Q: My local water company has recently announced that our new community water source (underground wells) is “hard” water, with higher levels of calcium and magnesium than were in our previous water. At a public meeting this week, one of the residents complained that her horses are acting “differently” since the introduction of the new water. My horses seem to be drinking a little more than they did previously. I feed a 14% protein/6% fat pelleted local feed and free-choice mixed-grass hay, and my horses have free-choice access to pasture and white salt and mineral blocks.
Do I need to worry about the change in water or the additional source of calcium in their diets?
A: “Hardness” is term that is often associated with the amount of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in water. In many cases the calcium and magnesium in water sources are associated with a particular area’s geology, so water from one region might be naturally higher in calcium and magnesium (and, thus, “harder”) than in another region. You can remove calcium and magnesium from water using a water softener. Many people choose to use a water softener to reduce their water’s hardness because they believe that softened water cleans better and leaves less residue on dishes or on fixtures.