You can buy a simple water hardness test kit at any hardware store for like ten bucks. Or, just fill a clear bottle halfway with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and shake.
If you get a cloud of bubbles, you’re good—soft water. If you get a thin, sad layer of suds and that scummy film? Congrats, you’re living with hard water.
Another free method: check your local water utility’s annual report online. Yes, it’s boring, but it’s free. And you can pretend you’re a scientist for five minutes.
