 A water softener has a lot of benefits for a home with hard water. Water is considered hard when it contains high concentrations of dissolved magnesium and calcium. The evidence will be staining on your sinks, tubs, showers, and clothing. You may also notice that you are using more and more soap due to less lather from your shampoos and soaps.
What are the benefits of a water softener? Economical— - You will notice a dramatic reduction in the amount of soaps and detergents after you install a water softener.
- Reduction in the cost of maintenance and replacement of pipes, water heater, and other appliances.
- Reduction in water bills because less water will be used for laundering and dish washing. Dishes will look less spotty from the mineral deposits from hard water.
- No stained on clothes making them last longer.
Health— - Removal of calcium and magnesium means healthy drinking water.
- Softer water keeps skin and hair look healthy.
Environmental— - Quick lathering means good water conservation due to reduction in the amount of water being used.
- Reduction in the amount of wastewater being sent to your local wastewater treatment plant.
- Increasing the useful life of appliances means less metals being dumped in landfills
Reductions in detergents used in homes mean reductions in phosphates being sent to the sewer and eventually to wastewater treatment plants. This eventually leads to less phosphates discharge to surface water which can cause eutrophication or algae bloom which can interfere with the ecosystem.
How safe is hard water and should I buy a water softener?
According to EPA, hard water is not known to cause any adverse health effects. However, the economic and the environmental benefits of a water softener justify the need to soften your water if it’s hard. You can test your water to find out how hard it is. You can buy a hardness test kit for less than $10 on Amazon. Unless you are looking for a precise measurement, you will find a wide assortment of hardness test kits for homes at extremely low prices.
So, think about the benefits you will derive from a good water softener. If your water is contaminated with other pollutants, water softener and filter combinations are available on the market. |
