Water softeners are essential if your well contains water-hardening minerals. All water contains a certain level of water hardness, but some regions of the United States are more prone to these minerals than others. For example, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota are some examples of state with particularly hard water. To determine the total hardness of your well water, have your well tested.
A water softener removes water hardness by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions from a brine. This increases the sodium content of the water, but, more importantly, it reduces the negative effects of hard water by softening it. A water softener protects your home’s plumbing, appliances, and your well water storage tank from damaging limescale. Soft water is also beneficial if you install a reverse osmosis system under your sink. Calcium and magnesium can clog the membrane of a reverse osmosis system, reducing its efficiency. When installed after a water softener, a reverse osmosis system can run at peak efficiency, providing high-quality water.
Water softeners remove:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Other water-hardening minerals
Water softeners add:
- Sodium or potassium (depending on which brine is used)