Independent analysis reveals
benefit of water softening.
The first results of a major new study on the effects of
water softeners in the home have shown that untreated hard water can rapidly
lead to clogged showerheads, in some cases possibly as soon as a year and a
half of regular use.
After just one week of constant testing
with hard water, more than three-fourths of showerhead nozzles became clogged,
according to laboratory results. Showerheads using softened water, meanwhile,
performed nearly as well as on the day they were installed. For an average
household, the amount of testing and hardness was equivalent to fewer than 18
months of normal use, according to the researchers.
The
results are part of a larger research project being conducted by the
Battelle Memorial Institute, a non-profit international science and technology
enterprise. Tests were conducted using independently developed and impartial
methods. Battelle was retained in February by theWater
Quality Research Foundationto develop and run the tests.
In
addition to the showerhead tests, engineers examined the longevity of clothes
washers, water heaters and dishwashers using hard water versus softened water.
Battelle is also conducting tests to determine how much energy savings
softeners can provide homeowners. The final research report is scheduled for
September 2009.
Source: The Water Quality
Association
