What's the difference between soft and hard water? How to choose easy-to-drink water that suits Japanese preferences
Do you think all water is the same?
In fact, there are different types of water, and these differences significantly impact how easy they are to drink and incorporate into your daily life.
Especially as you reach your 40s and 50s, opportunities to review your daily hydration habits increase. Understanding the differences in water types can help you choose the water that's right for you.
👉 For more on the importance of hydration, please also refer to our article:
The Impact of Drinking Water Habits on Health Management.
What are Soft Water and Hard Water?
Water is classified into "soft water" and "hard water" based on its mineral content (calcium and magnesium).
・Soft water: Low mineral content, soft mouthfeel
・Hard water: High mineral content, distinct taste
This difference is expressed by a value called "hardness"; the lower the value, the softer the water, and the higher the value, the harder the water.
Why Soft Water Suits Japanese People
Most water in Japan is naturally soft, and Japanese people are accustomed to soft water in their daily lives.
For this reason, many people find hard water to be "a bit heavy" or "to have a peculiar taste."
Especially for daily drinking, soft water, which is smooth and has less of anクセ (peculiarity), is considered easier to incorporate.
Drinkability Leads to Consistency
"Continuity" is the most important aspect of hydration.
No matter how good water is said to be, it won't become a habit if it's unpleasant to drink.
・When you wake up in the morning
・During work
・At meal times
Whether you can drink it effortlessly in these daily situations is a major factor in choosing water.
👉 For more details on morning water habits, please also refer to our article:
A Morning Glass of Water Can Transform Your Hydration Habits.
Distinguishing Between Soft and Hard Water
Since soft water and hard water each have distinct characteristics, there's also the idea of using them differently depending on the situation.
・Daily hydration → Soft water
・For cooking or based on preference → Hard water
It's important to choose according to your lifestyle in this way.
Relation to Onsensui 99
Among soft waters, those with even lower hardness are called "ultra-soft water."
Onsensui 99 is natural hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture, with an ultra-softness of 1.7 hardness.
It has a very smooth mouthfeel and littleクセ (peculiarity), making it easy to incorporate into daily hydration.
👉 For more details on the characteristics of ultra-soft water, please also refer to our article:
Why is Onsensui 99 so easy to drink?.
Summary
Understanding the difference between soft and hard water makes it easier to choose the water that suits you.
・Soft water is smooth and easy to drink
・Hard water is rich in minerals
・It's important to choose water that you can consistently drink
Since it's water you drink every day, it's important to choose it from the perspective of "can I continue to drink this without effort?"
