Water supply changed to hard water

ec_pc

Recently I noticed a build up of a limescale type substance in the kettle and a few other tell tale signs like white marks on taps when water dries and also sticking pop up plugs in the sinks which are only about 18 months old. Plumber and bathroom place both said these are classic signs of hard water. This has only started happening in the last few weeks so there must be a change to the supply or mix coming from Irish Water.

I got the water tested this morning at very reputable company and it came back at 380 ppm which is classifed as 'very hard' and came with a recommendation to get a treatment system installed. Advice was a 20 litre system for a 5 person house for approx €800 and then I need a plumber to fit. Obviously disappointed that I have to use this system having come from living in a house with a well and treatment system for 16 years. Just another thing to look after etc.

Just wondering what peoples experiences are dealing with hard water. I am resigned to getting it in to protect the house and appliances. Should I get a 2nd opinion? (I doubt the advice / analysis is wrong or off in any way). Also a bit annoyed that the water has changed, but I know it's not even worth trying to engage with IW.

Roadtoad

Where is your water from? Liffey, Shannon, Lee, group scheme etc.

Is it blended (like IW are doing to improve the Barrow at the expense of the Liffey traditional area?

L1011

The companies that do the testing exist to tell you you need to buy something from them, so whoever you get is going to tell you you need to buy something.

However, 380 is high. Its about twice what I have here, for which I do absolutely nothing - well, make sure to actually use dishwasher salt, a detergent tablet, "all in one" or not, won't recharge the ion exchanger in the dishwasher.

It would be worth checking with IW as to whether the supply change is temporary or permanent.

ec_pc

I am in South Kildare, it's not the undrinkable smelly Barrow water we have, I was told it comes from Poulaphouca but that's not confirmed. Need to check the source. Definitely a recent change and have been on to local representatives as the Barrow water is a big issue here.

Damien360

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118076687#Comment_118076687

I’m in Newbridge so I’m guessing when you say South Kildare, you are not too far away.

We were all on Poulaphpoucha supply which was very good and drinkable until about 3 (?) years ago. We are now on Barrow supply. We have to now buy water in Lidl as the tap stuff is not drinkable. Smell of chlorine and foul taste. Very high chalk taste. Brita filter is required in a jug to drink tap water. It’s definitely harder water than previous supply but it’s not leaving too much residue that it becomes a problem. Will see how long white goods last.

Any local building works (new estates) has a immediate effect on the colour in our area. Very brown. Usually gone after 3 days after they finish connecting.

We priced a external water treatment system from Glengorey pumps in toughers industrial estate. He told us to sit tight until the council/Irish water complete all the works on supply and then make our decision as it was impossible to specify the correct system until the water was “stable”.