WATER TREATMENTS METHODS: SOFTENING
Water softeners do not filter nor purify water. They are a long-established technology based on ion exchange. Water is passed over salts which remove the salts which cause hard water and soften the water. Impurities and contaminants are not reduced. Water softeners cost between £300 and £600. The softener is usually plumbed in to the whole system. A hard-water tap is usually kept for drinking and cooking use, since the softened water has a poor flavour and also contains high levels of sodium. Soft water can sometimes be of real benefit to people with eczema and dermatitis, since it is gentler on the skin, but it is no benefit generally to the chemically sensitive because it is no purer than tapwater.
Water softeners are also only of benefit in certain areas of the country, mostly the south of England, where the water is harder. They can save money on detergent use, and on heating costs because of reduced scale in pipes. The salts need refilling every few months, and cost £1 per week or so.
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