limescale in the tap: Why Danish waterworks choose different ways to achieve softer water

Regardless of whether your water utility centrally lowers the water hardness or not, you benefit from LAGUR – and good cleaning habits.

Waterworks' different paths to softer water

limescale in the water is a daily challenge for many Danish households. It settles on tiles, fixtures and household appliances and requires time and energy to remove.

But how do Danish water utilities handle this challenge?

While some utilities choose central water softening , others stick to the natural hardness of the water.

In this article we delve into the differences between Aarhus Vand and HOFOR in the capital area when it comes to the attitude towards central water softening , and we look at how LAGUR -technology and good cleaning habits still play a role, regardless of the hardness of the water.

Aarhus Water: No to central water supply water softening

Aarhus Vand has decided not to introduce central water softening of drinking water. The water in Aarhus has a hardness of 11-17 °dH, which is classified as “fairly hard”.

In comparison, the water in the Copenhagen area has a hardness of 30-36 °dH. Here, central water softening , which reduces the hardness to 10-12 °dH.

It's still not “soft water” in the technical sense, but a significant improvement over the starting point.

According to Aarhus Vand, a similar reduction in Aarhus will not have the same effect. Firstly, the lime content is already lower, and secondly, it is estimated that the difference experienced by consumers will be modest.

At the same time, Aarhus Vand points to a number of disadvantages of central water softening : high construction costs, energy consumption, increased chemical use and potential health consequences.

Therefore, people choose to preserve the natural hardness of the water – for reasons of health, economy and sustainability.

HOFOR: Central water softening in the capital

The Capital City Utility Company, HOFOR, on the other hand, has chosen an active approach to reducing limescale problems in homes.

Here, central management has been implemented since 2017. water softening with the so-called pellet method.

The method works by adding sodium hydroxide and disinfected sand to the water. The lime binds to the sand grains and precipitates as small lime pellets that can be removed.

The result is water with reduced hardness, typically down to 10-15 °dH.

HOFOR's goal is to reduce limescale problems in the household and improve the lifespan of water installations and household appliances. At the same time, it will reduce the consumption of cleaning agents and energy consumption for heating.

But the experiences from Brøndby and other places in HOFOR's area have shown that consumers must still expect limescale problems , albeit to a lesser extent.

LAGUR : Another way of thinking limescale on

While some consumers resort to conventional water softening plants at home, more and more people are choosing to use LAGUR as a chemical-free alternative.

LAGUR does not remove the lime in the water, but transforms it. This is done by transforming the lime crystals from sharp and sticky structures into round granules that are much easier to remove.

This means that limescale in everyday life does not settle in the same way – and that cleaning becomes significantly easier.

For example, limescale in a shower cubicle can be removed with a cloth if you wipe regularly. And in washing machines and electric kettles, a clear difference is seen limescale deposits , depending on whether the water has been through a LAGUR -plant or not.

Do you still need LAGUR if your water company lowers the hardness?

Yes. Even if your local water utility implements central water softening , as HOFOR has done, you will still have limescale in the water. The hardness will typically drop from 25 to 10-15 °dH – and that is still in the “fairly hard” category.

limescale problems does not disappear simply because the amount of limescale is reduced. Most people will still experience limescale stains on tiles, shower walls and in boilers.

Because LAGUR does not remove the limescale, but transforms its structure, preserving the water's natural mineral content. This means you still have the benefits of the health properties of limescale, but avoid the worst deposits.

You don't need to turn off or disconnect your LAGUR -system if your waterworks switches to central water softening – on the contrary, it gives you a double advantage over limescale problems .

limescale still bothers you – and this is how you get rid of it

Even with less hard water, there will still be limescale deposits at home. It requires regular cleaning and good habits. Here are some effective methods to keep limescale at bay:

1. Descaling the shower head

Soak the shower head in clear household vinegar for at least 8 hours. Use a bag or tub. After that, the limescale can be easily wiped off with a cloth.

2. Fixtures

Crumple up a piece of baking paper and use it to scrub the fixture. This will remove limescale effectively without scratching the metal.

3. Tiles and shower enclosure

Mix 2 parts acidic dishwashing detergent (pH 4-4.5) with 1 part vinegar. Apply the mixture, leave it for 30 minutes, rinse and wipe with a cloth.

4. Steam as an alternative

Steam cleaners are an effective and gentle method of removing limescale without chemicals. Use moderate pressure and avoid holding the steam in one place for too long to avoid damaging the joints.

5. Take care of the joints

Acidic agents can break down cement and silicone over time, so saturate the joints with water before cleaning and rinse well afterwards.

6. Advice from experts

Bolius.dk, the Consumer Council Think and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency all provide solid and environmentally friendly advice on how to handle limescale at home. Use their instructions if you are unsure about methods or means.

Conclusion

There is no one right way when it comes to limescale in the water. While Aarhus Vand focuses on health and sustainability and opts out of central water softening , HOFOR provides technical solutions for lime reduction.

No matter what your local water company does, limescale still a reality in the vast majority of homes. And this is where LAGUR and good cleaning habits come into play.

By combining a structural solution such as LAGUR with prevention and effective cleaning you can reduce limescale problems significantly – without removing the good properties of the water.