What is one major result of hardness in water when not treated?

Hardness in water primarily leads to scale formation in pipes and other components within a water system. When water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, is heated, these minerals can precipitate out of the solution and form solid deposits. This process can lead to significant scale buildup on the inside of pipes, boilers, and heat exchangers.

Scale formation can impede the flow of water, reducing system efficiency by creating blockages, and can also act as an insulative barrier, affecting heat transfer efficiency. This can result in the overheating of equipment, increased energy consumption, and ultimately, higher operational costs. Therefore, addressing hardness in water through treatment processes, such as water softening, is crucial to prevent scale formation and maintain system efficiency.