The Real Cost of Not Treating Water in Central Ohio (With Real Dollar Amounts!)
The Real Cost of Not Treating Water in Central Ohio (With Numbers)
Assumptions:
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Household: 4 people
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Hard water level: 7–12 grains per gallon (typical for Central Ohio)
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Appliances include water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, faucets, and showerheads
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Energy, cleaning, and bottled water costs based on national and regional averages
1. Appliance Wear & Tear
| Item | Extra Annual Cost (Repairs/Replacement) | 5-Year | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Heater | $120 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Dishwasher | $80 | $400 | $800 |
| Washing Machine | $100 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Coffee Maker & Small Appliances | $30 | $150 | $300 |
| Total | $330/year | $1,650 | $3,300 |
2. Energy Waste from Scale Build-up
Scale buildup makes water heating less efficient. Estimated 15% higher water heating costs:
| Time Frame | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $15 |
| Yearly | $180 |
| 5-Year | $900 |
| 10-Year | $1,800 |
3. Extra Soap, Detergents, and Cleaning Products
Hard water reduces cleaning efficiency, so homeowners often use 50% more soap and detergent:
| Time Frame | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $20 |
| Yearly | $240 |
| 5-Year | $1,200 |
| 10-Year | $2,400 |
4. Plumbing & Fixture Maintenance
Scale in pipes and fixtures can reduce lifespan and flow, leading to repairs or early replacement:
| Time Frame | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8 |
| Yearly | $100 |
| 5-Year | $500 |
| 10-Year | $1,000 |
5. Bottled Water / Filter Costs
Many households supplement poor-tasting water with bottled water or frequent fridge filter changes:
| Time Frame | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $35 |
| Yearly | $420 |
| 5-Year | $2,100 |
| 10-Year | $4,200 |
Total Estimated Costs of Untreated Water
| Time Frame | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $98 |
| Yearly | $1,270 |
| 5-Year | $6,350 |
| 10-Year | $12,700 |
Key Insight: A typical Central Ohio home using untreated hard water could spend over $12,000 in 10 years due to preventable damage, inefficiency, and extra products.
The Clean Water Ohio Solution
Investing in a water softener or whole-home filtration system can eliminate nearly all these extra costs. For as little as $30 per month, your home is protected from:
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Mineral buildup on appliances and pipes
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Increased energy bills
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Excess soap and cleaning product use
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Premature fixture replacements
Over 10 years, that investment could save you over $12,000—and give you softer water, cleaner appliances, and better-tasting water.