The type of water that makes it difficult to produce suds or to rinse laundry, dishes or food equipment is?

Hard water is characterized by high levels of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. These minerals react with soap to form insoluble compounds known as soap scum, which makes it difficult to produce suds. Additionally, when trying to rinse laundry, dishes, or food equipment, hard water can leave mineral deposits, requiring more effort to achieve a thorough rinse.

In contrast, soft water contains fewer minerals and allows soap to lather more easily, facilitating better suds formation and rinsing. Spring water and distilled water also do not have the same mineral content as hard water, further differentiating them from the properties of hard water. Thus, hard water is specifically the type that impedes the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, making it the correct answer.