Is the water in my city hard? What published studies show for Pakistan
What we could verify: Lahore
A 2024 study in Scientific Reports collected 50 tap water samples from groundwater in two areas of Lahore, Gulshan-e-Ravi (site 1) and Samanabad (site 2).
| Gulshan-e-Ravi | Samanabad | |
|---|---|---|
| Average total dissolved solids | 192.56 mg/L (within WHO guideline) | 612.84 mg/L (above WHO guideline) |
| Water quality index | 59.66, "poor" | 77.30, "very poor" |
| Calcium hardness (both sites) | 25.04 to 65.73 mg/L | |
| Magnesium hardness | Higher than WHO guideline values | |
The authors attribute poor quality mainly to old, worn-out pipes and improper waste disposal. The study covers two areas, so it says little about the rest of Lahore.
What we could not verify
We looked for reliable published hardness figures for Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and other cities. Search summaries suggested that hardness and dissolved solids exceed limits in parts of some cities, but we could not open the papers to check the numbers, so we are not publishing them. We would rather leave a gap than print a figure we cannot stand behind.
Why a city number would not help you much anyway
Hardness changes by area, by source (groundwater, supply lines, tanker or filter plant) and by season. Two homes on the same street can have different water. Your own tap is the only number that counts. See how to test your water hardness at home.
Help us build a real picture
If you test your water with a hardness kit, send your city, area and reading in mg/L (or grains per gallon) to Bloom on WhatsApp at +92 330 9998215. We will only publish combined figures by area, with no names or addresses, once we have enough readings from a place. We have not started this yet.
Frequently asked questions
Is water in Lahore hard?
One 2024 study found calcium hardness of 25 to 66 mg/L but high magnesium and variable dissolved solids at two sites. That does not describe the whole city.
Is Karachi water hard?
We could not verify a published hardness figure for Karachi. Test your own tap.
Does high TDS mean hard water?
Not necessarily. TDS counts all dissolved solids, and hardness is only a part. Use a hardness test.
Is Bloom Hard Water Fix a treatment for this?
No. Hard Water Fix is made for hair that feels rough or coated from mineral buildup. It is not a medical treatment, so if this is your main concern, follow the steps above and see a doctor if it persists.
Sources
- Latif M, et al. Assessment of drinking water quality using Water Quality Index and synthetic pollution index in urban areas of mega city Lahore. Sci Rep, 2024. PMC11166916
- US Geological Survey, hardness classification: USGS FAQ
Sulfate-free and paraben-free; lists EDTA and citric acid; 400 ml Rs 1,999; free delivery across Pakistan, cash on delivery, 10-wash money-back guarantee. Not a treatment for hair fall. Bloom has not yet published lab test data for the formula.
See Hard Water FixRelated questions
- Best shampoo for hard water in Pakistan: how to choose
- Does water affect your hair? Join the Pakistan hair survey
- What is hard water? A plain-English guide
- What's in Bloom Hard Water Fix? Every ingredient explained
Written by the Bloom editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Found a mistake? WhatsApp +92 330 9998215 and we will correct it.
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