FAQ

What is the difference between filtering water and softening water

Filtering water involves separating mineral particles from water. By passing water through a filter these granular particles are trapped - and clean water passes through.

Softening water involves ion exchange to remove dissolved minerals (like magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese). Softeners use resin beads with sodium attached to the resin. As water enters the tank, dissolved calcium and magnesium are attracted to the resin. The resin passes up the sodium in exchange for the dissolved chemicals and the water is then rid of these impurities.

What is Hard Water

Hard water spots your glasses and dishes, makes laundry dull, and causes soap scum and scale to build-up making cleaning a chore. The most common hardness causing minerals are Calcium and Magnesium.

What is Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis is the process by which water molecules are forced through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure.

Tap water first flows through a sediment filter to remove dirt, rust and other solid objects. The water then flows into a carbon filter that takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals then through the membrane which separates 70-99% of the dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. These removed impurities are rinsed down the drain producing the final product. This water is stored in a tank usually located underneath the kitchen sink and is accessed with a separate faucet. Different systems have more filters added or different stages depending on your needs.

Why should hard water concern me

For many uses, it would not matter. For instance, to put out fires, water your lawn, wash the mud off the streets or float your boat, water would have to be pretty hard to cause a problem. But for bathing, washing dishes and clothes, shaving, washing your car and many other uses of water, hard water is not as efficient or convenient as "soft water." For instance:

1. You use only 1/2 as much soap cleaning with soft water.
   
2. Because hard water and soap combine to form "soap scum" that can't be rinsed off, forming a 'bathtub ring' on all surfaces and dries leaving unsightly spots on your dishes.
   
3. When hard water is heated, the hardness minerals are re-crystallized to form hardness scale. This scale can plug your pipes and hot water heater, causing premature failure, and costly replacement.
   
4. The soap scum remains on your skin even after rinsing, clogging the pores of your skin and coating every hair on your body. This crud can serve as a home for bacteria, causing diaper rash, minor skin irritation and skin that continually itches.
5. For many industrial uses, the hardness minerals interfere with the process, causing inferior product.