Hard water hits home

About 85% of homes in America suffer from hard water, though many may not know it and even more don't know where to start to fix it.

That’s the observation from Mortan Salt, makers of water softening salt and publishers of "Hard Facts about Hard Water," a report based on a recent survey of homeowners.

Morton Salt's new hard water study revealed:

• 92% of those surveyed deal with soap scum or water stains due to hard water;

• 66% of respondents felt a difference in showering with soft water;

• 52% reported softer skin and 39% reported "feeling cleaner" when showering with soft water;

• 63% had to replace an appliance or fixture due to hard water; and

• 66% said they were embarrassed at least once when houseguests see the effects of hard water in their home.

Morton Salt's study also found that one-third of hard water users at least sometimes needed to replace appliances or fixtures due to build-up from hard water.

While many Americans know hard water takes a toll on them and their homes, only 1-in-5 have taken action by having and using a water softening system, according to Morton Salt's new study.

Most hard water sufferers cite the high cost of a water softening system as the top reason for not purchasing one for the home (56%), followed by the perception that it is too difficult to maintain (25%).