General hard water?

Question

I tested my well water with an Aquarium test kit that measures General Hard Water and Carbonate Hardness separately. The General hardness was minimal, otherwise soft but the Carbonate hardness was high. My question is will the Carbonate Hardness do damage to the boiler and water heater if I by-pass the whole house water softener. My wife can't stand the salty water and we don't want to be dependent on bottle water. My understanding is that General hardness is the one that does the damage.

Answer 1

The calcium and magnesium bicarbonates and sulfates, and silica are usually classed as scale forming solids present in water. The carbonates will form scale in pipe lines and water heaters even when temperatures are not very high. Sulfates and silica form scale in boilers. The carbonates do not always form scale but may separate out as a sludge or mud.

Answer 2

Get your water tested by a professional, and they will recommend a solution for you.  Ask your neighbors, what they did and who they use for their water issues.