Hard water contains a high concentration of natural minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, which are picked up as water travels through rocks and sediment. While these minerals are not directly harmful, hard water often includes other substances like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and PFASs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), that may pose health risks. These contaminants enter water sources, such as private wells, community wells, or municipal systems. We'll dive deeper into VOCs, PFAS, and similar compounds in future blog posts.
The Downside to Hard Water
Hard water isn't just tough on your appliances it can take a toll on your skin, hair, and plumbing too.
Although calcium and magnesium aren't harmful to consume, they leave behind visible mineral deposits that can clog faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines. This build up reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption, and shortens the lifespan of your appliances.
Signs of hard water include:
- White, chalky buildup on fixtures and dishes
- Stiff laundry or fabrics that wear out quickly
- Soap that doesn't lather well or leaves residue
Not sure if you have hard water? Visit any of our locations for a simple five minute test to determine your water's hardness level
Enter Our Hero: The Water Softener
Water softeners are specifically designed to combat the problem caused by hard water using a process called ion exchange.
A common myth: Many people believe water softeners add salt to their drinking water, creating a salty taste. In reality, the salt in the brine tank is used to recharge the softener's resin, not to soften the water itself. The amount of sodium introduced into softened water is negligible less than what is found in a single slice of bread.
Behind the Scenes: Ion Exchange Process
Inside a water softener, resin beads charged with sodium ions remove calcium and magnesium from hard water. Here's how it works:
- As hard water flows through the resin tank, the calcium and magnesium ions attach to the resin beads, displacing the sodium ions
- This exchange reduces the hard water minerals, leaving the water 'softened'.
Regeneration
Over time, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium. To restore the softener's functionality, the system undergoes a regeneration cycle:
- Salt from the brine tank creates a saltwater solution
- This solution flushes through the resin tank, replacing calcium and magnesium ion with fresh sodium ions
- The displaced minerals are flushed out as waste water
Regeneration typically happens at night, often around 2am, ensuring no hard water enters your home during this process.
Benefits of Softened Water
Softened water offers numerous benefits for your home, appliances, and personal care.
For your home:
- Protects plumbing: presents mineral buildup, extending the lifespan of pipes and fixtures
- Increases energy efficiency: reduces strain on water heaters and other appliances
- Makes cleaning easier: reduces soap scum and hard water stains on surfaces
For appliances:
- Extends the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines
- Ensures spotless dishes and silverware
For personal care:
- Leaves skin softer and hair more manageable
- Improves soap and shampoo lathering, reducing product use and residue
- help alleviate dryness and irritation, especially for those with eczema or sensitive skin
Conclusion
A water softener is your ultimate defense against the challenges of hard water. By understanding the ion exchange process and the benefits of softened water, you can make informed decisions about improving your home's water quality.
Regular maintenance, such as annual tune-ups, proper regenerations, and salt level monitoring is essential to keep your system running smoothly.
At Douglas Water Conditioning, we've been your local trusted sources for water treatment since 1968. If you have any questions about your water treatment, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help! Cheers to your water perfected.
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Compare water softeners, reverse osmosis, and whole-house RO systems. Learn how each improves water quality and which is right for your home with Douglas Water.
Get to Know: Matt Long - Owner All of the gentlemen that run Douglas Water Conditioning have a special place in my heart, each teaching me different lessons in their own way. But if I had to pick a favorite 'Douglas Dad', it would be Matt Long. He's the guest star on all my TikToks, the first to celebrate your wins, and has a way of offering guidance - even when you've made a mistake - without making you feel defeated. I've learned so much from this company, but more importantly, I've learned what a great place it is to work. There's a unique family and friends dynamic at Douglas Water Conditioning, and no one embodies that better than Matt Long Matt started working at Douglas Water Conditioning when he was 21 years old. A young dad on the job hunt, he came across a help-wanted ad in the local paper: Salt delivery driver needed at Douglas Water Conditioning. Matt and his friend both applied. "Funny thing was, my friend got hired right away. I wasn't hired immediately - they needed a few more days to think about it." As a young employee, one of the biggest challenges Matt faced was being reserved. "I was quiet." he admits. But that didn't stop him from pushing forward.
Douglas Water Conditioning & Plumbing Solutions keeps your softener running at its best. Learn why regular inspections matter - tune-ups just $59.99.
Get to know Mike Lanni, owner of Douglas Water Conditioning, as he blends family values with modern leadership to deliver exceptional customer care.
Thinking about buying a water softener or filtration system on Amazon? Read this first. Discover the hidden risks of online water treatment shopping and learn why working with a trusted local expert like Douglas Water Conditioning ensures quality, safety, and long-term support.
Introduction There's a long list of things that can end up in your water - and many of them shouldn't be there. Among the most concerning are contaminants known as VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS. While these chemicals have been around for decades, it's only in recent years that they've gained the attention they deserve due to their potential health risks. These pollutants are not only common in everyday products, but they also tend to be persistent in the environment. That means once they enter your water supply, they're hard to remove - and potentially harmful if left un treated What are VOCs? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can vaporize into air and dissolve in water. Once released into groundwater, many VOCs persist for long periods and can easily migrate into drink water wells. Common Sources of VOCs: Industrial solvents (like acetone or paint thinners) Gasoline and petroleum byproducts Cleaning agents Pesticides and herbicides Paints and varnishes Health Effects of VOC Exposure: Respiratory issues Headaches and dizziness Liver and kidney damage Increased risk of certain cancers How VOCs Enter Water: Leaks or spills from industrial facilities Landfills and improper chemical disposal Runoff from agricultural or residential areas What are PFOAs and PFOS? Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) are man - made chemicals in the PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) group. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS don't break down easily in the environment, making them a long - term threat to water quality. Common Sources of PFAS: Non-stick cookware (like Teflon) Water- and stain-resistant fabrics Firefighting foam Food packaging and water - repellent materials Health Effects of PFAS Exposure: Increased risk of certain cancers Hormone disruption Weakened immune system Developmental delays in children How PFAS Enter Water: Industrial discharge into waterways Contaminated soil runoff Degradation of consumer products How to Protect Your Water from VOCs and PFAS Get your water tested The first and most important step is knowing what's in your water. Contact your local health department or certified water testing lab to determine if contaminants like VOCs or PFAS are present. While at - home test kits can give a general idea, professional testing is always recommended for accurate results Use Advanced Filtration Systems Certain water treatment systems can effectively remove or reduce VOCs and PFAS from your drinking water. Carbon filtration: Effective against VOCs and PFAS. Common in pitcher filters and whole - house systems. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Highly effective at removing VOCs, PFAS, and over 99 other contaminants. The EcoWater ERO 385 RO system is certified to remove both VOCs, and PFAS, making it a reliable point - of - use system for kitchen sinks or fridges. Stay Informed About Local Water Quality Check municipal water reports, often published in your local newspaper or online. Follow EPA and state regulations for updates on VOC and PFAS limits. Stay educated on emerging contaminants that my pose risk Conclusion VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS are real and serious threats to the safety of your drinking water. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to a variety of health concerns. Some of which may be irreversible. But the good news is - you can take action. A reverse osmosis system, like the EcoWater ERO 385, provides a strong line of defense. Regular water testing, responsible product choices, and high - quality filtration can go a long way in protecting your family's health. Clean, safe water isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. If you have questions about your water quality or are interested in installing a RO system in your home, contact any of our Douglas Water locations today. We're happy to help you find the best solution for your needs and ensure that the water you use every day is as pure and safe as possible.
Ensuring your home's plumbing meets Michigan safety and compliance standards is essential for protecting your water quality, health, and property value. In this blog, we break down the importance of Michigan Plumbing Code, how it prevents water contamination and hazardous waste disposal issues, and the legal and financial risks of non-compliance. Learn why hiring a licensed professional is crucial and how Douglas Water Conditioning upholds the highest standards to keep your home safe and efficient. Read more to discover how proper plumbing can save you time, money, and peace of mind!
Have you ever wondered who keeps Douglas Water Conditioning running day to day? Well, allow me to introduce you to one of those guys - Scott Shepherd, one of the four owners of Douglas Water Conditioning. Scott's journey with Douglas Water Conditioning began in November 1989, when he was just 16 years old. His father, a fireman, encouraged him to stop by and visit Doug Lanni, a fellow fire fighter who owned a small, but growing water treatment business. Scott started in the shop, but was quickly moved to lead the salt delivery department - all on his own. Back then, there were no GPS device and maps often didn't reflect the rapidly expanding neighborhoods. Scott's experience as a hunter helped him navigate unmarked roads and unlabeled houses, using landmarks and cardinal directions to get the job done.
Have you ever wondered why you need to put salt in your brine tank? Does salt actually make the water soft? Does the brand or type of salt you use matter? In this blog post, we'll explore the role of salt in water softeners , review different types of salt, and discuss how to choose the best option for your system. The Role of Salt in Water Softeners Contrary to popular belief, salt isn't what directly softens your water. The magic happens through a process called ion exchange , where resin beads inside your softener remove hard water causing minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate on the resin beads, requiring 'cleaning' to maintain efficiency and performance. This is where salt plays a vital role. When dissolved in water, salt creates a brine solution that 'cleans' the resin beads by flushing away the accumulated minerals, allowing them to continue softening your water. Choosing the right salt not only improves the performance, but also extends the life of your water softener. Different Type of Water Softener Salt Solar Salt How it's made: Solar salt is produced by evaporating seawater or brine, typically collected through solution mining, and then harvested from outdoor pools Pros: Purity of about 99.5% making it suitable for water softeners Cost - effective and widely available Cons: The outdoor harvesting process may introduce insoluble materials like rocks, which can accumulate in the brine tank, causing performance issues and requiring more frequent cleaning Evaporate Salt How it's made: Like solar salt, evaporated salt starts with solution mining. However, the evaporation process occurs in a controlled, indoor environment where heat and steam remove excess water. This results in a high purity level of about 99.9% Pros: High purity reduces brine tank buildup Ideal for high - efficiency water softeners Brands like Dura-Cube are pressed for extra hardness, minimizing issues like mushing and bridging Cons: Slightly more expensive than solar salt Potassium Chloride What it is: An alternative to sodium-based salts, potassium chloride replaces hard water minerals with potassium during the regeneration cycle. Pros: Suitable for those on low-sodium diets or in areas where sodium discharge is restricted Cons: Lower purity (around 99.1%) More expensive than traditional salts Harvesting methods can lead to similar issues as solar salt, such as brine tank buildup. Maintenance Tips for Salt in Water Softeners Monitor Salt Levels: Only refill your water softener when the salt level in the brine tank is six inches or less from the bottom. Overfilling can lead to salt bridging and inefficiencies. Regular Checks: Check your brine tank periodically to ensure it has enough salt to maintain soft water. The frequency of checks depends on factors such as water hardness, household size, and water usage. Avoid Salt Bridges: Excessive bridging (a hard crust that forms above the water level) can interfere with the softener's regeneration process. If you notice a salt bridge, pour hot water into the brine tank to dissolve it and scoop out any remaining salt or debris. Conclusion Choosing the right type of salt is essential for your health of your water softener and your family. High-purity options like Dura-Cube not only reduce buildup, but also extend the lifespan of your system, making maintenance easier and less frequent. At Douglas Water Conditioning, we are proud to provide the highest quality Dura-Cube salt at all our locations. To make managing your salt needs effortless, we offer a worry-free delivery service. With scheduled deliveries, our team brings the salt directly to your home and places it exactly where you need it - whether that's in your softener or a convenient storage spot, saving you time and effort. By signing up for regular deliveries, you can ensure your brine tank is always stocked, keeping your softener running smoothly without the hassle of last minute store trips or heavy lifting. Let us help you keep your water softener in to shape while making your life easier. Contact any of our locations today to learn more about our salt options and delivery services!
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