Water Softeners and the Environment

December 10th, 2020 by Nick Koz

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Water softeners and the environment blog post

It is safe to say that most people don’t want to harm the environment, but it is nearly impossible to avoid. Our creature comforts and even our existence can negatively impact the environment.

If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint and reducing pollution by making smarter consumer choices, buying reusable instead of disposable is probably something you’re already doing. Purchasing only energy efficient appliances is also important.

Many people have misconceptions about water softeners and the environment, and you may have read conflicting things about a water softener’s environmental impact. If you are considering purchasing a water softener for your Batavia, IL home, here is what you need to know.

How A Water Softener Works

Water softeners remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water. These minerals can decrease water quality. In places with hard water (water that is high in mineral content), laundry doesn’t get as clean, appliances are strained by mineral deposits, and glassware and dishes have spots.

Initially, your environmentally conscious self may think, “I can live with those things.” But it isn’t that straight forward, because often chemical cleaners are needed to eliminate that harmful buildup on your faucet,s and you may then end up using more detergent in your dishwasher and washing machine – which will negate your efforts to forgo the water softener.

A water softener works by passing water through negatively charged beads of resin. The positively charged minerals stick to the beads, and softened water continues into the house. Periodically, the beads need to be regenerated. A mixture of salt and water passes over the beads, attracts the minerals, and they are all washed down the drain.

Can a Water Softener Harm the Environment?

One concern over water softeners is the amount of energy and water used in the softening process. The fresh water mixed with salt is washed down the drain, which some people view as a waste of fresh water. And then, having one more home appliance draws more electricity. However, the efficiency and longevity that water using appliances have as a result of being protected by a water softener far outweighs the little bit of extra electricity a water softener draws.

The water used during regeneration is extremely low when using a NSF Certified system. Cleaner pipes and cleaner appliance lines means less overall water and a more energy efficient home overall.

Your Batavia, IL Water Softener May Be Helping the Environment

The effects of water softeners on the environment are not restricted to grey water contamination, and they also have many positive effects. The reduction of mineral deposits in pipes and appliances means appliances run more efficiently and last longer. This means there is a lesser need for home remodeling products and expensive appliance replacements. This has a positive effect on the environment. When things run more efficiently, there is less demand for electricity, so water softeners have that positive effect as well. When these things are considered, water softeners have more positive environmental impacts than negative.