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Did
you know?
Reverse osmosis is the finest water filtration method known. This process will
allow the removal of particles as small as ions from a solution. It is used
to purify water and remove salts and other impurities in order to improve the
color, taste or properties of the fluid. R.O. uses a membrane that is semi-permeable,
allowing the fluid that is being purified to pass through it, while rejecting
other ions and contaminants from passing.
This technology uses a process
known as crossflow to allow the r.o. membrane to continually clean itself. This
is the reason of why an r.o. element can last many years before clogging or
need replacement. This
water purification process requires a driving force to push the fluid through
the membrane, and the most common force is household water pressure or pressure
from a booster pump. The higher the pressure, the larger the driving force and
efficiency.
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HARD vs. SOFT WATER EXPLAINED
-Hard
water is water that contains an appreciative quantity of dissolved minerals
(like calcium and magnesium)
-Soft
water is treated water in which the only ion is sodium.
As rainwater
falls, it is naturally soft. However, as water makes its way through
the ground and into our waterways, it picks up minerals like chalk, lime
and mostly calcium and magnesium. Since hard water contains essential
minerals, it is sometimes the preferred drinking water, not only because
of the health benefits, but also the flavor. On the other hand, soft
water tastes salty and is sometimes not suitable for drinking. So why,
then, do we soften our water?
When it boils
down, the major difference between hard and soft water can best be seen
while doing household chores. Hard water is to blame for dingy looking
clothes, dishes with spots and residue and bathtubs with lots of film
and soap scum. Even hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look
dull. Hard water can take a toll on household appliances as well, using
up more energy. The elements of hard water are to blame for all of these
negative factors, as soap is less effective due to its reaction to the
magnesium and calcium. The lather is not as rich and bubbly.
Chore-doers
will love using soft water, as tasks can actually be performed more efficiently
with it. Soap will lather better and items will be left cleaner. Glasses
will sparkle and hair will look healthy. The shower curtain will be scum-free. Clothes and skin are left softer. In addition to time, this can also
save money, as less soap and detergents will be used. Since appliances
have to work less hard, soft water can also prolong the life of washing
machines, dishwaters and water heaters. Energy bills are noticeably lower
when in households with water softeners. In a time of rising energy costs,
this is something to think about.
Soft water
is not, however, suggested for those with heart or circulatory problems,
or others who may be on a low sodium diet. In the softening process, as
minerals are removed, sodium content increases. Research shows that cardiovascular
disease has the lowest risk in areas where water has the most mineral
content.
THE BEST
OF BOTH WORLDS: A SOLUTION
There are
ways to combat the sodium in soft water, which will allow households to
enjoy better tasting water, as well as have the best available water for
cleaning needs. They are reverse osmosis, distillation and deionization.
What type
is your water? The Water Quality Association of the United States defines
hard water as having dissolved mineral hardness of 1 GPG (grain per gallon)
or more. Here is a helpful table to show the hardness of water:
Soft Water- less than
1 gpg
Slightly Hard- 1-3.5
gpg
Moderately Hard- 3.5-7
gpg
Very Hard- 7-10 gpg
Extremely Hard- over
10 gpg
Healthy and Convenient!
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