Hard water can make everyday life feel harder than it should. You may notice white spots on your dishes, rough towels that don’t feel fresh, soap that refuses to lather, or dry skin after a shower. That’s not “just how water is.” It usually means your water has extra minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium—that stick to pipes, appliances, and surfaces. Over time, that buildup can also make water heaters and plumbing work less efficiently.