What type of water has its mineral content dissolved and removed, often exemplified by rain water?

Soft water is characterized by having a low concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, which are typically responsible for hardness in water. When water is described as "soft," it often means that it has been treated to remove these minerals or that it originates from sources like rainwater, which does not carry significant mineral content. This lack of minerals allows soft water to lather easily with soap and reduces the buildup of scale in plumbing fixtures and appliances.

In contrast, hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause issues such as scale buildup. Chlorinated water is treated water that has chlorine added for disinfection, and tap water can be either hard or soft depending on its source and treatment. The distinction of soft water as being mineral-free is crucial for understanding water classifications, especially in the context of beauty and hair care, where the type of water used can affect the outcome of hair treatments.