In many parts of the country, people complain about hard water. The usual solution when the water supply is heavy on mineral deposits is the use of a water softener or conditioner. But while a water softener can remove the mineral deposits from the water, there is still no guarantee that the water is suitable for drinking.
(Pixabay / tiburi)
Many homeowners have combined water softeners and reverse osmosis systems. Reverse osmosis removes the impurities from the tap water and makes the water taste better. It also ensures that your home’s water is safe enough for your family to drink.
Water conditioners
A water conditioner removes the deposits of magnesium, calcium, and other metals that may be in your water supply. Metallic elements dissolved in water are harmful to the home’s plumbing system and the appliances that use water. They are also unhealthy for the hair and skin of humans.
The removal of the metallic elements is done through the process of ion exchange. Water passes through spherical resin materials referred to as the ion-exchange resin. The softener contains beads that exchange two sodium or potassium ions for every calcium or magnesium ion removed from the water. The ions in the water are exchanged for other ions that are fixed to the beads during the process.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis is a water purification system that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from the water you drink. Pressure is applied to counteract the osmotic pressure of water. In the osmosis process, the solvent moves from the area of high concentration through a membrane to the area of low concentration. RO is often used for the conversion of seawater to drinking water by removing the salt and other materials from the water molecules.
The installation of both the water softener and reverse osmosis systems in your home will ensure clean and safe drinking water. The two systems will not interfere with each other so there is no risk for damage to the systems.