list the sources of hard water and soft water separately ????

Hard water refers to the water which contains mineral salts such as calcium and magnesium ions which results in the less formation of lather when soap is agitated in water while soft water refers to the water which does not contain mineral salts (i.e. calcium or magnesium ions) which limits the formation of lather when soap is agitated in water.

Natural water bodies contain soft water. But when the water from these water bodies comes in contact with the sources of hardness such as limestone (source which introduces calcium into the water) or dolomite (source which introduces magnesium into the water), then they become hard water. Thus hardness of water enters in this manner into the water. Also groundwater has greater hardness than the surface water. For example: the water of Lake Mead results from the melting snow in the Rocky Mountains. When this lake passes through the Colorado River channel, it dissolves certain minerals like calcium and magnesium from the rocks present around it. Thus, this soft water becomes hard water.

Some sources of soft water are rain water, water obtained from melted snow etc.

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Sources of Hardness Minerals in Drinking Water

Water is a good solvent and picks up impurities easily. Pure water - tasteless, colorless, and odorless - is often called the universal solvent. When water is combined with carbon dioxide to form very weak carbonic acid, an even better solvent results.

As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water "hard." The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

Hard water... is water that contains an appreciable quantity of dissolved minerals (like calcium and magnesium).

Soft water... is treated water in which the only ion is sodium.

Hard vs Soft As rainwater falls, it is naturally soft. However, as water makes its way through the ground and into our waterways, it picks up minerals like chalk, lime and mostly calcium and magnesium. Since hard water contains essential minerals, it is sometimes the preferred drinking water. Not only because of the health benefits, but also the flavor. On the other hand, soft water tastes salty and is sometimes not suitable for drinking. So why, then, do we soften our water?

When it boils down, the major difference between hard and soft water can best be seen while doing household chores. Hard water is to blame for dingy looking clothes, dishes with spots and residue, and bathtubs with lots of film and soap scum. Even hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. Hard water can take a toll on household appliances as well and use up more energy. The elements of hard water are to blame for all of these negative factors, as soap is less effective due to its reaction to the magnesium and calcium. The lather is not as rich and bubbly.