The Hidden Costs of Hard Water

Most homeowners don’t realize it, but they’re already paying for clean water — they just haven’t invested in a system that gives it to them. Hard water leads to a wide range of hidden expenses that add up quickly.

Increased Soap and Detergent Usage

Hard water doesn’t clean as well — period. That’s why households with untreated water often find themselves:

• Using up to 50% more soap, shampoo, and detergent

• Dealing with soap scum buildup in sinks, tubs, and showers

• Buying more cleaning products more often

Estimated Annual Savings: Up to $450/year just by switching to soft water.

Wear and Tear on Clothing and Household Textiles

Hard water leaves mineral residue behind on fabrics, causing:

• Towels and sheets to feel stiff and scratchy

• Clothing to fade, break down, and wear out faster

Estimated Annual Savings: Around $200/year by protecting your laundry and linens.

Appliance Efficiency and Lifespan

Hard water takes a toll on your home’s most important systems:

• Scale buildup inside water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines reduces efficiency by up to 48%

• Shortens appliance lifespan by 30–50%

• Increases energy usage and repair bills

Estimated Annual Savings: Roughly $300/year, plus longer-lasting appliances and fewer breakdowns.

Bottled Water Costs

Many families turn to bottled water due to poor-tasting or untrustworthy tap water. But over time:

• Bottled water costs add up fast

• A family of four can easily spend $600/year or more on bottled water alone

With a reverse osmosis system from Affordable Quality Water, you’ll have great-tasting, purified water on tap — no plastic bottles needed.