Blocked shower heads and steam irons, replacement of kettles, deterioration of washing appliances and immersion heaters, severe white staining on work surfaces and bathroom suites, scum on the surface of tea, staining of cups, dry itchy skin, aggravation of psoriasis and ecsema conditions, replacement of plumbing pipes, high soap and detergent costs ...... the culprit ..... Calcium Carbonate (CaCO)3, also known as lime or hard water. 

Limescale is prevalent in most household water throughout Western Ireland. The level of limescale varies depending on the source of the water supply. Water, which is a strong solvent, falls to earth as rain and reacts with limestone to produce CaCO3 while travelling through underground channels. It is considered more of a nuisance than a harmful substance for reasons mentioned. Some individuals who have been using hard water for many years have no objection to the hardness level and the presence of limescale while others take steps to remove it; preferring soft water. 

The most common system for the removal of limescale from household water is a "Water Softener" which utilizes an ion exchange principle. This equipment is installed on the mains water supply so that the whole house is supplied with soft water. Water Softeners typically comprise a mineral removal tank which contains ion exchange resin, a salt tank which contains salt (Sodium Chloride, NaCl) and water, and an automated valve which is attached to the top of the mineral tank. Water passes from the mains into the mineral removal tank then immediately back into the home. The hardness is removed from water by its attraction to the resin. The principles of ion exchange will not be covered here. Most people are happy to know that the equipment easily softens water. After a period of time, usually one to three days, the resin requires "cleaning". The valve is pr ogrammed to automatically carry out the cleaning process as required for each household, almost always in the middle of the night. A brine solution is suctioned from the salt tank into the mineral tank. Here the process of ion exchange cleans the resin of its accumulated hardness. The resin is rinsed to remove any traces of limescale and salt, then the equipment automatically goes back into service providing soft water. Softener resins are actually tiny beads, generally of an inert polymer structure. Nothing is imparted into the water from the resin itself and no chemicals are used to soften the water. 

A common, and understandable misconception exists concerning salt in softened water. Softener salt is the same foodgrade quality as table salt. The rinsing process during cleaning prevents it from passing into the household water; however, sodium content of softened water is slightly . It is common practise In Western Ireland, to leave an untreated cold water tap at the kitchen sink , although a drinking water system, which I discussed in a previous issue of "The Tribune", may be considered. It should be kept in mind that water softeners are not water filters nor are they intended for the removal of sulphur, iron, manganese or bacteria. Water softeners will reduce low levels of iron and manganese but with no guarantees as other complicated factors are involved. The lack of, or the improper treatment of water containing these substances, is the most common reason for water softener problems. Water Softeners will give many years of satisfactory, reliable service when all the factors concerning your water are carefully and professionally considered.