What is commonly used to treat hard water?

Lime is commonly used to treat hard water because it helps in the process of softening. Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, which can cause scaling and hinder the effectiveness of soap and detergents. When lime is added to hard water, it reacts with these ions to form insoluble compounds that can be removed through sedimentation or filtration. The process not only decreases the hardness of the water but also increases pH, which can improve the overall quality of the water for various uses.

In contrast, chlorine and ozone are primarily used for disinfection purposes, targeting pathogens and improving water safety rather than removing hardness. Soda ash can also be effective for water softening, but lime is typically the more common and cost-effective treatment for hard water.