We all know drinking water is a necessary part of our daily routine. But here’s a fun twist: your glass of water is also a mineral treasure trove. While you cannot see them, there are several minerals working behind the scenes in every glass of water to keep you healthy and energized. The minerals in tap water are both naturally occurring and man-made compounds.

To make sure your tap water is just right, Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies step in to closely monitor the transparent mineral contents. Every day, skilled water professionals use innovative and advanced equipment to test and treat tap water. Each sample is compared to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict maximum contaminant levels to ensure the water flowing to your faucet meets the highest and strictest water quality standards.
Here is where things get interesting: the amount of dissolved minerals determines whether your water is considered “hard” or “soft.”
Hard water is…
- Packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium
- Safe to drink
- A daily boost to your intake of essential nutrients
While soft water…
- Includes fewer minerals
- Equally safe, but contains less nutrients
Curious which water type you have? Try this simple kitchen experiment: fill a container with tap water, add a drop of dish soap, and give it a good shake. If you see lots of suds, you likely have soft water.
The next time you sip tap water or skim through your annual water quality report (here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for), remember that minerals are part of what keeps your water fresh, safe, and healthy. Thanks to the daily testing and treatment of Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies, you can raise your glass with confidence.
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