Most Water in NJ is hard, it's even harder if you receive well water. I'm in Water Treatment soooo take my advice and get a water softener! Hard water isn't much of an issue depending on its applications. Over time it can create build-up of precipitated solids. You would notice a pale yellow residue forming around your faucets / shower heads or spots on your dishes after washing and setting to dry. Hard water also dries out your skin more after a shower, and requires more soap to clean your laundry.