Hard WaterProblems and Treatment

Where Water Comes From

• Lakes

• Streams

• Manmade Collection

Source of Hardness• Calcium and Magnesium

• Found Naturally in the Soil

• Collected by Water as it Travels

• Retrieved by Municipal Suppliers

• Pumped to Homes in the Area

Geographic Variances• Ions in Highest Concentration in the Midwest

• Streams and Rivers Converge

• Ions Deposited Over Time

• Low Concentrations Toward Coastal States

• Suppliers Can Provide Details

Human Health• Not Affected by Hardness Causing Ions

• Could Benefit From Calcium and Magnesium

• No Official Information

• Usually Does Not Outweigh Problems

Effects in the Home• Decreased Lathering of Soaps and Detergents

• Lime Scale Deposits

• Rings Around Bathtubs

• Increased Wearing of Clothes

• Plumbing Problems

• Dry Skin

Salt Based Softening Products

• Remove Ions Completely

• Most Effective Type of Treatment

• Add Salt to the Environment

• Require Salt Replenishment

• More Expensive

• May be Restricted in Certain Areas

Saltless Softening Products

• Alter Ions to Prevent Crystal Formation

• Use Electric or Magnetic Fields

• Do Not Add Salt to the Environment

• Less Maintenance

• Less Effective

• More Affordable

Selecting the Appropriate System

• Read Water Softener Reviews

• Inquire About Local Restrictions

• Evaluate Environmental Concerns

• Consider Degree of Hardness

• Decide Which Factors are Most Important

• Seek Professional Advice