If you want to be a little more official—without calling a lab—get some water hardness test strips. You can buy them at any hardware store or online for about the price of a fancy coffee. They come in a little tube, and they look like pregnancy tests, but for your sink.
Just dip one into a glass of tap water for a few seconds, then wait for the strip to change color. Compare that color to the chart on the bottle. Green means soft, orange means hard, and dark purple means your water is basically a rock smoothie. It’s that simple.
Pro tip: do this on a Monday morning when you’re feeling brave. The color chart can be confusing—like trying to match paint samples in a dimly lit store. If you’re not sure, take a photo and stare at it until your eyes go cross-eyed. You’ll guess right eventually.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Check Your Water Hardness at Home | Easy
