What is 'hard' water and does your state have it?

Aside from how it looks and tastes, you may not have thought much about the water you drink and shower in.

But depending on which state you live in, your water could contain microscopic differences which some say could be ruining your hair and skin.

9News spoke to experts to find out what difference it really makes to our health.

READ MORE: Mother's anguish as 'priceless' jewellery belonging to slain Melbourne woman stolen

While "hard" and "soft" probably don't seem like the obvious words linked to water, those are the terms used to describe it based on how many minerals it contains.

Water in south-east Queensland is considered "moderately hard", meaning it contains increased levels of the minerals calcium and magnesium.

NSW and Victoria have "soft water" due to lower mineral levels, while Western Australia and South Australia have water also considered "hard".

As water passes through rivers, rocks and soil it collects naturally-occurring nutrients.

The further the water travels, the more minerals accumulate and the "harder" it becomes.

READ MORE: Mysterious item washed up on WA beach identified

So, what does that mean for our health?

While some hairdressers warn harsh minerals can damage your hair or skin, according to experts from Urban Utilities, who test and deliver water across the state, hard water doesn't pose any adverse health impacts.

Minerals can make it harder to lather soap or shampoo, so if you're using soapy treatments for your locks you might have to put in a little more effort to get it through your hair.

Around the kitchen, you may notice hard water leaves behind mineral scales in your kettle - but again, these aren't harmful to your health.

If anything, mineral-rich water is more likely to be beneficial to our health - calcium and magnesium both essential for strong muscles and bones.

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.