Hard
Water Problems in the United States
Water hardness is corrected
by the use of a water softener (often referred to as a conditioner).
The hard water is passed through a tank containing resin beads
coated with sodium ions or, in some cases, potassium chloride
ions. The calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for the
sodium ions, thus softening the water. When the beads have
trapped all the hardness they can hold, the unit is regenerated
with salt brine to replace the hardness ions with sodium ions.
The unit is then ready to soften water again.
Studies have found that soft
water saves time and money in the home:
-
Soft water activates
detergent or soap to make a smaller amount (up to 55%
less) work more effectively.
-
An Ohio State
University study found that softened water cut the time
required for housecleaning from almost 4 hours to less
than 2½ hours.
-
Home water heating
costs can be reduced by as much as 20% with softened water,
costly plumbing repairs can be reduced too.
-
Sheets washed
in soft water last a lot longer than those washed in hard
water. Sheets washed in soft water can take 32% more washings.
To rate the hardness quality of
the water in your home, consIder these questions:
A. Limp, lifeless, itchy
B. Flyaway (hair), somewhat dry
C. Shiny and clean
Are your white clothes/linens:
A. Gray
B. Off-white
C. Bright-white
Do the bathtubs and sinks have:
A. Heavy rings
B. Light rings
C. No rings
A. Clogged
B. Partly clogged
C. Clear
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