Gary Hayes, age 11, of Dakota City, Neb., for his question:

WHAT IS SOFT WATER?

Sort water is the kind that doesn't have too many minerals in it. Rainwater, for example, is extremely soft, while salt water from the ocean is very hard.

Hard water makes washing clothes most difficult with ordinary soaps, and quite often the launderer in the family will add chemicals or special detergents that make the water soft.

In many areas the tap water is so hard that it is necessary for people to install water sorteners in order to obtain usable water for bathing, washing clothes and cooking.