Does Hard Water Cause Kidney Stones? What You Should Know
If you live in a hard water area, you’ve likely noticed the effects on your skin, your kettle – and maybe even your plumbing. But what about your health? A common question we hear is: “Can hard water cause kidney stones?” It’s a fair concern – and one worth exploring, especially if you're trying to keep your family healthy.
Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is Hard Water?
Hard water is simply water that contains a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It’s not harmful in itself — in fact, these minerals are essential to your body. But when consumed in excess or over long periods, they might play a role in certain health issues.
Can It Really Lead to Kidney Stones?
Here’s the good news: there’s no solid scientific evidence that drinking hard water directly causes kidney stones. However, people who are prone to developing stones may need to watch their intake of calcium and other minerals, especially from supplements or diet.
The NHS advises that most kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, and while calcium itself isn’t the villain, too much of it in combination with oxalates can increase your risk. Hydration is actually key to preventing stones – so if you’re drinking plenty of water (hard or soft), you’re already doing something right.
Other Health Considerations with Hard Water
While it may not cause kidney stones, hard water can still irritate sensitive skin, aggravate eczema, or leave your scalp dry and itchy. This is due to the mineral build-up that can clog pores and strip away natural oils. If you’ve ever felt like your hair or skin just won’t feel clean no matter how much you rinse – hard water could be to blame.
So, Should You Filter Your Water?
If you’re concerned about mineral build-up or simply want a gentler showering experience, filtering your water is a smart step. A high-quality shower head filter can help reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and limescale — leaving your skin and hair feeling noticeably softer.
At Showery, we offer a range of eco-friendly, water-saving shower heads that not only look great in any bathroom but also come with built-in filters to help tackle the effects of hard water. They're designed to make your daily shower feel more like a spa — while giving your body (and your plumbing) a bit of a break.
Final Thoughts
Hard water isn’t dangerous, but for those with kidney stone concerns or skin sensitivities, it’s worth being mindful. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and filtering where it makes sense can all help support your wellbeing — from the inside out.
Want to see what a difference filtered water can make? Pop over to our shower head collection and explore our customer favorites.
