White crust on everything
Dissolved calcium and magnesium leave scale behind as water evaporates: on faucets, shower glass, and the inside of your kettle.
Skin that feels tight and itchy
Hard water keeps soap from rinsing cleanly, so a film stays on your skin and hair after every shower.
Appliances that quit early
Scale builds inside water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, forcing them to work harder and shortening their service life.
Spotted glasses, dull laundry
Minerals stay behind on dishes and bond to fabric, which is why glassware looks cloudy and towels come out stiff.
Soap that never goes far
Detergent has to fight the minerals before it can clean anything, so you reach for more shampoo, more soap, more detergent.
Tap water nobody wants to drink
Chlorine and dissolved solids carry a taste and smell, which is how a case of bottled water became a standing grocery item.