One of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century is public water disinfection and treatment. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium
The minerals are harmless to human health but contribute to build-ups of solid deposits of calcium carbonate in boilers and industrial equipment, as well as household appliances. This increases the costs of heating the water, lowers the efficiency of the devices, and clogs pipes. It also makes it hard to get things clean, and it doesn’t taste as good.
Water softeners address hard water by removing excess minerals and replacing them with salts
The softened water then leaves the water softening system and flows through plumbing. Several types of water softeners are available, including salt-based ion exchange softeners and electronic or magnetic water softeners.
The most common form of water softener used in homes is the salt-based ion exchange softener, which works by cycling water through two tanks. It substitutes sodium for the hard minerals in the water through an ion exchange process.
Water softener systems are also used in businesses. Advantage Water Conditioning offers two types of commercial water softener products. The Fleck Control Valve is recommended for twin-tank systems, and the Clack WSEE Control Valve is recommended for single-tank systems. Advantage Water Conditioning can customize products for tanks sized four cubic feet and above.
The history of the water softener is fuzzy, to say the least
Most sources agree that water softening dates back to the early 1900s. Emmett Culligan, the founder of water treatment company, “Culligan Water”, helped make water softening possible in the residential market. The dates aren’t precise. Some websites say the 1920s. The history section on Culligan Water’s own website states 1936.
If you need a water softener in your home or business, call the professionals at Advantage Water Conditioning for a free expert consultation.
