What is calcium and water hardness?
1. Water hardness is the state or quality of being hard caused by various dissolved salts of calcium, magnesium, or iron. 2. Calcium (Ca2+) is one of the major inorganic cations, or positive ions, in saltwater and freshwater. It originates from the dissociation of salts, such as calcium chloride or calcium sulfate, in water. What factors influence the amount of calcium and water hardness in your watershed? 1. Various dissolved salts of calcium, magnesium, or iron in the river cause water hardness. 2. Calcium and magnesium enter the water mainly by leaching of rocks. Most calcium in surface waters come from streams flowing over limestone, dolomite, gypsum, and other calcium-containing rocks and minerals. What is the optimal amount of calcium and water hardness in a watershed? 1. The range of water hardness can range from 0-100 grains per gallon. 2. 10 grains per gallon is considered very hard water. 3. Water with calcium levels of 10 mg/L or less are usually oligotrophic, and can suppor
