Some people are concerned about the amount of water wasted by water softeners. A water softener is a device that removes minerals that cause hard water in the home, such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause a variety of issues, including making water feel slippery or soapy, depositing on fixtures and appliances, and causing scale build-up in pipes and water heaters. A water softener can help extend the life of household appliances and plumbing by reducing scale buildup, as well as improve the look and feel of the water. Click for more info
So, how much water do water softeners waste? The answer varies according to the type of water softener and how well it is maintained.
Water softeners are classified into two types: salt-based and salt-free. To remove minerals from water, salt-based water softeners use a process known as ion exchange, whereas salt-free water softeners use a process known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to alter the minerals so that they do not cause hardness.
Salt-based water softeners can use a lot of water during the regeneration process, which involves cleaning the resin beads that are used to remove minerals from the water. The water softener flushes the resin beads with a high-concentration brine solution during regeneration to remove any accumulated minerals. This brine solution is then flushed down the drain, adding to water waste. The amount of water used during regeneration can range from 20 to 50 gallons per regeneration cycle, depending on the size of the water softener and the frequency of regeneration.
Because salt-free water softeners do not use the same regeneration process as salt-based water softeners, they usually waste less water. They may, however, still require some water during the treatment process, as well as water for other purposes such as backwashing. Check it out here
Water softeners can use a moderate to large amount of water, depending on the system type and size, as well as the frequency of regeneration. If you are concerned about water waste, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount of water your water softener uses. One option is to select a water softener with an efficient regeneration process, such as a demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) system, which regenerates only when needed based on the household’s water usage. Another option is to select a water softener with a lower flow rate, which can reduce the amount of water used during the treatment process. To further reduce water waste, consider installing a water-saving valve or reducing the frequency of regeneration.
