Hardness vs. other spots
True hardness scale is the crusty white buildup on aerators, showerheads and inside kettles, mostly calcium and magnesium. A softener removes those minerals. Faint water spots on glass can come from other dissolved solids too. Outside, spots on windows and cars near the water may come from salt spray or irrigation, not your tap. Figuring out which you have saves money.
What we know about Lantana's water
The town draws from ten shallow wells in the East Coast Surficial Aquifer System and treats the water with aeration, chloramines and filtration, plus zinc orthophosphate for corrosion control. Its plant page lists softening among the systems staff maintain. Because the report does not include hardness, Jorge reads it at your tap in grains per gallon and tells you whether it is worth treating.
Softener vs. salt-free conditioner
| Ion-exchange softener | Salt-free conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes hardness | Yes | No |
| Uses salt | Yes (or potassium) | No |
| Needs a drain | Yes | Usually no |
| Fits when | Measured hardness is high | You want scale managed without salt |
See salt-free conditioner vs. ion-exchange softener.
Where the spots appear
- Shower glass and dishes: your tap water.
- Outside windows, car, patio furniture: sprinklers, often well-fed, or salt spray.
- Hot-side fixtures and the water heater: heating concentrates minerals.
Each points to a different fix, and only one is a softener. A photo of the worst spots helps Jorge connect what you see to what he measures.
Simple fixes for spots
- Squeegee shower glass after use.
- Use a rinse aid in the dishwasher.
- Use RO water for coffee makers and kettles; see under-sink RO.
- Clean aerators periodically.
Cleaning scale safely
Diluted white vinegar dissolves light mineral scale on many faucets and showerheads. Check the fixture maker's care instructions first, especially for coated finishes and natural stone, which acids can damage. For heavy buildup, soak removable parts like aerators and showerheads rather than scrubbing. If scale comes back within days, that is a sign the water itself is worth testing.
Wells and businesses
Private wells deliver untreated groundwater that can be hard. Businesses with water heaters, dishwashers and ice machines may soften for equipment protection. Living Water installs ion-exchange softening plants for both, sized from a test. See water softeners in Lantana. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.lantana.org/214/Annual-Water-Quality-Report
https://www.lantana.org/220/Water-Treatment-Plant
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist