Recent News
Dear customers,
We wanted to take a moment to address a concern that some customers have brought to our attention. The presence of white chalky particles in ice is produced by refrigerator ice makers. These particles are most commonly the result of calcium buildup caused by hard water in the water supply.
Why is this happening?
Hot water contains naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. When hard water freezes to make ice, the minerals do not freeze with the water and instead are left behind.
This can lead to:
- White flakes or cloudiness in the ice.
- Chalky residue in the ice bin or tray.
- Potential buildup within your icemaker over time.
This is a common use issue in areas with hard water, and it is not harmful, but we understand it can be frustrating or concerning.
What can you do?
To minimize or eliminate calcium particles in your ice, here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Replace your refrigerator water filter.
Make sure your filter is up to date. (Generally replaced every 6 months) and rated for reducing mineral content.
- Consider a water softener.
If your home has hard water, a water softener can help reduce calcium at the source. There are also point-of-use filters that can be added specifically to your refrigerator’s waterline.
- Clean your ice maker regularly.
Mineral buildup can occur inside the icemaker itself. A mixture of vinegar and water can be used to gently clean and dissolve calcium deposits (refer to the refrigerator’s cleaning instructions for guidance).
- Test your water.
You may want to test your home’s water hardness using a simple test kit to determine the level of minerals present.
What the City is responsible for:
- The municipal water supplier is legally responsible for delivering clean, safe, and potable water that meets health and safety standards, said by the EPA.
- These standards include things like:
- bacterial safety (no E. coli, coliforms, etc.)
- Lead, arsenic, and other harmful contaminants.
- Chlorine levels.
- pH balance
While the city provides water that meets all health and safety standards, it does not treat the water for hardness. The calcium buildup in icemakers and appliances is due to naturally occurring minerals in the water, which are safe to consume but may cause scale or residue. To address this, we recommend using a water softener or an appropriate filtration system.
Thank you for being a valued customer!
Warm regards,
City of Point
Heather Rollins, City Secretary
903-598-3296 ext. 220
cityclerk@cityofpoint.org
The City of Point staff strives to keep you updated on all matters related to your community. If you do not find the information you need, please contact our office and we will gladly assist you!
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