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The latest on "No-Salt" and "Eco-Friendly" Water Softeners


5 ways that "no-salt" water softeners fall short

Aquality Solutions wants you to know the facts behind Non-Chemical Devices (NCD) which include "No-Salt" Water Softeners and other water treatment devices for residential or industrial use. Unfortunately there's little evidence about...

Do salt-free water softeners really work?

I assume that you are referring to electronic, magnetic or media devices that are purported to "condition" water. Notice, I did not say "soften" water. In my opinion, the only way you can "soften" water is...


Consumer Alert: Eco-friendly water softeners suspect

Jonathan Garvey no longer has to worry that his efforts to employ an eco-friendly water softener will leave him getting soaked. After an assist from SOS, the 28-year-old Madison man will get back the $800 he spent on a "no-salt water softener alternative"...


Behind the so-called science of "no-salt" water softeners

Review of the NCD supplier literature shows many common explanations for NCD operation, one theory often covering several types. However, we do note a certain amount of disagreement between some suppliers having the same basic...


The professional opinion on "no-salt" water softeners

The vast majority of NCD marketing is based on use of testimonials on device performance. Rarely is any scientific data, such as corrosion coupon results or system mass balance analyticals, provided. In most cases, the testimonials are...


Why sketchy "no-salt" water softeners still sell

With thousands of failed installations, not a single controlled study showing positive results, and no creditable operating theory; why are large numbers of NCD still sold each year? This is a very interesting question and has...



New arsenic drinking water standard may still be toxic

Arsenic could be toxic at much lower levels than previously thought, suggesting that the new EPA drinking water standard of 10 parts per billion might still be too high, according to a team of researchers at Dartmouth Medical School. ...

What are non chemical devices?

Non Chemical Devices (NCD) have been marketed for control of scale, corrosion, deposition, and biological growth in boiler and cooling tower systems for over fifty (50) years. During this time period, numerous devices based upon various magnetic..

How does lead get into my drinking water?

Lead rarely occurs naturally in water. Lead contamination can enter a drinking water supply at any point in the water delivery system and through leaching from lead service connections, pipes, or lead solder in copper pipes in the home. Lead levels in drinking water may occur if...

High-efficiency toilets could save 10 percent on home water bills

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will release a final specification for the latest generation of water-saving, high-efficiency toilets, the agency announced January 24, 2007.Toilets that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and meet quality performance standards will qualify for the agency’s WaterSense label. ...

Is your water hard? How water is classified and why it matters

Softening hard water can add up to savings for you. The Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia found that reducing their water's hardness by 4-8 gpg (grams per gallon) enabled them to double the life of their linens, drop their soap consumption, decrease washing times, and decrease boiler downtimes. ...

What are the pros and cons of an electronic "softening" system?

Question: We're building a new house and trying to decide if electronic "softening" systems would be a good purchase for us. Illinois water is very hard on appliances...


How does your water measure up?

As an Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative member, you enjoy benefits of reliable energy 365 days a year. And the same EIEC membership can give you quality water every day of the year, too. ...

What is reverse osmosis?

One of the most effective and cost-efficient home water treatment systems available today uses a process called reverse osmosis (RO). RO systems, usually compact units installed under the sink, produce high-quality water perfect for use in drinking, cooking, and making ice cubes. ...


Does soft water affect the operation of a humidifier?

Soft water provides for easier maintenance of a humidifier. When hard water is evaporated, the mineral residue consists of a hard scale which normally requires some drastic treatment (such as chipping or acid) for its removal. ...

What causes etching of my glassware in the dishwasher?

It is caused by the strong phosphate sequesterants (e.g., trisodium phosphate) in dishwashing detergent. It may also be triggered by the combination of extremely hot water, soft water and too much detergent. ...

Should softened water be used for watering houseplants or for sprinkling the garden or lawn?

Where the amount of hardness minerals in the water is only moderate (less than 200 milligrams per liter), it is doubtful whether the sodium concentration would be sufficient to be a serious hazard to plants. Most house plants require specific soil conditions for healthy growth. Many thrive best in slightly acid soils. If there is a high hardness concentration in the water being softened...