If you notice chalky, white residue on fixtures, in sinks, and inside appliances, you are probably dealing with hard water. Hard water is water that has a high content of calcium and magnesium. Although hard water is not harmful to drink, it can have some negative effects. Hard water can cause scale buildup which can reduce the lifespan of appliances. It can also make soaps and detergents less effective and create more soap scum. Washing with hard water can also leave you with dry, itchy skin and greasy feeling hair. To reduce water hardness, a water softener can be installed. It removes calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium or potassium ions, making the water softer.