|  | Family Health | Health Care

The Effects of the Cation Ion Content in Water

In the microscopic world of science, some actions and reactions escape the naked eye. An ion is an atom or molecule charged with positive or negative energy. A cation is an atom that has a positive charge because it has protons or positive energy. Sodium, calcium and magnesium are examples of cations. When these elements dissolve in water, they change the water's makeup, affecting how that water interacts with other molecules.

  1. Limescale Buildup

    • Calcium or magnesium are cations that can cause water to be hard. Hard water is water with a high mineral content. A build-up of these minerals can cause limescale, a chalky off-white mineral deposit. The limescale deposits layers of the minerals on the pipes and cause a build up. Over time this build up can decrease the efficiency of the flow of water through a pipe and may require pipe replacement. Limescale can increase energy bills up to 25 percent.

    Laundry and Soap Interference

    • Cations in water interfere with the ability for detergents and soaps to work effectively. Laundry detergent removes dirt in an ion exchange process whereby dirt attaches to the detergent washes away in a rinse cycle. If cations arein the water, the cations will attach to the detergent ,interfering with the dirt. The effects of the detergent will lessen. Cations also interfere with the ability for soap to lather and the soap's ability to clean decreases.

    Pipe Corrosion

    • Salts and other chemicals dissolve into water, causing water to become corrosive. The chemistry and characteristics of the water will affect the corrosion of pipes. This can cause a buildup of rust, which will eat away at the pipe and eventually require pipe replacement.

    Hard Water Health Benefits

    • Hard water has its benefits. It is not a health hazard. In fact, calcium and magnesium in hard water can contribute to human dietary needs. When dissolved, calcium and magnesium contents in water are very high, and water can be a major contributor for magnesium and calcium in the diet. Leaving calcium and magnesium in water, but altering the water with magnetic water conditioners, is ideal. This maintains the health benefits of the water and removes the limescale buildup.

Health Care - Related Articles