels usually decrease after rainfall or snowmelt due to dilution in the raw water sources.

Calcium is a silver-gray mineral that changes to white when it interacts with water and accumulates on metallic surfaces, like faucets and drains. Limited amounts of calcium are found in most household water sources bu you can find larger quantities in hard water. Calcium deposits form buildup on faucets that you can remove using specially formulated household cleaners, gentle abrasives and scrubbers.

Mineral deposits can leave white residue on bathroom and kitchen faucets. Salt, sodium and chlorine can adhere to metallic faucets and leave behind a chalky residue. Sometimes the white buildup can have a slightly tan or brown coloration signifying that mineral deposits such as iron and copper are present. Scrub these mineral deposits away with cleaners or gentle abrasives.

Lime deposits are often found in conjunction with calcium deposits on sink, bathtub and toilet faucets. Lime attaches to hardware that is exposed to water and moisture. When lime and calcium are both present, the buildup on faucets has both a white and green apperance. Some household cleaners are specifically designed to treat lime and calcium at the same time.

Collect some of the white flakes and try dissolving them in vinegar. If the material is calcium carbonate (hardness) it will foam and dissolve when it comes into contact with the vinegar. If the material does not dissolve, the problem might be the result of a faulty dip tube in your hot water heater.

In addition, dip tube particles will float while hard water mineral buildup will usually sink. White particles, which are calcium carbonate, can also be easily crushed into a powder when rubbed between your fingers. Particles that are present due to dip tube problems will not crush when subjected to moderate pressure.