Water Softening Q & A
Hard Water
Water is essential to life. Without it the biosphere that exists on the surface of the earth would not be possible. Nicknamed the "water" planet, Earth is nearly covered with one of our most precious natural resources. More than 60% of the earth's water is groundwater. As water falls to the earth, it percolates into the ground. As it is absorbed, it picks up minerals like calcium, magnesium, and lime. These 3 minerals make up what is traditionally referred to as "hardness" in water. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon or parts per million. Water hardness above 7 grains per gallon is considered very hard, over 10.5 grains per gallon is considered extremely hard.
The water in the Phoenix metro area is considered extremely hard water because the grains per gallon varies from 12-22 grains on average! Hard water is the most common water quality problem in the U.S. High water hardness causes scale and build-up in water heaters, eventually forming an insulation barrier inside, making water heaters inefficient because, before your water can be heated, the crusty build-up must be heated. Additionally, hard water builds up in components of washing machines and dishwashers. You may also notice soap scum residue in bathtubs, on shower doors, and on hair and skin. Furthermore, hard water causes soaps to be less effective, leaving clothing dingy and colors faded. Hard water is abrasive and "etches" dishware, glasses, and silverware. Hard water also causes the fabrics in clothing to deteriorate quickly. The bottom line? Hard water costs you money!
Sodium Free vs. Salt Free
Several Phoenix water softener providers make claims that you can enjoy soft water without using salt. Reputable testing agencies and independent research labs deduce that no conclusive evidence confirms these claims. Tests performed on various brands of "salt free water softeners" found no removal of water hardness or scale. Sadly, despite the test results, these deceptive claims have gained a greater audience in recent years. Contact the Arizona Water Quality Association for more information on this topic.
All water softeners use either sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Chloride being the determiner in each compound, both are considered salt. However, consumers often get confused because sodium and salt are not the same. All water softeners, in essence, can be sodium free, if you use potassium in exchange for sodium.
Sodium doesn't have to be scary! Sodium is fairly abundant in most water supplies in the Phoenix metro area. A water softener using sodium chloride adds very little additional sodium. In most cases, increased sodium levels in (1) gallon of soft water are equivalent to (2) slices of bread. According to Dr. Andrew Zweifer, director of the Hypertension Clinic at The University of Michigan:
"Drinking water represents a very small part of sodium intake in most persons. Even water softener systems don't introduce enough salt to be of concern."
Similar views are expressed by the New England Journal of Medicine and the U.S. EPA. However, if you are on a sodium free diet or are still concerned with your sodium consumption, there is an effective alternative to softened water. A reverse osmosis filter system will reduce the sodium content of your drinking water.
Soft Water Benefits
Softened water enhances the quality of life throughout your entire Phoenix area home. Soft water refines the lifeblood of your home by eliminating mineral build-up and scale in water heaters and appliances and by eliminating troublesome water spots and 'etching' of dishes and fixtures. The soft water difference is evident in how your hair, skin, and clothes look and feel and in the performance and longevity of water-using appliances. Quality soft water improves the effectiveness of detergents, shampoo, and other soaps by 50 to 70 percent. With conditioned soft water, everything rinses clearer and cleaner. Clear Water Concepts water treatment systems enhance the quality of life through the quality of water. Treat yourself to treated water!
