How is water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium salts classified?

Water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium salts is classified as hard water. The presence of these minerals contributes to the overall hardness of the water, which affects its properties and behavior. Hard water can lead to scaling in pipes and appliances, reduced soap effectiveness, and can impact the taste of water.

In contrast, soft water has low concentrations of calcium and magnesium, making it more efficient for cleaning and less likely to create scale. Distilled water is purified water that has had all impurities and minerals removed through a process of distillation, and mineral water contains various minerals, but not specifically high levels of calcium and magnesium that characterize hard water. Thus, hard water is distinguished by its mineral content, particularly in its high calcium and magnesium concentration.