Limescale in water — healthy or harmful?
One of the most frequent questions from our customers is: Is the limescale in my tap water healthy or harmful? The answer is more nuanced than most people suspect. Limescale in drinking water consists of dissolved mineral salts. calcium and magnesium — two essential minerals that our body needs daily.
Karl Heinz Asenbaum has addressed this topic scientifically in two detailed video presentations. We have summarized the most important findings here.
Video 1: Is calcium in water good or bad?
Key takeaways from the video
- Calcium in water exists as dissolved mineral salt (Calcium bicarbonate) before — not as solid limestone
- Dissolved calcium is bioavailable and is absorbed by the body
- The WHO recommends a daily calcium intake of 800-1.200 mg
- Drinking water contributes depending to water hardness contribute to this
Video 2: Calcium absorption in the intestine — series of experiments with measurements
Results of the test series
- Measurements show: Calcium from ionized water is particularly well received
- Electrolysis alters the calcium compounds — they become finely distributed
- More on this: Increased calcium content in alkaline activated water
Limescale, calcium and water hardness — the basics
What is limescale in drinking water?
"Limescale" in drinking water is the colloquial term for dissolved calcium and magnesium saltsThe more of these minerals are dissolved in the water, the harder It's the water. Water hardness in Germany is measured in degree of German hardness (°dH) measured.
| hardness range | °dH | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0–8,4 °dH | Low in minerals, good for household appliances |
| Medium | 8,4–14 °dH | Balanced mineral content |
| Hart | above 14 °dH | High mineral content, more limescale deposits |
Detailed conversion tables can be found in our FAQ: Water hardness — table and conversions
Dissolved lime vs. limescale deposits
It is important to distinguish between dissolved calcium (healthy, bioavailable) and Limescale deposits (Solid limescale on faucets and appliances). Just because limescale builds up on your kettle doesn't mean the calcium in the water is harmful—quite the opposite.
If you have hard water and are concerned about your household appliances: Can a water ionizer produce limescale-free water for irons?
Limescale and water ionizers — what happens during electrolysis?
Calcium enrichment in alkaline water
Within the Electrolysis In a water ionizer, the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode). The result: The alkaline water contains one higher calcium concentration than the incoming water.
This is not a disadvantage, but an advantage. AdvantageThe calcium in alkaline activated water is particularly finely distributed and bioavailable. Karl Heinz Asenbaum has proven this in his series of measurements (see video 2 above).
Limescale deposits in the water ionizer
Hard water leads to long-term problems Limescale deposits in the electrolysis cellTherefore, regular descaling is important — the harder your water, the more often you need to descale.
How often should I descale? That depends on your water hardness. You can find practical instructions here: When do I need to descale my water ionizer?
For the specific descaling of your appliance:
- General instructions: Manual descaling
- Descaling with flow regulator (Moses-7, ECA-Plus, Aquion)
- Descaling Kangen/Enagic K8
- Descaling under-sink ionizers
Calcium shaft — solution for very hard water
For water hardness above 14 °dH, we recommend using a Calcium shaftThis regulates the calcium content before electrolysis and reduces limescale deposits. Learn more: Calcium shaft — Function and use
Conclusion: Limescale in water is not your enemy
Dissolved calcium in drinking water is a valuable mineral — no pollutants. Water hardness does affect the maintenance of your appliances, but not the quality of your drinking water. On the contrary: a water ionizer can improve the quality of your drinking water. Even improve the bioavailability of calcium..
If you would like to know which minerals and trace elements are contained in your water after filtering and ionizing: Minerals and trace elements in ionized water
If you have further questions about hard water and water softening We would be happy to advise you personally.
Excerpt from the book by Karl Heinz Asenbaum: "Electro-activated water – An invention with extraordinary potential. Water ionizers from A to Z"
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