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Water Softeners

Because our main water supply comes from the mineral-laden Colorado River, Southern Nevada's water is very hard. Removing the calcium and magnesium softens the water, but is not a necessity to protect your health. Some people prefer softened water for bathing, cleaning and washing clothes.

Softener Processes

Ion Exchange

These systems use sodium (or potassium) ions to coat an exchange medium in the softener. As hard water passes through the unit, the water "trades" its calcium and magnesium for the sodium or potassium.

Water Conditioners or "Salt-Free" Water Softeners

In the last several years, as concerns have grown over the impact of salt from water softeners on the environment and on our health, there has been an increasing interest in water treatment systems that are labeled as "no-salt" or "saltless" water softeners.

Researchers in the water community are in agreement that this "salt-free" label is a misnomer. By definition, a water softener removes hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) and replaces them with soft minerals (sodium or potassium). Salt-free systems "condition" the water, but do not soften it.

Neither the American Water Works Association nor the Water Quality Association endorse these technologies and there isn't any definitive research that proves the effectiveness of these systems.

Cost

Retail prices for home water softeners may range from $400 to several thousand dollars, depending upon the size and type of unit. The cost of salt to replenish the brine solution is approximately $5 to $7, depending on the form purchased.