So Fresh Wide Bay

What is Hard Water? Hardness, Safety and Hard Water Vs Soft Water!

Thu, 28 May 2026 23:29:25 GMT

Most people don’t think much about their water until something changes. Maybe your kettle starts building up white residue, your shower screen becomes harder to clean or your drinking water tastes a little different than usual. These are often signs of hard water, a common issue in many homes and businesses across Australia.

Water quality can affect everything from household appliances to plumbing systems and even the way soap and shampoo perform. Understanding the difference between hard water and soft water can help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions about their drinking water , appliances and filtration systems.

Understanding What Hard Water Means

Hard water contains naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, collected as water moves through soil and rock underground. These minerals are not harmful to drink, but they can affect the performance of plumbing fixtures, appliances and cleaning products over time.

Water hardness levels vary depending on the local water source and surrounding geology. Some areas naturally contain higher mineral concentrations, while others have softer water with lower mineral content.

Common signs of hard water include:

• White residue on taps, kettles and shower screens

• Soap that doesn’t lather easily

• Dry skin or hair after washing

• Stiff laundry after washing

• Reduced efficiency in hot water systems

Hard water is extremely common throughout Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas where groundwater supplies are widely used.

What Causes Water Hardness?

Water becomes hard when it absorbs minerals while travelling through limestone, chalk or other mineral-rich underground formations. The longer water remains in contact with these materials, the higher the mineral concentration may become.

Groundwater sources often contain more minerals than surface water supplies because the water spends more time underground collecting dissolved calcium and magnesium. Seasonal weather conditions, rainfall and local geology can also influence mineral levels.

Factors contributing to hard water include:

• Underground mineral deposits

• Bore water usage

• Regional geology

• Natural groundwater movement

• Water storage conditions

Although hard water occurs naturally, treatment and filtration systems can help reduce mineral content where necessary.

Is Hard Water Safe to Drink?

Hard water is generally considered safe for drinking. In fact, calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that support normal body function. Many people regularly consume hard water without experiencing health concerns.

The main issues associated with hard water are usually related to household maintenance rather than safety. Mineral build-up can shorten the lifespan of appliances, reduce plumbing efficiency and create extra cleaning requirements around the home or workplace.

While hard water is typically safe, some people may notice:

• A slightly different taste

• Mineral residue in appliances

• Reduced soap effectiveness

• Increased scale build-up in pipes

People with specific medical concerns or specialised water requirements may still choose filtered or purified water for taste and convenience reasons.

Hard Water Vs Soft Water

The main difference between hard water and soft water comes down to mineral content. Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, while soft water has lower mineral concentrations.

Soft water is often treated through filtration or water softening systems designed to reduce mineral content before use. This can improve appliance efficiency, reduce scale build-up and create a smoother washing experience.

Hard water characteristics:

• Higher mineral content

• More scale build-up

• Reduced soap lathering

• Common in groundwater supplies

Soft water characteristics:

• Lower mineral content

• Easier cleaning and washing

• Reduced appliance scaling

• Softer feel on skin and hair

Both types of water are commonly used throughout Australia depending on local supply conditions and household preferences.

How Hard Water Affects Household Appliances

Mineral build-up from hard water can gradually affect household appliances that regularly heat or store water. Kettles, coffee machines, dishwashers and hot water systems are particularly prone to scale accumulation over time.

As mineral deposits build up, appliances may become less energy efficient and require more maintenance. Plumbing fixtures and pipes can also experience gradual restriction from internal scale deposits.

Appliances commonly affected include:

• Hot water systems

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

• Coffee machines

• Kettles and taps

Regular cleaning and water filtration can help minimise the long-term impact of hard water on household equipment.

Does Hard Water Affect Skin and Hair?

Some people notice changes in their skin and hair when washing with hard water regularly. Minerals in the water can make it more difficult for soap, shampoo and body wash to rinse away completely, sometimes leaving residue behind.

This may contribute to:

• Dry skin

• Dull hair appearance

• Soap residue after washing

• Increased product usage

People with sensitive skin may notice these effects more than others. Water filtration systems and purified drinking water solutions are often used to improve overall water quality within homes and workplaces.

Why Water Filtration Matters

Water filtration plays an important role in improving taste, reducing impurities and helping create cleaner drinking water for homes and businesses. Different filtration systems target different water concerns, including sediment, bacteria, chlorine and mineral content.

Advanced purification systems such as reverse osmosis and UV filtration are commonly used to help improve water quality while maintaining a fresh, clean taste.

Benefits of water filtration may include:

• Improved water taste

• Reduced impurities and contaminants

• Cleaner drinking water

• Less scale build-up

• Better appliance performance

Choosing the right filtration solution depends on water quality, household usage and individual preferences.

Choosing the Right Water Solution

Every property has different water needs depending on household size, workplace usage and local water quality conditions. Some people prefer bottled spring water for convenience and taste, while others choose water coolers or filtration systems for everyday access to purified drinking water.

Reliable water delivery services can also help reduce the inconvenience of carrying heavy bottles or constantly purchasing packaged water from stores. Flexible supply options make it easier for homes and businesses to maintain consistent access to fresh drinking water throughout the year.

When choosing a water solution, it helps to consider:

• Household or workplace usage

• Water quality concerns

• Appliance maintenance requirements

• Convenience and delivery options

• Filtration preferences

Understanding how hard water affects daily life can help households and businesses choose practical hydration solutions suited to their needs.

Staying Stocked With Fresh Drinking Water

Water quality affects more than just taste. From mineral build-up and appliance maintenance through to everyday convenience, understanding the difference between hard water and soft water can help people make more informed decisions about their drinking water and filtration needs.

At So Fresh Wide Bay, we supply locally sourced spring water, bottled water and water cooler solutions throughout Bundaberg and surrounding areas. Whether you need fresh drinking water for your home, workplace or commercial property, our team can help you find a convenient hydration solution suited to your needs. Contact us today to organise reliable water delivery and fresh spring water supply across the Wide Bay region.

What is the Water Percentage of the Human Body?

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:06:00 GMT

The post What is the Water Percentage of the Human Body? appeared first on So Fresh Wide Bay .

We’re told to drink at least two litres of water a day to remain healthy. And for good reason—most of our bodies are made of water, and without it, our temperature would shoot upwards, our joints would go unlubricated, and our organs would quickly break down, among other things.

So water is crucial for our survival. Humans are made up of roughly 60% water 1, which can vary dramatically from 45% to 78% depending on our age, sex, body fat percentage, and hydration levels.

Let’s break these down, starting with sex.

Water Percentage for Males and Females

Body water percentage differs slightly for men and women. Men are about 60% water, and women about 55%. This is due to the differences in body fat between men and women. Men tend to have more lean muscle and women more fatty tissue, and because fat contains less water than muscle, women tend to have a lower water percentage in their bodies.

A higher body water percentage can lead to higher energy, increased strength, and a more effective immune system. That’s why resistance training is great for both men and women.

Water Percentage by Body Fat

As mentioned above, lean muscle holds more water than fat, so the more muscular you are, the higher your body’s water percentage will be. This is one of many reasons why going to the gym and strengthening your muscles is so good for you.

Water Percentage by Age

Babies tend to have a water percentage of around 65% (although this can reach as high as 78%). This allows them to maintain their fluid equilibrium more effectively. By the time we reach a year, our water percentage hits the adult average of around 60%.

Elderly people end up being around roughly 50% water, which can dip as low as 45%. Again, the reason for this is muscle mass—we lose muscle as we age, and so we also hold less water in our bodies.

Water Percentage by Hydration Level

Obvious as it sounds, the more water you drink, the higher your body water percentage will be. If you lose between 2 to 3% of your body water, you’ll start to feel thirsty and will probably reach for the water jug.

What you eat makes a difference too. Salty and sugary foods are fine in moderation, but they will reduce your body’s water percentage, especially if you don’t drink enough water.

Water Percentage by Sex and Age

Male

12 to 18 years – 59%

19 to 50 years – 59%

Over 51 years 56%

Female

12 to 18 years: 56%

19 to 50 years: 50%

Over 51 years: 47%

Where is Water Stored in the Body?

About two-thirds of the body’s water is stored inside the cells (intracellular fluid), and the rest is stored outside the cells (extracellular fluid). The water outside includes the space between cells (also called “interstitial” fluid), as well as your blood plasma, which is a whopping 90% water.

Water percentage varies by organ too. Here’s a breakdown of water percentage by body part:

Lungs: 83%
Brain: 80%
Heart: 75 to 80%
Kidneys: 79%
Muscles: 70 to 75%
Liver: 70 to 75%
Skin: 64%
Blood: 50%
Bones: 31%

How is Body Water Percentage Measured?

The amount of water in your body is called your total body water, and can be measured through methods such as dilution, hydrometry, or something called the Watson Formula.

References

Ohashi, Yashushi, Ken Sakai, Hiroki Hase, and Nobuhiko Joki, 2018, “ DRY WEIGHT TARGETING: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CONVENTIONAL HEMODIALYSIS .” Seminars in Dialysis

What is Tonic Water? Is it Good or Bad for You?

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:01:00 GMT

There’s so many different TYPES OF WATER , it can be hard figuring out what’s good or bad for you. Tonic water is one such variety. Despite having “water” in its title, tonic water is actually more of a soft drink than anything else, so it’s important to know the ingredients and amount of calories you’re consuming when you pour yourself another gin and tonic.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of tonic water, including what it is, whether it’s good for you, how many calories it contains, and some differences to regular old soda water. Let’s jump in.

WHAT IS TONIC WATER?

Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that contains quinine, sugar, and other ingredients. It has a bitter sweet taste and usually feels drier than regular soda water.

Quinine is the main ingredient for tonic water. It’s a compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree found in South America. The drink was first created in the 19th century by British officials in India, who wanted a quinine-based drink that would help to combat malaria. That’s why tonic water is also known as Indian tonic water. Today, there’s much less quinine in commercial tonic water (about 83 mg per litre1) but it remains the reason for its bitter taste.

Tonic water also tends to contain sugar, and a lot of it (skip to the “is tonic water good for you” section for more information). Other ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer. You can find more traditional varieties of tonic water with fewer ingredients, and also varieties that include citrus peels or oils, and other plants like cinnamon, elderflower, lavender, lemongrass, thyme, vanilla, hibiscus and honeybush.

Tonic water is perhaps most famous for being combined with gin, to make gin and tonic. This was first practised in India as a way to make tonic water more palatable, and it quickly caught on.

IS TONIC WATER GOOD FOR YOU?

Tonic water is an unhealthy drink. It has little nutritional value, and because many brands include high fructose corn syrup, it can actually be extremely unhealthy.

Take one of the original creators of commercial tonic water—Schweppes. Their Indian Tonic Water product contains 21.5 grams of sugar per 250ml serving2, which is a standard sized glass. That’s roughly five teaspoons of sugar, or about half the amount of sugar in a can of Coca-Cola. Tonic water made by Fever-Tree is a little better—roughly 14.2 grams of sugar per 200ml serving—but that’s still a lot of sugar to consume in one drink3.

So—don’t be fooled by “water” being in the title—tonic water could be easily labelled as a soft drink rather than a type of water. There’s obviously nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time, but you may want to take note of the number of calories included for the brand of tonic water you’re consuming, especially if you’re struggling with weight issues. This problem is multiplied if you’re mixing the tonic water with gin or another spirit, because alcohol is notorious for making people gain weight.

Some people drink tonic water to help with restless legs syndrome, but it doesn’t contain anywhere near enough quinine to help. The American FDA actually warns against taking quinine tablets for restless legs syndrome because it increase your risk of bleeding, and disturbances to your heart’s rhythm1.

It’s also worth noting that you can purchase diet or “lite” tonic water that has a much lower sugar content, or no sugar at all. This is obviously a much healthier alternative, especially if you’re trying to keep your weight down. It’s also a much better option for diabetics.

THE NUMBER OF CALORIES IN TONIC WATER

Based on an average of three common brands, there’s about 85 calories in a standard serving of tonic water (357 kilojoules). For a gin and tonic, you can expect somewhere between 125 to 200 calories, depending on the products being used.

Here’s the breakdown of the number of calories for the common brands (Calories / Kilojoules per 250ml serving):

Schweppes Indian Tonic Water: 92 cal / 388kJ
Fever-Tree Tonic Water: 72 cal / 302kJ
Cascade Tonic Water: 91 cal / 382kJ

TONIC WATER VS SODA WATER

Tonic water is a fizzy drink that contains quinine, sugar, and sometimes additional flavourings. Soda water is usually just regular spring water that has been carbonated, and doesn’t contain any of the additional unhealthy ingredients found in tonic water. Other minerals like sodium may be added to soda water, which can actually make it healthier (although this depends on the product).

Because of the differences in ingredients, tonic water and soda water taste completely different. The quinine and sugar found in tonic water gives it a more bitter and sweeter taste compared to soda water, which usually tastes like regular old fizzy water, or water that is a little more “earthy” due to the minerals included.

As with tonic water, soda water can come in different flavoured varieties, which affects the taste and number of calories. So if you’re trying to be conscious of your health, be sure to read the label before purchasing, paying particular attention to the total number of calories or kilojoules, and the amount of sugar.

CAN PREGNANT LADIES DRINK TONIC WATER?

Pregnant women should not drink tonic water because it contains quinine, which has shown to create adverse effects for newborn babies. These effects have only been witnessed in one single study, so much more research is needed to provide conclusive evidence. However, for the time being, it’s recommended for pregnant women to avoid tonic water or any other bitter-tasting drink that contains quinine4.

IS TONIC WATER BAD FOR HEARTBURN?

Heartburn or acid reflux can be made worse by consuming carbonated drinks such as tonic water. This is caused by the bubbles in these drinks, which expand the stomach and can push its acid upwards towards the food pipe, causing indigestion and reflux.

If you’re looking for a drink to soothe heartburn, you can try herbal teas that contain licorice, ginger, or chamomile. Alkaline water is also thought to help.

DOES TONIC WATER HAVE LOTS OF CARBS?

On average, tonic water contains about 22 grams of carbs per 250ml serving. Almost all of this comes from its high sugar content, so as mentioned previously, you’ll need to keep an eye on how many tonic waters you’re consuming, especially if you’re combining them with gin.

References

2019, WILL TONIC WATER PREVENT NIGHTTIME LEG CRAMPS? , Harvard Health
SCHWEPPES INDIAN TONIC WATER 1.1L , Woolworths
FEVER-TREE PREMIUM INDIAN TONIC WATER 200ML X4 PACK , Woolworths
BFR: PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF QUININE-CONTAINING BEVERAGES , BfR

What is water made of? Atoms & Properties of a Water Molecule

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 05:59:00 GMT

Life on our planet wouldn’t have gotten very far without water. Its unique chemical properties allows it to stick together easily and dissolve other substances—crucial behaviours that made it usable by animals and plants, which quickly evolved and exploded across the planet.

But what is water made of, exactly? And why does it behave in this way?

Water is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom that are bonded together. That’s why it’s called H2O. The H2 is for the two hydrogen atoms, and the O is for the single oxygen atom.

Because water is a group of different atoms bonded together, it’s called a molecule. It forms a (upside down) V-shape, as shown in the image below:

A water molecule is just 0.27 nanometers wide, and a single drop of water contains about 150,000,000,000,000,000,000 of them. That’s a lot of molecules. Imagine how many you use in the shower in the morning!

The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule are stuck together with something called a covalent bond. This is a type of strong connection where atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, but the interesting thing about water is its unique electromagnetic charge, and is the reason for its incredibly useful properties.

The atoms in oxygen are electronegative, and therefore attract the electrons in their shared bond with the two hydrogen atoms. This makes the entire molecule polar, with negative charges on the oxygen’s side, and positive charges on the hydrogen’s side. Because of this polarity, the two opposite charges attract one another, which creates a weak charge called a hydrogen bond, and is the reason that water is a liquid at room temperature. The unfathomable number of hydrogen bonds that are found in a drop of water cause the molecules to hold together for tiny fractions of a second, which creates the liquid substance you know as water. When they are heated to 100°C, they become steam and try to disperse, but the hydrogen bonds slows down this process by pulling them back together again, and as they cool, they condense and turn back into water. Because water molecules are always trying to stick together in this way, they can form larger bodies of water which can be accessed by plants and animals.

As if this wasn’t useful enough, the polarity and abundance of water molecules also means that they are easily attracted to other molecules, which they surround, carry to other places, and dissolve. This makes them the “universal solvent” that allows them to transport chemicals, minerals, and nutrients around the bodies of animals and plants, where they can be used to support the organism.

That’s what water is made of in a nutshell. But what about its atoms, hydrogen and oxygen?

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H. It’s the lightest element that we know of, and the most abundant in the universe, making up about 75% of matter.1 Its colourless, odourless, and tasteless, and is present in nearly all living things. The name “hydrogen” comes from the Greek word “hydro” and “genes”, which mean “water forming.”

Oxygen has the chemical symbol O. It’s the Earths’ most abundant element, and the third most abundant element in the universe. Its name is also derived from two Greek words: “oxy” and “genes,” which mean “acid forming.”

Water is originally believed to have come from water-rich minerals that melted when the planet was forming, as well as icy comets that smashed into the Earth. The total volume of water on Earth always stays the same because making water is extremely difficult and expensive. Until we’re hit by another icy comet, or have advanced technology to the point of being able to create new water molecules, we always have a limited, precious supply. Some of the water molecules you drank today may have once been in the gut of William Shakespeare or Steve Irwin. Lucky you!

Does pure water exist in nature? The surprising truth.

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:39:00 GMT

When companies (including ourselves) advertise pure water, what they’re usually saying is that the water has been sourced from a natural spring, or may have gone through a filtering process to remove impurities like chemicals and other contaminants.

Pure water doesn’t exist in nature because water is electromagnetic and one of the “stickiest” substances in the universe, which means that it can easily “grab” onto other atoms and dissolve them. This happens with literally anything it comes into contact with—glass, plastic, metal, even air particles. And when you have a substance that sticky, it’s impossible to keep it pure. It would be like running a strip of duct tape along a sandy beach and trying to keep it sand-free, except with water, it grabs particles from everything. That’s why it’s called the “universal solvent.” It grabs the atoms from almost anything it comes into contact with, and then dissolves it. It’s the reason for some of Earth’s most spectacular wonders: the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Ha Long Bay, and so much more.

If scientists wanted to create 100% pure water, they would require a perfect vacuum that didn’t have any other atoms in it. But because the universe is literally made of atoms, it’s impossible to create a perfect vacuum, and therefore impossible to make pure water.

Even if scientists could make 100% pure water, you wouldn’t want to drink it anyway. Regular water can contain lots of minerals that we need for our bodies, including zinc, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and bicarbonate. If we drank 100% pure water, we wouldn’t be getting any of these benefits. That’s why mineral water can be a healthy choice for many. Traditionally-marketed pure water can also contain lots of these goodies, but has usually been through an additional filtration process to remove any nasty bacteria and other pollutants.

Surprisingly, 100% pure water wouldn’t even work well for manufacturing or delicate scientific processes, because the purer the water, the “stickier” it is and the better it is at dissolving things. So if you put it in a machine, a beaker, or anything else, it would grab the atoms from its container and corrode them. What manufacturers and scientists tend to use is something called ultrapure water (UPW), which is pure enough, but not so pure that it becomes corrosive. This type of water has been through a stringent purification process to remove contaminants such as organic and inorganic compounds, particulate matter, volatile and non-volatile matter, and more.

If you drank 100% pure water, it could even be dangerous for you because as soon as it touches your lips and mouth, it would start to leach important minerals from your saliva, leaving you less healthy than you were before. It’s crucial to note that this isn’t the case for regularly marketed pure water (which is very healthy because it’s so clean). It’s only true for mythic 100% pure water, which is impossible to create anyway.

What is potable water? Requirements, uses and non-potable water

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:01:00 GMT

What is potable water?

Water is the stuff of life, and every human, animal, and plant needs it to survive. But what is potable water, exactly? And why is it important?

Potable water is basically drinking water, or water that is used to prepare food. It might also be referred to as water that is used for other domestic purposes like washing dishes, and bathing, but the strict definition is water that is for human consumption. According to the United Nations, access to clean water is a basic human right. But unfortunately, around 2 billion people lack access to potable water at home1, which created a global drive to remedy the issue, with charities, foundations, and other organisations dedicated to the task.

Potable water usually comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, ponds—any water found on the earth’s surface) and groundwater, but can also come from seawater. To make it suitable for drinking, it goes through a purification process that may include passing it through filter beds to remove insoluble particles (like metals), and sterilising the water to kill microbes and other nasties. The word “potable” comes from the Latin word pōtābilis, which means “drinkable.”

In Australia, all tap water is potable. But this isn’t the case for many countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Russia, and even China2.The suitability of Australia’s tap water for drinking is due to The Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, which regulates the quality of drinking water, and ensures the compliance of water companies. These companies can also get help and guidance from the AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES, which states that all water must be (among other things):

Clear
Colourless
Without taste
Without odour
Well aerated

Without any suspended matter, chemicals, or pathogenic microorganisms

Water companies can also get advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns against any of the following contaminants that make water unsafe to drink, and technically not potable:

Waterborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause a variety of horrible illnesses, and are common in places where safe potable water isn’t available (like Africa).

Inorganic pollutants like mineral acids, metals, and sulphates. These can cause neurological issues, especially in unborn children.

Organic contaminants like solvents, pesticides, industrial discharge, which can cause cancer and disrupt the functioning of your endocrine system (which produces hormones).

Radiological contaminants like plutonium, uranium, and radon. These are highly carcinogenic.

What is non-potable water?

Non-potable water is water that is not safe to drink, and should not be consumed, inhaled, or used for washing (including washing dishes) under any circumstances. Non-potable water covers a variety of water types including blackwater (from toilets), greywater (usually used for washing), and wastewater (which covers both blackwater and greywater).

Non-potable water is generally used for purposes such as watering lawns, washing cars, cooling towers, dust suppression for building works, and more. A common example of non-potable water comes from water storage tanks, which collect rainwater. This water hasn’t been sterilised, so it cannot be used for human consumption.

References

• GLOBAL WASH FAST FACTS | GLOBAL WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE | HEALTHY WATER | CDC