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Most adults have learned that water can be soft or hard. They have learned, too, that there is a connection between total hardness and water quality. Hard water reduces the power of your soap. In fact, hard water is often detected by noting the amount of soap required to form lather. Hard water may build up in hot water pipes and appliances, producing scale.

Hard Water Defined

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts such as iron. The greater the amount of dissolved minerals in the water, the harder it is.

Total hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). If water contains less than 3.5 gpg, it is considered soft water. If it contains more than 7 gpg, it is considered hard water. The American Society of Engineers' water hardness classification table breaks it down this way.

* soft: 0 to 3.5 gpg 0 to 60 ppm

* Moderate: 3.6 to 7 gpg 61 to 120 ppm

* Hard: 7.1 to 10.5 gpg 121 to 180 ppm

* Very Hard: More than 10.5 gpg more than 180 ppm

Making the Connection

Total hardness and water quality are connected. Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, but it can cause problems.

One way in which total hardness and water quality are connected is the effect of such water on household plumbing. Total hardness means a build-up of scales inside pipes, especially those carrying hot water.

Total hardness and water quality are also connected in their effect on appliances that use water. Dishwashers and washing machines can decrease in cleaning and laundering ability. Water heaters can become less efficient. Refrigerators that dispense water can become clogged.

Aesthetically, total hardness and water quality are connected in those white, chalky deposits that accumulate on tubs, sinks, and cookware.

U.S. Water quality

According to the 1997 National Water quality Survey, 1 of 5 people surveyed in the U.S. is dissatisfied with the water quality in his or her home. This is related to the fact given by the U.S. Geological Survey: that 85 percent of the U.S. has hard water. Many people install water softeners in their homes to improve water quality.

Determining Water quality

You can have your water quality tested if you are moving into a new area or a new home. If you have been living in the same home for a while, you will know if your water is hard by looking for these 7 signs:

1. You have difficulty working up lather from a bar of soap.

2. Your soaps and detergents don't seem to clean well you have dingy laundry in spite of your efforts to get it clean.

3. In the shower or bath, your soap leaves a film on your body and hair you have dry skin and dull, limp hair.

4. You have to battle soap scum on bathtubs, shower tiles and doors, basins, and fixtures.

5. You see an increasing buildup of scale on your cookware such as tea kettle, coffee maker, and pasta pot. Your plumbing also contains scale.

6. Clogged pipes or appliances mean that water flow is reduced.

7. Your water heating costs are increasing due to scale buildup and mineral deposits, and you have to replace hot water heating elements more often.

Improving Water quality

Treatment can improve water quality. You may use electromagnetic water conditioners, water filters, or water softeners.

Electromagnetic water conditioners improve water quality by sending water through a magnetic field. As the water passes between the magnets, its calcium and magnesium ions lose their scale-causing properties. Studies show that this relatively new invention does not technically soften water, but water quality is improved in that it no longer causes buildup of scales. Clothing also lasts longer, which is a definite increase in water quality.

Water filters are a second option for improving water quality, especially drinking water. Water filters can provide healthy drinking water by removing chlorine and other contaminants contained in water. Water filters can soften water, but they will not prevent scale buildup in pipes and water heaters.

Water softeners are a common way of improving water quality, and come in two types: chemical and mechanical. The water produced by chemical water softeners is not acceptable drinking water. Packaged chemicals are added directly to improve water quality in laundering and bathing, and are effective both in protecting clothing and guarding against dry skin and hair. Mechanical water softeners installed in your home will replace dissolved calcium and magnesium salts with sodium. This water is also not acceptable for drinking, especially by those who have hypertension. The water quality is greatly improved, however, for other uses. Lime scale is prevented; water heaters function efficiently; and laundered clothing is both cleaner and longer-lasting.

soft Water

On the other end of the spectrum, total hardness and water quality are a benefit when that hardness level is below 3.5 gpg or 60 ppm. soft water allows you to use less shampoo and soap, yet have shinier hair and softer skin. Soft water requires less soap or detergent in shower, laundry, kitchen, and household cleaning chores. It helps close look cleaner and last longer. It keeps water-using appliances and plumbing from wearing out as fast. soft water keeps dishes and eating utensils spot-free, and extends the life of tea kettles and other cookware. soft water reduces cleaning time by eliminating soap scum and buildup of scales.

Total hardness and water quality are closely connected, and you may find it worthwhile to use a water treatment system to improve your water quality especially your drinking water.

2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about water quality at http://www.healthydrinkingwaterblog.com Anna has also posted information on that site about salt water. If you want to learn why you should not drink water softened with sodium, you wont want to miss her article on that subject.

Jerry and Sue were busy with their hectic work schedule, so they decided to hire a nanny to take care of their baby girl. When they met a 42-year-old mother of two, named Kara, they thought their prayers had been answered. After interviewing a dozen candidates, they finally found a nanny they really liked. Gradually, as the weeks went by though, the parents noticed certain changes in their daughters' behavior. Although she seemed healthy, she developed certain peculiarities that made her parents suspicious.

Jerry and Sue purchased a hidden camera disguised as a stuffed animal that they placed on a shelf in their daughter's room. When they came home from work at the end of the day, they played the video and were horrified at what they saw. They discovered that their trusted nanny Kara had been shaking their little girl to quiet her down when she cried aloud.

They immediately fired the nanny and called the police who later arrested Kara for endangering the welfare of a child.

Unfortunately, this story is all too common these days. Three other stories that I read about in the news while researching this article were as follows,

New York - A nanny who police said slapped, kicked and smothered a 10-month-old girl with a toy to make her stop crying was arrested this week after an enraged father watched the abuse on a newly installed "nanny cam."

Los Angeles A nanny was arrested and charged with two counts of risk of injury to a minor after she was observed on videotape hitting, slamming and jerking two 10-month-old twins (1 boy and 1 girl) while they were in her care.

Vermont A nanny was arrested after being viewed on videotape dropping an 11-month-old boy from a height of three feet above the ground onto a pillow after becoming upset because the youngster wouldnt eat. This caregiver was also viewed throwing the boy again, kicking him, picking him up by his right arm and throwing him back down again.

These are just some of the disturbing news stories I read while researching this article. In all of these cases, the children were checked out by pediatricians and found to have no serious long-term injuries. (Thank God)

Sadly, some of the other stories I researched did not have the same happy ending.

Its not easy for a parent to leave his or her child with someone else for the first time, and news stories like these dont make it any easier. Everyone wants peace of mind when they choose a childcare provider. Generally speaking, most parents feel uncomfortable and a little guilty about leaving their children in the first place. You should do whatever you can do to eliminate some of the concern. A hidden nanny camera can give you the peace of mind youre looking for and make it easier to leave your children with someone else.

There are many genuinely caring nannies in this world, but how can you tell if the stranger youve let into your home is one of the good ones? Covert camera technology makes it possible to make sure your child is getting proper care.

The hidden camera is available in many different forms. It could be the clock on the wall in the babys bedroom, a teddy bear on the shelf, or even the VCR or table lamp in the living room. They are easy to install, and can be either wired or wireless depending on your situation. If you are considering purchasing a hidden nanny cam, take the time to do a little research and determine the best one for you. Then decide whether or not you should tell your caregiver that there is a nanny cam in the house somewhere.

While it is perfectly legal to use a hidden nanny cam to keep watch over the nanny without her knowledge, should a nanny find out that shes being monitored and recorded without her knowledge; you may run the risk of losing a valuable employee. Studies and polls show that most honest nannies are not against the use of video surveillance, just the use of it in secret. If you monitor them in secret and they find out, then any bond of trust between you and your nanny could be instantly broken.

On the other hand, if you tell them that the nanny cams are not there just to monitor her, but they are there for general home security, then she will feel that you trust her, because you told her. And as a bonus, if she knows shes being video taped, any temptation to lash out at your child may be held in check, even on her most frustrating of days.

When hiring a nanny, parents should complete a background check, which included the persons criminal, employee and workers compensation history as well as licensing verification. But sometimes a check still does not guarantee the children are free from abuse. Parents should try to spend time with a prospective caregiver and observe them in a discreet way. Families should interview the person themselves, not relying solely on the placing agency.

The most important thing is for a parent to know their child and to pick up on clues that something might be wrong, such as a normally energetic child suddenly becoming lethargic or you find unexplained bruises and scratches. Another key sign that something might be wrong is if your child starts to become overly anxious when its time for you to leave them with the caregiver.

Hidden cameras can be used for many other reasons than just childcare. The devices can be used while your home is being cleaned, for security reasons, or just to keep an eye on things when youre not there. However, spy shops indicate the leading reason continues to be to monitor care providers. I personally have noticed a 20% increase in the purchase of hidden cameras over the last two years. While this is good for my business, Im not sure what it says about our society.

Steven Rubin is the owner of North American Security Products, LLC. A company dedicated to providing you with the means to protect and defend yourself against crime.