The Great Crunchy Map: Mineral Deposits and Totally Dissolved Solids by Region

Written By Daniel Fox

Welcome to the Great Crunchy Map, where we explore the quirky world of mineral deposits and totally dissolved solids (TDS) in your tap water, region by region. If you've ever wondered why your appliances seem to be gathering a crunchy collection or why your water tastes like a mineral cocktail, this is the blog post for you. Let's take a lighthearted tour across the country to see what’s hiding in your water.

The Basics: What Are We Talking About?

Before we hit the road, let’s define our terms:

  • Crunchy Stuff: Those hard, crusty deposits you find around faucets, in water heaters, and HVAC units. It’s the result of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica deciding to take up residence.

  • Totally Dissolved Solids (TDS): All the dissolved minerals and salts in your water. High TDS means more minerals, which can lead to more crunchy stuff.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

Northeast: The Iron and Calcium Combo

In the Northeast, your water often comes with a high dose of iron and calcium. This region is known for its hard water, and the crunchy stuff here can have a reddish tint thanks to the iron. It's like a seasonal fall foliage display, but for your pipes.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TDS: High

Midwest: Hard Water Haven

The Midwest is the land of hard water. Calcium and magnesium are the stars of the show here. If your water heater looks like it's auditioning for a rock concert, you’re in good company. Expect lots of white, crusty buildup.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TDS: Very High

South: Sulfates and Silica Surprise

In the South, especially in areas like Texas, you get a mix of sulfates and silica. This combination not only gives your water a distinctive taste but also adds an extra layer of grit to your crunchy stuff. It’s like having a little bit of beach sand right in your water system.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TDS: Moderate to High

West: The Silicon Valley of Water

Head out West, and you’ll find water rich in silica. In places like California, silica loves to add a special sparkle (and annoyance) to your appliances. If you’re wondering why your coffee maker looks like it’s been bedazzled, thank the silica.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TDS: Moderate to High

Pacific Northwest: Soft Water Saviors

The Pacific Northwest is a bit of a reprieve in our crunchy journey. This region often has softer water, meaning fewer mineral deposits. But don’t get too comfortable—there’s still some calcium and iron sneaking in.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐ TDS: Low to Moderate

Rocky Mountains: The Calcium Peaks

In the Rockies, you get water that’s rich in calcium. It’s like the mountains decided to dissolve themselves into your water supply. Expect your appliances to look like they’ve been to the summit and back.

Crunchy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TDS: High

The Sinelabs Solution

No matter where you live, dealing with the crunchy stuff and high TDS levels can be a real headache. That’s where Sinelabs comes in. Our advanced water conditioning systems are designed to tackle these regional challenges head-on, ensuring your water is as clean and clear as possible.

So, whether you’re in the heart of the Midwest or the coasts of California, Sinelabs has your back. Say goodbye to the Grand Canyon forming in your water heater and hello to smooth, efficient appliances.

Daniel Fox

I'm Daniel Fox, a Denver, Colorado-based photographer.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Visual Communication Design. Heavily influenced by the Swiss, International Style, and Bauhaus movements, Ohio State honed my ability to compose communications with deliberate visual hierarchies.

This translates directly into my photography, where every element - from a subtle facial expression to the deliberate composition - plays a crucial role in telling a story.

I prioritize the subtleties of communication - capturing in-between, intimate moments that often go unnoticed.

Though I may pose clients, my approach is just as much about snagging candid moments. I love guiding my clients into spaces of self-exploration, helping them express themselves authentically in front of the camera. This creates a palette of expressions that are natural, and deeply personal.

Flashback to a transformative experience I had in Costa Rica in 2014, involving an exercise in mindfulness, which fundamentally shaped my vision as a photographer.

It taught me the overwhelming beauty of being completely immersed in the present moment - a philosophy that I bring into every photoshoot.

I capture the essence of these perfect moments, creating images that reflect their beauty and the authenticity of simply being.

When I'm not behind the camera, you'll find me connecting with others musically; playing Jazz, Funk, and Americana on various basses.

I'm also an author and enjoy mentoring others in their creative pursuits. As a Denver local and a father of two sports-loving kids, I cherish the time supporting them at their games and exploring new creative projects.

What I love most about photography is the opportunity to meet and create with new people. I work closely with clients to create a vision that is brought to life in our time together.

Feedback from my clients often highlights two aspects: the enjoyable and comfortable experience of the photo shoot and their delight in the creative, and uniquely beautiful images that result.

I invite you to read some of their testimonials throughout this website to get a sense of the experiences I strive to provide.

As your photographer, I promise to offer a joyful and fun experience, free from expectations, where every click of the shutter captures a moment in its unique perfection.

Whether it's branding photography, a portrait or boudoir session, or another project, I aim to create photographs that tell your story and resonate with the essence of who you are.

https://studioalti.com
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