Compositions and methods for reducing the impact of hard water on gypsum board foaming are provided. The compositions include adding a foam to water and a calcined slurry. The foam includes water, dispersed air and a surfactant. Surfactants for use include a hydrophobic portion having an alkyl chain length distribution of about 20% to about 60% C8 chains; about 20% to about 60% C10 chains; about 14% to about 36% C12 chains and about 2% to about 20% C14 chains and also having a hydrophilic portion having about 0.2 to 3.0 ethoxy groups.