Does Sarasota Have Hard Water — And What Can I Do About It?

Yes, Sarasota County water is considered hard, meaning it’s loaded with naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals form buildup in appliances, dry out your skin and hair, and contribute to plumbing problems over time. If you’ve noticed water spots, soap scum, or rough laundry, hard water is likely the culprit.

According to recent water quality reports, Sarasota County’s raw water source starts at 1120 mg/L and is softened by the water utility to around 120-125 mg/L, which is considered to be hard. These elevated hardness levels come from mineral-rich water sources managed by the Sarasota County water utility, including wells and regional supplies from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.

Hardness in Sarasota’s tap water provided by municipal sources varies slightly by zip code, depending on the blend of source water and treatment processes used. Even though chlorinated water from city systems meets federal health-based drinking water standards, it can still cause scale buildup in plumbing fixtures and reduce appliance lifespan.

There are proactive steps you can take to stop hard water buildup from affecting your home or your family. This includes keeping your surfaces around water clean and dry, and using spray cleaner on shower doors and mirrors regularly.

Home remedies can help temporarily. Most solutions involve white vinegar, which is a general household cleaning solution:

Sarasota homeowners frequently report:

This water scaling creates more than just cosmetic issues—it can accelerate damage to appliances, clog pipes, and raise utility bills due to inefficient heating elements.

A water softener provides numerous benefits that pay for itself over time.

The most effective water treatment solution is installing a Culligan water softener. Our systems use ion exchange to remove hardness minerals and deliver clean tap water throughout your home. With solutions starting as low as $9.95/month, you can:

Hard water can also affect skin health, oral health, and hair condition:

The short answer is no. Many people may notice a change in their hair if they move from a location with hard water to a location with soft water, however this change is generally unrelated to the amount of hair you have (or whether it’s falling out)— rather it has to do with the quality of your hair. In general, other changes in your environment may cause hair loss. If you’re not eating a healthy diet, or recently experienced a stressful event like moving homes or starting a new job, the hair loss culprit is more likely that than your water quality.

Soap scum isn’t just for your bathroom tiles – it can build up on your skin, too. The minerals in hard water leave a film around your epidermis that clogs your pores, trapping the natural oils and forming blemishes.

The natural oils in your skin work hard to lubricate and provide moisture. The film left around your skin clogs your pores, leaving your skin to feel dry and itchy.

Hard water may cause your skin to age faster. Dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross says many of the impurities in hard water can form free radicals that damage healthy skin cells. This can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. This can also lead to a breakdown of collagen, a structural protein that helps your skin look and feel healthy.

A Culligan water softener uses advanced ion exchange technology to remove the calcium and magnesium ions that make Sarasota’s water so hard. These hardness minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium ions, resulting in soft water that’s gentler on your home, appliances, and skin.

Here’s how a Culligan softener tackles Sarasota’s most common hard water issues:

Culligan softeners are custom-sized for your home’s water usage, water hardness levels, and plumbing layout. Plus, they’re backed by local service and maintenance support from our Culligan Sarasota team.

Whether you live near Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, or anywhere in Sarasota County, our water softeners are designed to fit your lifestyle and water conditions. Choose from rental, purchase, and service options—all backed by Culligan’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Culligan of Sarasota understands that every household has unique water quality needs, which is why we offer a variety of water softening options tailored to suit individual requirements. Whether you’re dealing with mild to severe hard water, our expert team can assess your specific situation and recommend the perfect type of water softener unit for your home.

Aquasential™ Smart High Efficiency Water Softener: ideal for households seeking to reap the advantages of soft water while being mindful of both water and salt consumption. This advanced water softener is engineered for high efficiency and exceptional performance, making it a superb option for homes of any size. It effectively mitigates the adverse effects of hard water, including soap scum, scale accumulation, and the dryness of skin and hair.

Aquasential™ Select Series™ Water Softeners: well-suited for households that want a high-quality water softening system with advanced features. These water softeners offer customizable settings and advanced technology to provide optimal performance and efficiency. They are designed to remove hardness minerals from water, reducing scale buildup, improving the efficiency of appliances, and providing softer, better-tasting water throughout your home.

Both of these options are salt based solutions. But there are also salt-free options available.

Aquasential™ Salt-Free Water Conditioners: fitting for homeowners who want to reduce the negative effects of hard water without the use of salt. It is designed to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, improve the efficiency of water heaters, and provide cleaner, softer-feeling water throughout the home. The Aquasential™ Salt-Free Conditioner is a great option for those who are looking for a salt-free alternative to traditional water softeners.

Sarasota’s community water systems are regularly monitored, and recent reports have shown contaminants in tap water such as:

These drinking water contaminant levels vary depending on urban runoff, organic matter, and water treatment solution practices used by the county and state.

Not sure how hard your water is? Our Culligan Water experts can test your city water supply or private well at no cost. We’ll walk you through your Water Quality Report, explain contaminant measurements, and match you with a solution customized to your family’s needs.

Contact Culligan of Sarasota today to schedule your free test or consultation. It’s the first step to healthier, safer, and cleaner water for your home.