What is hardness caused by?

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Multiple Choice

What is hardness caused by?

Explanation:
Hardness is caused by dissolved minerals, specifically the divalent metal cations calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). These ions come from rocks and soils as water dissolves minerals, and their presence in water makes it hard. They interact with soap to form scum and promote scale on surfaces and pipes. Bacteria, organic matter, and nitrates affect other aspects of water quality, but they do not determine hardness. Hardness is commonly expressed as milligrams per liter as calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Hardness is caused by dissolved minerals, specifically the divalent metal cations calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). These ions come from rocks and soils as water dissolves minerals, and their presence in water makes it hard. They interact with soap to form scum and promote scale on surfaces and pipes. Bacteria, organic matter, and nitrates affect other aspects of water quality, but they do not determine hardness. Hardness is commonly expressed as milligrams per liter as calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

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