Water softness / hardness (pH) in Hua Hin

[aa]

My mother is considering retiring in Hua Hin (from Canada) so I will probably have several questions for the locals over the next little while.

Here's a simple, if uncommon, one to start off:

Some people's skin is sensitive to the pH of the water when they bathe, and develop a bad case of eczema when the water is too "hard" (pH is too high, i.e. the water is basic). The hardness is caused by high mineral content in the water.

My mother is one of these people. Where she lives now is fine, but she has had to install a "water softener" a couple of times to make the water tolerable.

How's the water "hardness" in Hua Hin? If it's "hard", can a water softener be installed without hassle?

[Nereus]

How's the water "hardness" in Hua Hin? If it's "hard", can a water softener be installed without hassle?

The first thing that you have to know is where she is going to live? If it is on an estate that is using ground, (bore/well) water from their own supply, then she will have a problem, as it is known to be "hard water".

The government supply from reservoirs does not suffer from the same problem, and should be ok, providing that you have a supply, as it is unreliable.

Water softening equipment is available, but again, depending on the supply, can be expensive if it is to be effective. Hope that is of some help.

[Guess]

As said the hardness varies from place to place. There is not a particularly high rate of minerals in the water but is is certainly not soft.

I would recommend a water softener kit be brought over. Unlikely you will get here.

Obviously the mineral content is a known problem for you mum but I think you need to be aware that the animal and vegetable content is very high too.

Additionally the tap water contains vast quantities of bacteria. At the moment the water her is a muddy brownish color. It is not easily detectable seeing it from a shower head or even a tap. You notice when you fill a tank or glass bowl though.

[aa]

Obviously the mineral content is a known problem for you mum but I think you need to be aware that the animal and vegetable content is very high too.

Hehe, yeah, I'm sure with the torrential rains these days the water quality has taken a dive too.

Her system is pretty hardy, though, having grown up poor on a farm, so I think she can take the bacteria content (I have had no problem with HH water for showering/brushing teeth, myself).

I'm back in Canada for a visit and it's a real luxury to get clear, delicious water straight from the tap here...

[Norseman]

I'm back in Canada for a visit and it's a real luxury to get clear, delicious water straight from the tap here...

I think this is the only real thing that I am really missing here in Thailand.
You are absolutely right about that it's a luxury thing.
The only good thing with the water here is the temperature of it.
It's doesn't hurt when you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth like it does with that clear cold water back home.

[norm]

The water in Palm Hills is quite hard as you notice if you hose your car off or rinse glasses. Lots of water spots.
Norm

[PeteC]

I'm back in Canada for a visit and it's a real luxury to get clear, delicious water straight from the tap here...

I think this is the only real thing that I am really missing here in Thailand.
You are absolutely right about that it's a luxury thing.
The only good thing with the water here is the temperature of it.
It's doesn't hurt when you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth like it does with that clear cold water back home.

In my opinion the best water in Asia is in Japan, even in Tokyo. No drinking restrictions at all from my experience. Out in the countryside, it's even more pure. You know the Japanese, prefectionists at everything, and that includes their water systems. I've never sayed anywhere there where the water pressure wouldn't punch holes in your back in a shower. They like their baths and hotsprings for sure. Pete

PS: Roppongi....are you still out there? What's your opinion of water nowadays in Japan?