San Antonio is known for its rich culture, history, and Hill Country charm—but it’s also known for something much less appealing: some of the hardest water in the United States. Because most of the city’s water supply comes directly from the Edwards Aquifer—a limestone-rich source—San Antonio homes routinely experience mineral-heavy water that leaves a noticeable impact on daily life.

If you’re wondering whether hard water is affecting your home, here are the most common signs of hard water in San Antonio and how to recognize them.

1. White, Gritty Buildup on Faucets and Fixtures

Hard water leaves behind limescale, a chalky white residue that forms wherever water evaporates. In San Antonio homes, you’ll often see this buildup on:

• Showerheads

• Bathroom faucets

• Kitchen sinks

• Glass shower doors

• Tile and grout

Because the water here is extremely mineral-heavy, scale often reappears within days—even after thorough cleaning.

2. Dry Skin, Irritation, and Dull Hair

One of the most noticeable signs of hard water is how it affects your skin and hair. Many San Antonio residents report:

• Dry, tight, or itchy skin

• Flaky or irritated scalp

• Hair that feels rough, tangled, or dull

• Longer showers without feeling fully rinsed

Hard water leaves a film of calcium and magnesium behind, which strips natural moisture and interferes with soaps and shampoos.

3. Cloudy Dishes and Glassware

If your clean dishes come out looking dirty, hard water is usually the reason.

Signs include:

• Cloudy glasses

• White streaks

• Chalky spots

• A film that never seems to rinse off

Even high-end detergents struggle with San Antonio’s hardness levels.

4. Soap Scum That Always Comes Back

Hard water makes it nearly impossible for soap to lather and rinse properly. Instead, it leaves behind soap scum, a sticky, filmy residue that collects on:

• Shower walls

• Bathtubs

• Bathroom sinks

• Tile

• Countertops

If you feel like you're constantly scrubbing, your water may be the cause.

5. Lower Water Pressure Over Time

Hard water minerals don’t just show up on surfaces—they also build up inside your plumbing.

Signs of mineral buildup include:

• Slower shower flow

• Weak faucet pressure

• Clogged aerators

• Intermittent water flow

Older homes in San Antonio experience this even more quickly due to aging pipe systems.

6. Laundry That Feels Stiff or Looks Worn Out

Hard water affects how detergent dissolves, leading to:

• Scratchy towels

• Rough clothing

• Dull colors

• Whites that turn yellow or gray

• Detergent residue in fabric

Even brand-new clothes can start to feel old quickly in hard water.

7. Appliances Wearing Out Faster Than Expected

Over time, mineral scale builds up inside your appliances, causing them to work harder and break down sooner.

Hard water causes early wear in:

• Water heaters

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

• Ice makers

• Coffee makers

A water heater dealing with San Antonio hardness can lose 20–30% efficiency, raising energy bills.

8. Strange Taste or Odor in Tap Water

While hardness itself doesn’t cause bad taste, San Antonio tap water can sometimes take on:

• A mineral-heavy flavor

• Earthy or metallic notes

• Occasional chlorine smell

A drinking water filtration system paired with a softener can solve both taste issues and hardness issues at the same time.

Why Hard Water Is So Common in San Antonio

The Edwards Aquifer, while clean and protected, naturally contains high concentrations of dissolved limestone. Municipal treatment removes contaminants—but it doesn’t remove hardness minerals, meaning they reach your home unchanged and begin creating problems immediately.

Hard Water in San Antonio Has Clear Signs—And a Clear Fix

If you're seeing any of these signs in your home, you're almost certainly dealing with hard water. A whole home water softener removes the minerals responsible for scale and buildup, improving comfort, protecting appliances, and making your home easier to maintain.

From softer skin to stronger water pressure and cleaner fixtures, soft water makes a noticeable difference throughout your entire home.