Water Softener or water conditioner?

Are you wondering whether to treat your hard water with a salt-based water softener or a water conditioner? Let Johnson-Becker help you decide. We don't manufacture or sell water-treatment equipment; our only goal is to offer you an informed, science-based assessment so you can make the healthiest and most cost-effective decision. 

Living in Oklahoma and using well water frequently involves dealing with the effects from hard water. In central Oklahoma, we use groundwater from the Garber-Wellington aquifer or related minor aquifers, which typically have high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are beneficial for bone and heart health, they can wreak havoc on household fixtures and appliances by causing scale buildup. Hard water also creates soap scum, making cleaning more challenging, and can leave skin feeling dry and hair looking dull. The vast majority of Oklahoma households utilize a salt-based water softener because of our high hardness concentrations. In central Oklahoma, groundwater from the Garber-Wellington aquifer averages about 280 milligrams per liter or 16.2 grains per gallon, 

Water conditioners are an alternative system for addressing scale buildup in areas with low to moderately hard water. Although not widely used in Oklahoma for treating the state's very hard water, they can still be effective under specific water-quality conditions. It's important to note that water softeners differ from water conditioners in their operation. Salt-based water softeners soften water by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions from added salt. In contrast, water conditioners do not soften water and do not remove calcium and magnesium ions but utilize various technologies to prevent these ions from sticking to surfaces and forming scale. There are several techniques used by water conditioners which are better explained by experts in the field. See the blog by Mark Timmons at the link shown on the table below. 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each system type as summarized below.

Salt-based Water Softeners:

Advantages

• Reduces hardness and softens water by removing calcium and magnesium ions. 
• Eliminates issues like soap scum, dry skin., and dull hair.
• Prevents scale formation extending lifespan and efficiency of appliances.
• Improves effectiveness of soaps and detergents, reducing the amount needed for cleaning.

Disadvantages

• Requires maintenance by adding salt
• Increases sodium concentration of the water, which can be a concern for those on low-sodium diets.
• Generally, is more expensive to install and maintain. 
• Adds salt to the environment.

Water Conditioners:

Advantages

• Environmentally friendly as they do not add salt to the environment.
• Prevents scale formation extending lifespan and efficiency of appliances.
• Cost effective, generally less expensive to install and operate than water softeners.
• Retains beneficial calcium and magnesium ions.

Disadvantages

• Does not soften water, so soaps don't lather or clean as effectively. 
• Not suitable for very hard water or all types of scale prevention.
• Results may vary depending on conditioning technology/model utilized and water-quality characteristics.

Before installing a water conditioner as an alternative to a water softener, it is essential to test your water. The efficacy of a water conditioner depends on the hardness concentration and other water quality characteristics of your well water, which may include concentrations of dissolved solids, copper, iron, and manganese.

The table below lists various water conditioners and other scale-reducing technologies sourced from various providers. Shown are the highest concentrations of water-quality characteristics that each system can effectively treat. For instance, for the NuvoH2o system to optimally reduce scale, the dissolved solids concentration of your water should ideally be less than 428 parts per million.

Johnson-Becker is available to assist in determining whether a water softener or a water conditioner is the best option for treating your hard water. You can also conduct this assessment yourself as there are many water laboratories capable of testing the water-quality characteristics of your water. A list of laboratories is available in the 'Water Laboratories in OK' section of this website.

Feel free to contact Johnson-Becker if you need assistance

johnsonbecker.llc@gmail.com

405 921-1387