A quick and easy fix for hard water is a Brita Water Filter. They cost under 15 bucks (Walmart) but you'll need spare filters too so figure 20 bucks total and you won't have PH probs ever again! My water here is off my scale at 9++ but one trip through the filter and into the pitcher brings it down to 6.0-6.5, depending on how many times the filter is used. They're good for appx 40 gals of clean water before the filter needs to be changed. I would not advise using epsom salts full time for PH adjustment. I would also advise picking up one of those cheap PH testers to make sure of the content...both ASAP.

Good luck!