How To Get Rid of Calcium in Water

If you’ve noticed white, chalky stains on your faucets or stubborn spots on freshly washed dishes, there’s a good chance calcium is the culprit. Calcium in water is a common issue across North America, especially in areas with hard water, causing everything from plumbing inefficiencies to shortened appliance lifespans.

While calcium isn’t harmful to drink in most cases, it can create big problems around the house. High calcium levels contribute to mineral buildup, also known as limescale, which affects everything from your laundry and water heater to your skin and hair. That’s why many homeowners look for ways to get rid of calcium in water and restore the performance of their water-using appliances.

Before we explore calcium removal strategies, let’s break down what calcium in water is and how it impacts your water quality.

Why Is Calcium in Water — And Is It a Problem?

Calcium in water is one of the main contributors to water hardness. Typically present in the form of calcium carbonate or calcium bicarbonate, this dissolved mineral enters the water supply as it passes through limestone, gypsum and other calcium-rich rock formations underground. Along with magnesium, calcium ions are what give hard water its name, and its challenges.

Hard water leaves behind visible clues. These include:

• Limescale buildup: Hard, white mineral deposits on showerheads, faucets and sinks
• Soap scum: A filmy residue that clings to tubs, tiles and glass
• Spotted dishes: Cloudy streaks that remain even after a dishwasher cycle

While both calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness, calcium tends to be more abundant in areas with limestone geology. As these minerals build up in your plumbing system, they don’t just leave surface stains — they accumulate inside pipes and appliances, reducing water flow, efficiency and lifespan.

Effects of High Calcium Levels in Water

Although calcium in drinking water is not generally harmful, hard water can have some noticeable negative effects. Many people with hard water report dry, brittle hair; irritated skin; and weakened nails. That’s because the excess calcium and magnesium in hard water leave behind residue that can build up on hair,  clog pores and strip away natural moisture.

High calcium levels take a toll on your home over time. Common impacts of hard water include:

• Stiff or faded laundry due to detergent reacting poorly with calcium ions
• Dry skin and dull hair from hard water residue
• Scale buildup in water heaters, reducing efficiency and raising energy bills
• Clogged plumbing and restricted flow from calcium deposits accumulating in pipes
• Shortened lifespan for appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and coffee makers

From water heater damage to unsightly buildup, reducing calcium in water helps protect your home and your wallet.

Is Calcium in Water Safe to Drink?

It’s important to distinguish between water safety and water usability. Water with elevated calcium content may be safe to drink, but can still present challenges that make everyday tasks more difficult — and costly. 

Learn more about water hardness in our Hard Water Solutions Handbook.

Water Softeners: The Best Way To Get Rid of Calcium in Water

When it comes to reducing calcium in your home water supply, no solution is more effective than a professionally installed water softener. Water softeners are specifically designed to target and eliminate calcium and magnesium, the two primary minerals responsible for water hardness.

Water softeners work through a process called ion exchange, in which a resin bed captures calcium ions and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions. (Note that while sodium is introduced into the water, the amount is minimal: most of the sodium from the brine solution used during regeneration is flushed out and not left in your water.)

This exchange process means calcium won’t build up throughout your plumbing system, protecting everything from your water heater and dishwasher to your faucets and showerheads.

Because this treatment occurs at your main water line, a water softener offers whole-house protection. That means no more hard water stains on dishes, less mineral buildup in appliances and fewer plumbing repairs caused by calcium deposits. 

In short, if you’re looking for a long-term solution to get rid of calcium in water and protect your entire home from the effects of mineral buildup, a water softener is the most efficient and effective option available.

Choosing the Right Calcium Removal Method for Your Home

If you’re experiencing signs of hard water — like chalky residue on fixtures, reduced water pressure or frequent appliance maintenance — it may be time to explore water treatment options. The first step? Schedule a professional water test to determine your home’s water hardness level.

Understanding your water quality will help you decide which solution best fits your needs. A water softener is the primary line of defense against hard water and generally, the top recommendation for treating high calcium content. But if your goal is to improve the taste and clarity of your drinking water, or you’re concerned about things like fluoride, lead or PFAS (forever chemicals), a reverse osmosis system can complement your softener by providing drinking water filtration.That said, it’s not necessary to install both systems to deal with calcium. 

By working with an experienced water expert like Culligan, you’ll get tailored recommendations based on your home’s water supply, lifestyle and long-term goals — without guesswork or generic fixes.

Cleaner Water Starts With a Clearer Picture

Calcium in water may not pose a health risk, but it can still take a toll on your plumbing, appliances, hair and skin, and your day-to-day life. 

At Culligan, we offer in-home testing services that evaluate overall water hardness and other potential contaminants in your water supply.

Whether you need a high-performance water softener, a reverse osmosis system or both, our team will guide you to the right solution for cleaner water that’s better for you and your home. 

Ready to get started? Schedule your free in-home water consultation today.