Many residential households use water softeners to remove hardness from water. Water softening can have benefits including extending the life of appliances, preventing scale on fixtures, reducing energy use in water heaters, and decreasing the amount of cleaning products needed. However, there are some negative environmental impacts such as increased water use, and chloride from the salt discharged into surface waters where it is harmful to aquatic plants and animals. Capital costs for water softeners vary widely depending on features and size. Professionals in the water quality industry can provide more detailed guidance and tailored recommendations. General features of water treatment options are described below for comparison but will vary by manufacturer, unit, and application.
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Many older softener regenerations are time clock initiated, using electronic timers or clocks to recharge the resin at a pre-set time and day. This wastes salt and water because they regenerate whether or not regeneration is necessary. Most new softeners use a more sophisticated method called demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) where regeneration is based on the measured amount of water used.
Multi-tank systems will improve salt and water use efficiency. They allow for continuous soft water supply since no reserve capacity is needed in a dual-tank system, saving salt and water.
Some of the most efficient softeners are equipped with sensors that measure the hardness and initiate regeneration and/or adjust settings for optimal performance. Softeners with hardness sensors are best suited for areas where hardness fluctuates (check with city staff).
Down-flow or co-current regeneration is the more common type of regeneration. Co-current softeners require less maintenance where water contains iron or manganese. Up-flow or counter-current regeneration uses brine more efficiently; the brine flows in the opposite direction of the service flow through the resin that is least depleted to the resin that is most depleted. Less salt is needed for this process than co-current regeneration.
Water softeners become less efficient as they age. Replacing old household water softeners with newer models can improve salt efficiency. Over time and use, valves weaken, resin beads deteriorate, and softeners fail. Newer water softeners are designed to be more efficient.
In a water softener exchange service or program, a company delivers a recharged resin tank to the customer’s home. When the tank needs to be regenerated, it is removed by the service company and taken to a central facility for regeneration. Tanks are exchanged on a regular schedule based on estimated water use and water hardness.
Water “softening” is the term generally used for removing calcium and magnesium by ion exchange – using salt. Ion exchange is by far the most common and most accepted process for scale control and for the reduction of residual compounds left after cleaning and bathing. While ion exchange media and the softener control systems are greatly improved, there are viable non-salt based alternatives available on the market.
Softening alternatives include several options that fall under the larger category of water conditioning. Some soften the water (remove the calcium and magnesium) and others do not but may inhibit scale formation by suspending the calcium and magnesium in the water. Reverse osmosis is a well proven technology but most of the other options are not as well proven. Carefully examine product claims before purchasing a device and check the reputation of the seller with the Better Business Bureau or similar resources. In Minnesota, water conditioning dealers and plumbers are licensed to install water conditioning units.
Reverse osmosis (RO) technology uses a membrane and additional filters to remove dissolved solids and other contaminants from water. Whole house systems or small systems for drinking water are available.
Capacitive Deionization (CDI) uses current to attract ions to the anode and cathode. No salt is used. This method reduces concentrations of all ions to minimize scale formation and remove almost all hardness.
Electrically induced precipitation is a conditioning technology that uses an applied current to induce the formation of "soft" scale on an electrode, reducing scale by approximately 50%.
This technology uses resin beads to force hard ions in water to crystalize on the resin. When the crystals become large enough they are released as a fine dust in the water, preventing scale formation on surfaces. TAC systems generally require relatively clean input water. A filter may be needed to remove iron, manganese and sediment.
Chelation is a conditioning technology that uses a chelating agent (such as citric acid or EDTA) to tie up hardness ions, making them unable to form scale on fixtures and appliances. This technology may prevent scale buildup by up to 99% and may also remove existing scale. Chelation has not been well proven, especially for higher hardness levels (> 8-10 gpg), or if iron, dissolved oxygen, or dissolved silica are present.
Magnetic water treatment is a controversial conditioning technology. It uses powerful magnets or electromagnetic devices wrapped around a pipe to create a magnetic field. As hard water passes through the magnetic field created by the device, it may precipitate out hard ions into a “soft scale” which prevents scale formation on fixtures and in appliances. Studies show mixed results on the effectiveness of this technology.
Technologies using radio waves to remove and prevent scale are relatively new. The unit is installed on the outside of a pipe. The conditioner sends an electrical signal from a ring of ferrites to the water inside the pipe causing the ions to suspend in the water as clusters thus preventing them from attaching to surfaces.
There are some products or actions that can improve the efficiency and life of water softeners. Some of these are discussed below.
Regardless of labelling, all softener salt products contain chloride. While there are many salt products available, the base of these products is either sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Sodium chloride is the most commonly used salt in water softener brine tanks. It is widely available and is sold at comparatively lower prices than other salt products. Potassium chloride is used when there are health concerns with sodium intake.
Filters may be needed to remove contaminants in water including iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide and sediment from well water and chlorine from city and well water. It is important to have your water tested to determine if you need a filter.
Iron and manganese stain laundry and plumbing fixtures, add a metallic taste to water, reduce the efficiency of water softeners, and potentially build up in pipelines, water heaters, and water softeners. In general, water softeners may remove up to 3 mg per liter of iron in the water. For higher levels or more efficient operation, iron filters are recommended. If iron or manganese is not thoroughly removed from the resin beads, oxygen in the water oxidizes them, reducing capacity and efficiency. Many municipalities remove iron and manganese before distribution.
Activated carbon filters are recommended for municipal water supplies treated with chlorine and well water if chlorine is used for disinfecting. Chlorine degrades resin beads. A chlorine concentration of 2 parts per million can reduce by half the life of resin beads. Removing chlorine significantly improves taste. Carbon filters also remove many other contaminants such including carcinogenic disinfection by-products, VOCs, and many pesticides.
Water softeners include a resin tank containing resin beads. Resin beads are little porous, plastic spheres of polystyrene strings linked in a crisscross pattern. Resin with a higher % cross-linkage (10% vs. 8$) increases the resin beads durability and life-span. Over time resin beads break down or get clogged, reducing the capacity of the resin beads to trap hard minerals which results in more frequent regeneration, wasting water and salt. Quality resin can extend water softener life by 50 – 100%.
Some people don’t like the slippery feeling of soft water. A blending valve is an accessory valve that mixes some hard water into the softened water to raise the hardness from 0 to usually about 2 grains per gallon.
A properly sized water softener tank will improve the efficiency of salt and water use, while achieving a satisfactory soft water supply. A water softener that is too small will run out of soft water and need to regenerate more frequently. This increases wear on the water softener and reduces its lifespan. A water softener that is too big may cause channeling, limiting softening capacity. In both cases, improperly sized water softeners have a greater potential for using salt inefficiently. Water softeners should be sized to work three to five days without regeneration and designed to treat water without significant pressure loss.
Past studies showed a negative impact of water softener regeneration discharge on septic tanks. More recent research shows that discharge from more efficient water softeners do not have a negative impact on septic tanks and may have a positive impact. The key is “efficient” softeners. A water softener that has a timer-based regeneration controller or a softener that is not set correctly may have a negative impact on the septic tank. A set properly softener uses less salt and water. Studies have shown that the large volume of water used for regeneration of softeners, and especially for iron filters which use a lot of water for backflushing, may displace partially treated water in the septic tank and move it into the drainfield, potentially damaging the field. A septic system should be sized correctly to accommodate the water softener discharge and iron filter discharge (if needed) as well as other estimated household uses. Chloride in the softener discharge cannot be treated in the drainfield and will eventually end up in groundwater.
If needed, softener discharge may be rerouted directly to the distribution box or discharge basin for a reasonable cost ($) to prevent agitation of the layers in the septic tank. Iron filters could potentially increase maintenance costs of septic systems. Iron filter backwash places a volume load on the septic system and dilutes working bacteria. Backwash water can often be diverted to the surface or to a pond to reduce maintenance of the septic system. Check with the local jurisdiction to see if either of these plumbing changes is encouraged.
Chloride levels in many surface waters are increasing and pose an emerging environmental concern, since elevated chloride levels are harmful to aquatic life. Minnesota has many lakes, rivers, and streams with chloride water quality impairments, and chloride levels in groundwater are also increasing, particularly in urban areas.
A major source of chloride is water softening. Most Minnesota homes have moderately hard to very hard water, and many use water softeners. Water softeners remove hardness which causes scale buildup in pipes, appliances and water fixtures, and deposits on glassware.
Ion-exchange water softeners use salt, usually sodium chloride, for recharging. In cities, the salty recharge water (brine) drains to the sanitary sewer where it travels to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Unfortunately, it isn’t feasible for most WWTPs to remove chloride, which is dissolved in water. In areas served by septic systems the brine often discharges to the septic system, although this is not a recommended practice as large amounts of sodium chloride can be detrimental to the system.
Is your water hard? Hardness Grains per gallon (gpg) calcium carbonate Soft 0 - 3.5 gpg Moderately hard 3.5 - 7 gpg Hard 7 - 10.5 gpg Very hard > 10.5 gpgFirst, consider why you want or need soft water, and if you can get by without it. Hardness less than 5 - 7 grains per gallon (gpg) may be acceptable to many homeowners. If your drinking water is from a river, it is naturally softer and you probably don’t need a softener. If you have publicly supplied water, you can find your water hardness from the water utility or city. Some cities soften the water at the drinking water plant. Have your water tested by a professional or buy a kit and test it yourself.
Replace a timer regenerated softener with a demand-initiated softener.
Softeners that are too small or too large for household water use are less efficient.
Soften only indoor, hot water. Soften specific appliances, such as water heaters.
Practice water conservation to reduce softener regeneration and salt use (e.g. using low flush toilets, using high efficiency or front-loading washing machines, taking shorter showers, etc.)
Review softener manual and check settings. Have the system optimized by a professional.
High iron can clog the resin, so use a test kit or consult a professional to measure iron levels. If iron levels are >3 ppm, consider installing an iron filter to increase efficiency and water softener life, although discharge should be diverted from septic systems.
Find out the chlorine level from your public water supply, since high chlorine can damage the resin. If chlorine is over 1 ppm, consider installing a chlorine filter to increase efficiency and water softener life.
For more chelant water treatmentinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Salt-less systems are available-- most don’t remove water hardness, but may prevent scale build-up on fixtures and appliances. Some are not well proven, so carefully examine product claims before purchasing.
If you have hard water, you’re probably well acquainted with spotty dishes, limescale buildup, stiff laundry and soap that just won’t lather. But did you know your home isn’t the only place you might see the impacts of water hardness? Unfortunately, your hair can suffer from the buildup of hard water minerals, too.
The good news is that there are plenty of hard water hair treatment solutions, including chelating shampoo, specialized brushes and — most importantly — a water softener.
Here’s what to know about managing and preventing hard water hair damage.
If you’re tired of dryness, hair breakage and styling struggles, it’s time to take control. Here are a few treatment options for hard water hair that can help prevent future damage:
Besides mineral buildup, one reason hard water impacts your hair health is that hardness minerals also increase the pH levels of your water. The higher your hair’s pH levels, the more likely you are to notice dryness, frizziness and other frustrating issues. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar is acidic — and this low pH can help make your hair more manageable.
To get started, mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to your scalp. Work the mixture all the way down to the ends of your hair and let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing.
There are two main options for hard water shampoo: clarifying and chelating.
Clarifying shampoo is designed to remove residue from your scalp and hair, including some of the mineral buildup from hard water. It’s not the best choice for color-treated or curly hair as overuse can exacerbate dryness, but occasionally adding it to your hair care routine can help manage other problems.
Chelating shampoo contains “chelating agents” that are better suited to bond with and wash away mineral deposits. This helps your regular shampoo, conditioner and other treatments actually reach your hair and do a better job.
While not the most comprehensive or long-term solution (and filter replacement can get expensive), some shower filters can help remove hardness minerals that lead to damaged hair. Many use activated carbon to absorb certain substances, so they could help reduce the presence of other potential impurities, too.
These treatments go in your hair before your regular hair-washing routine. They help create a sort of barrier against hard water minerals and give your shampoo the chance to clean and moisturize as much as possible.
Moisturizing products can work more effectively if they have more time to sit, which is why masks and leave-in conditioners are great options for handling hair damage. For better results, look for products that include coconut or argan oil.
Much like apple cider vinegar, lemons are acidic, which means they can help balance your hair’s pH levels. You can make this DIY treatment with water and fresh lemons or lemon juice — just remember to apply it after washing hair and leave it for a few minutes so your shampoo doesn’t rinse it out.
Some people say baking soda is a great hard water hair treatment because it can help neutralize acids. Others say this isn’t the best choice, especially over longer periods of time, because baking soda can potentially damage color-treated hair and cause breakage. If you decide to make this shampoo-free wash, use it sparingly.
Certain kinds of brushes are better for treating hard water hair damage because they’re designed to distribute your scalp’s natural oils. This helps moisturize your hair down to the ends and can fight back the drying effects of hardness minerals.
By far the most comprehensive, reliable and long-term solution on the list, a water softener helps stop hair damage at the source by removing hardness minerals. Unlike a shower filter, these systems treat water at every tap and shower in your home and address a much wider range of issues, including stiff laundry, soap scum, spotty dishes and more.
Now that you have plenty of treatments and solutions up your sleeve, it’s time to find out why all of this is necessary in the first place. Why does hard water have so many negative effects on your hair?
It all comes down to the science of water hardness. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can produce a kind of “film” when you wash, creating a barrier between your hair and many shampoos, conditioners, everyday products and even your skin’s natural oils. Moisture can’t penetrate this barrier, and the result is dry hair.
This may cause a variety of unpleasant problems, including:
Of course, it’s not just your hair that can suffer. Those same hardness minerals can dry out your skin, too. While most people notice itchiness or dryness on their hands first, that’s a good sign that your scalp is experiencing the same issue — which can impact your hair’s health and appearance.
The unfortunate truth about hard water is that it can be incredibly widespread That’s because hardness minerals are present in the natural environment; for example, magnesium is abundant in leafy plants, sea water and even the Earth’s crust, while calcium is present in marble, chalk, limestone, shells and more. As a result, your water can pick up these minerals at almost any point between the source and your tap. This is particularly common in systems fed by groundwater because this has a high chance of picking up calcium and magnesium from stone, soil and other sources.
That means both city and well water systems can have hard water, although it’s particularly common in the latter. On top of that, hardness levels can differ depending on your area’s geographic and geological features.
Because two next-door neighbors may have different water hardness levels, it’s helpful to know what you’re dealing with.
Water hardness is measured based on the concentration of calcium carbonate or calcium carbonate in a particular amount of water. You’ll see results in three basic forms:
If you’re using gpg, any result less than 1 means you have soft water. Hardness begins between 1 and 3.5 gpg; anything between 7 and 10.5 is considered hard, and results above that indicate very hard water. (Note that gpg and ppm are equivalent measurements.) If you use mg/L, the scale is a little different: Anything under 60 is soft, but 120 and above is hard or very hard.
The harder your water, the more effects you’re likely to see — and the more difficult they’ll be to address. It’s also important to know your area’s water hardness levels because this will directly impact the type of water softener you need. Harder water requires more work on your softener’s part.
Unlike some water problems, you can’t see hardness just by looking at the water itself. You can spot other issues, though — so keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
Also known as limescale, mineral deposits can collect on your faucets, fixtures, shower doors and elsewhere in your home. Although you likely won’t be able to see it, these minerals can also gather inside your plumbing system, degrading functionality over time.
If you notice spots or other unpleasant marks on your dishes even after running them through the wash, you likely have hard water. The “spots” can be residue or the remnants of mineral deposits that your dishwasher can’t quite eliminate.
Clothes may come out of the washing machine feeling stiff and uncomfortable. Their colors might also fade faster and get worn out more quickly.
When mineral deposits gather inside your pipes and around your faucet nozzle, there’s less room for water to move. This can lead to low water pressure and reduced water flow at just about any tap in your house, including your shower head.
Water-using appliances can wear down more quickly if your water is hard. They may also lose efficiency and performance over time.
Although it’s easy to notice some of these signs, the only way to know exactly what your water’s hardness levels are is to have a professional water test. A local expert will be able to tell you what’s going on in your area, how this impacts your water quality and what else you need to know about potential problems or contaminants.*
Sometimes the best hair treatment is actually water treatment. That’s certainly the case when it comes to hard water issues, which can dry out and damage your hair — not to mention the negative impacts on your skin, laundry, dishes and water-using appliances.
If you’re ready to step up your hair care routine, a water test is the best place to start. You’ll learn your water’s hardness levels, which water softener is best for your needs and more.
Schedule your free, in-home water test today.
*Contaminants may not be present in your water.
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