Myths About Water Treatment Systems

Why is softened water slippery?

The reason that softened water leaves you with a slippery feeling is due entirely to the exchange of the 'sticky' calcium and magnesium ions for the slippery sodium ion. When the sodium ion is exchanged for calcium and magnesium, water no longer forms a sticky 'curd' on your skin. The curd which forms from the action of calcium and magnesium mixing with soap could be considered a film on your skin. This film, often seen as a cloudy appearance on glass shower walls, does not form when bathing in softened water. The slippery feeling of softened water has absolutely nothing to do with natural oils in your skin.ack to top of page>>>

Is softened water bad for septic systems?

It is unclear as to whether the chlorides discharged from water softeners are actually 'bad' for septic systems. This issue is under intensive review by organizations such as the Water Quality Association. To date the experts are divided on the subject and there appears to be as many testimonials on both sides of the issue. Our experience has not indicated any negative effects on septic systems associated with softened water. Back to top of page>>>

Does softened water taste salty?

The human body, or more appropriately our taste buds, is incapable of 'tasting' sodium. In fact, what we taste when we experience the concept of 'salty' is actually the chloride associated with common table salt, which is sodium chloride. Water softeners, at least those that are manufactured today, are highly efficient as a general rule and the ion exchange process involves only the trading of sodium for the minerals of calcium and magnesium. The chloride portion of the sodium chloride used in water softeners is actually sent directly to the drain, attached to the calcium and magnesium ions for which the sodium has been exchanged. Back to top of page>>>

Isn't calcium and magnesium in water beneficial as a dietary supplement?

Health experts have argued this issue for decades, and there are an equal number on either side of the argument. Those experts who suggest that calcium and magnesium in water cannot be considered a dietary supplement point to the fact that these minerals in water are not 'chelated', which means they aren't bio-available and cannot be absorbed by the human body. The experts on the other side of the argument suggest that minerals are lacking, in general, in the western diet and any mineral contribution to our dietary intake is beneficial. Regardless of your position, one fact is absolutely clear: in order to consume the RDA of calcium or magnesium from your water it would be necessary to drink many, many gallons of water in a day based on an extremely hard water level of 10 grains per gallon. Consuming this much water in a day is virtually impossible and dangerous from an over-hydration standpoint! Back to top of page>>>

Is hard water considered a water contaminant?

To call hard water a contaminant is inaccurate. Calcium and magnesium are the predominant minerals found in hard water. These minerals are naturally occuring and arise to varying degrees in water dependent on the geography and topography through which the water travels upon falling to the ground. Calcium and magnesium are simply an impurity in water and it is inaccurate to call them a contaminant. Back to top of page>>>

Is softened water spot free?

Softened water will not always be spot free. However, softened water will, in general, produce far fewer spots upon drying on glass, metal and other hard surfaces. The reason for this fact is that softened water, which is devoid of the sticky calcium and magnesium ions will more readily 'sluff' or rinse off of dishes, appliances, shower walls and other fixtures than hard water. Hard water typically dries with a lime scale that is not present in softened water. With softened water any spots that remain are easily wiped clean with a moist cloth whereas with hard water it is often necessary to use a descaling chemical and/or abrasive cleaner. Back to top of page>>>

Does hard water present a health risk?

Advocates of this myth point to the risk of kidney stones and gall stones caused by hardwater. Well, if in fact the calcium and magnesium minerals in water aren't chelated, as referenced above, then these minerals would simply pass through our system. Conversely, if calcium and magnesium in water can be absorbed by the human body which is an arguable fact, then the absorption and utilization of these minerals would be a natural process as with minerals that we derive from other components of our dietary intake. There is no documented, scientific evidence to suggest that hard water is a health risk. Back to top of page>>>

Is chlorine a dangerous chemical in water?

There are many disagreements about chlorine among health experts. However, nearly all of them suggest that chlorine is a dangerous chemical if consumed in high quantities. The problem with the concept of 'high quantities' is that the number is a moving target; more specifically, what was previously considered to be a safe level of chlorine consumption is now considered to be too high a level. We've looked at extensive research on the subject of chlorine as a water disinfection chemical and it is our opinion that any consumption of, or bathing in, chlorine is dangerous. There is ample evidence to suggest that chlorine, and the disinfection by-products as a result of chlorination, are carcinogenic; some studies have shown as much as a 15%+ increase in the incidence of bladder cancer since the introduction of chlorine into municipal water sources. We believe in the complete removal of chlorine is prudent and advised before consuming or bathing in the water. Removing chlorine at the household level should not pose a risk of bacterial contamination of water as household plumbing is a closed system. Back to top of page>>>

Is fluoride a dangerous chemical in water?

Flouride was originally added to water to provide for improvements in dental health. Unfortunately, as with so many previously used chemicals (eg. DDT) the safety of flouride is seriously in question. Consider this quote from the January 2008 Scientific American, "Researchers are intensifying their scrutiny of fluoride, which is added to most public water systems in the U.S. Some recent studies suggest that overconsumption of fluoride can raise the risks of disorders affecting teeth, bones, the brain and the thyroid gland." Back to top of page>>>

Can water be softened without the use of salt or potassium?

Ion exchange, better known as water softening, has been the only scientifically proven method for softening water. Magnets, catalytic systems, electronic systems and other physical-property 'changers' have no documented scientific evidence as to their efficacy in softening water. Changing the physical nature of water is possible for a short duration, however this change does not remove the minerals that cause water hardness. And descaling systems, while beneficial in creating less sticky ions, temporarily, are not a replacement for water softeners. In general there is no widely accepted alternative solution to the removal of water hardness other than through the science of ion exchange.

Are there any "good" alternatives to water softeners?

As referenced above, there are many alternatives to water softeners. However, very few have demonstrated any verifiable and scientifically documented effectiveness with the exception of a new technology recently introduced and gaining widespread acceptance. That technology, known as TAC or Template-Assisted-Crystallization works in a unique way to sequester the calcium and magnesium ions and ultimately have them pass by and through household systems, such as appliances, bathtubs, toilet bowls, copper plumbing and water heaters without sticking to surfaces and creating lime scale build-up. In addition, one of the most unique features about TAC systems is that they will actually remove existing lime scale from plumbing, hot water heaters and other surfaces over time during their use.

There are so many myths, un-truths and misconceptions about water that it is impossible to list them all here. However, if you would like us to provide feedback on a 'supposed' fact you've heard about water in general, or more specifically about your water, please drop us an email and we'll respond quickly.

Call us at 303-750-7873 or 719-538-4663