Many people wonder if buying a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks is worth the money. We at Lindyspring Systems know that not only is it worth the money you'll spend on getting one, but it'll save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run. To better help you understand the benefits of having a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've answered some frequently asked questions for your convenience.
Can you drink soft water?
Although many people believe soft water should not be drunk because of the sodium content, most do not realize how little sodium is in the water. Over 95% of our minerals come from our food and less than 5% from drinking water. The amount of sodium a water softener adds to tap water depends on the “Hardness” of your water. The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium, the more sodium needed to soften the water. Still, the amount of sodium in softened water that was originally very hard shouldn’t be cause for concern. (www.MayoClinic.com)

Why does showering in soft water makes my skin feel “slick”?
Showering in soft water may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo haven’t been rinsed away. The “slick” feeling is actually your skin and hair thoroughly clean. Bathing with soft water, skin and hair retain natural moisturizing agents, feeling softer and smoother. Your skin will be healthier all winter long and not be so dry and itchy. Hair needs less conditioner and will not get so much build up on it from styling products.

Are water softeners expensive to operate?
A water softener is the only household appliance that can save you money. The cost of the electricity it uses is less than $6.00 per year. Soft water will help your appliances such as your water heater and dishwasher run more efficiently and last longer. Soft water also uses 50-70% less detergent to laundry and dishes. A Lindyspring water softener can also save you hours of housework by eliminating mineral deposits and soap scum on your fixtures.


Should I buy an electronic or magnetic device to soften my water?
Do not be fooled! While a lot of these devices do exist, only water softeners soften water. In the industry these magnets are referred to as “Descalers”, not softeners. They may be effective in certain applications as descalers, but they do not remove the hardness of the water. All of the benefits of softened water are forfeited. These items are sold with testimonials and a money back 90 day guarantee, but there is no scientific evidence to support their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Can the discharge from a water softener’s regeneration damage my septic system or drainfield?
In studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin in the late 1970s, it was confirmed that salt brine discharge from water softeners caused no problems in the operation of typical and newer style home treatment plants. High concentrations of calcium and manganese in the softener backwash water have no effect on the biological functions occurring in the septic tank and may, in some cases be helpful. The additional volume of wastewater generated is added slowly to the wastewater stream and does not cause any hydraulic overload problems. (Corey et al., 1977)

Do water softeners waste water and salt?
When you are shopping for a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to check the specifications for efficiency. If sized properly, a water softener will only regenerate 1 or 2 times per week. Always look for an electronic demand softener which meters water usage and adjusts accordingly. With the use of new technology such as upflow brining and metered electronic demand, today’s water softeners are much more efficient than those of yesteryear. It is not uncommon for a good quality softener to use less than 2 pounds of salt and less than 30 gallons of water per regeneration. Remember this piece of trivia – the total amount of water used to manufacture a new car, including tires is 39,090 gallons. Softeners do not waste water!

Hard water problems at the Lake of the Ozarks can wreak havoc on your plumbing, appliances and even your hair and skin. As a homeowner, you want to know that investing money in a water softener is going to be worth the cost. Part of knowing that your investment is making a difference is understanding how a water softener works and why it's essential to have one in your home. So first, let's take a look at the difference between hard and soft water and which is better for your home.

Hard Water vs. Soft Water
Water quality differs depending on where you live and whether you’re getting water from a municipality or a private well. Regardless as to where it comes from though, both sources are known to contain hardness minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals found in water that causes hardness. Minerals from groundwater - the source of all water regardless of whether it comes to your home from a municipality or well - can cause a scaly buildup on everything from dishes, to pipes, to the heating elements of your appliances, to your own body. Water softeners remove those hard minerals, prolonging the life of appliances that use water and making it easier to clean and do laundry.

How Hard Water Becomes Soft
So how do water softeners get the minerals out? Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove things like calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese – replacing them with sodium ions. As hard water passes through your water softener tank, calcium or magnesium are pulled to the media like a magnet, and sodium ions take their place. All the hardness minerals stay trapped inside the water softener tank while the clean water, with a few sodium ions, disperse throughout your home for use. No more scaly build up!

Regeneration is how a water softening system cleans and recharges itself so it can continue providing your home with soft water. This process happens in the brine tank, where you add water softener salt. During regeneration, the water softener will take the brine solution into the softener tank and the ion exchange process happens again, only this time in reverse. The media gets a bath in the salt solution. Hard minerals caught in the resin are released and the media gets replenished with sodium ions. The water softener is also cleaned and disinfected during regeneration. Finally, water containing the hard minerals and other waste gets flushed out of the system.

Do You Need a Water Softener?
Here's the bottom line. Water softeners aren't just for those homes whose water supply comes from a private well with extremely hard water. Even people living in the city who are on municipality water sources can have hard water too. Municipalities are required to treat the water for impurities, but they do not remove hardness minerals because, while they're burdensome and can be costly when it comes to home care and maintenance, they are not harmful to your health. Regardless as to where your water comes from, the modern home depends on soft water. High efficiency appliances can not run as designed when they suffer from hard water build up. Dishwashers and washing machines could end up with a much shorter lifespan because of hard water. You could end up spending thousands on avoidable plumbing and appliance repairs or replacement by installing a water softener in your home.

Your Water Softener Source at the Lake of the Ozarks
So, if you've got hard water problems, it's time to look into getting a water softener for your home. If you're ready to get one, but don't want to purchase a water softener, you've got options! At Lindyspring Systems, we can help make sure you get the size of unit that is exactly right for your needs as well as install it in the most professional manner possible. Our rental softeners are typically new or in like new condition, so you don't have to worry about getting an old worn out model from us! Contact us at 573-348-5044 to learn more about our water softener rental services at the Lake of the Ozarks!

For All Your Household & Commercial Water Conditioning and Treatment Needs Count on LINDYSPRING!

The quality of your homes water is important to consider when it comes to the health and safety of your family. Water quality changes over time. If you are thinking of replacing your water softener or having it serviced, it is a good idea to get your home’s water evaluated so you get the right water treatment equipment. The experts at Lindyspring Systems Lake of the Ozarks have more than 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry and can give you reliable advice and recommend the right solutions for your particular water treatment needs.


Understanding the Life Cycle of Your Water Softener
Water softeners perform an extremely important job, removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water in your home. But just like any other appliance, a water softener will only last for so long. Eventually, components break, electrical problems occur, and it just stops working. While they can last much longer if well maintained, water softeners have a typical lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. If you are softening extremely hard water or well water with iron, your equipment may need to be replaced sooner. If your water softener was installed more than a decade ago, it may be time to replace it with a newer model. Learning how to spot the signs of your water softener starting to fail can help you determine if its time for an upgrade.

Common Signs Your Water Softener Isn’t Working Properly
Here are four things to watch for that could indicate your water softener needs to be serviced or replaced.

1. Not Enough Lather
One of the telltale signs of hard water is soap refusing to lather. If you notice that you are having a hard time soaping up in the shower, you may need to check your water softener. You may notice that you are going through shampoo and soap a lot faster than usual, as you need to use more to make a decent lather.

2. Laundry Problems
Washing your clothes in hard water can make them stiff and scratchy. Fabric softener can counteract this stiffness to some extent, but a more effective solution is to make sure your water softener is functioning properly to effectively remove the minerals that are making the clothes stiff.

Hard water can damage a washing machine as well as other appliances such as hot water heaters and dishwashers. To protect those appliances, it is important to check to make sure your water softener is functioning properly.

3. Crusty Buildup Around Pipes and Faucets
The minerals that are naturally present in hard water can cause a crusty buildup around your pipes and faucets. Pay attention to your faucets when you are cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. If you notice a chalky substance building up around them, this could be a sign that you need to take a look at your softener.

4. Your Water Tastes Different
Hard water tastes different than soft water. Some people prefer the smooth taste of soft water and will notice if the water supply to their home begins to have increased mineral content. If you’re drinking water straight from the tap, pay attention to changes in taste, as it could mean your softener needs to be serviced or replaced.

Benefits of a New Water Softener
Replacing an old water softener can make your life at home much easier. If your water hasn’t been getting properly softened, it means you’ve likely been dealing with common hard water problems like those mentioned above. A new water softener could make it easier to keep your house clean, provide you with softer clothes, and better hair and skin. It also helps ensure your water-using appliances last at least as long as you’d expect.

Getting a new water softener also allows you to take advantage of updated features and technologies in water treatment. Much like upgrading a furnace, most modern day furnaces will be more efficient than one 15 years old. Water softeners are the same way, but there are even more advanced features as well. For example, you could purchase a water softener equipped with settings to refresh your system proportionally, helping you save on salt and conserve water. Salt monitors can alert you when you need to add water softener salts, chlorine generators can keep your system clean, and there are even innovations that connect softeners to Wi-Fi.

Rely on the Water Treatment Experts at the Lake of the Ozarks
Lindyspring Systems services the Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding areas. With a large customer base of homes and businesses, we are large enough to respond quickly when you need us and still small enough to give good old-fashioned personal service. If you're in need of a home water treatment system at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can get you set up with the equipment you need, and the service you deserve.

At Lindyspring Systems, we know that hard water is a major issue here at the Lake of the Ozarks. It affects practically every household and business in some way or another. Since we've been in the water treatment business since 1970, we can confidently recommend the most efficient, effective and economical water treatment solutions custom fit to your home. One of the water treatment solutions that we offer is our high quality Lindyspring LCR Series II Water Softener. Take a look at some of the features of this system below.

Many people wonder if treating residential water supply at the Lake of the Ozarks is worth the money. We at Lindyspring Systems know that not only is it worth the money you'll spend on getting one, but it'll save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run. To better help you understand the benefits of water treatment at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've answered some questions that you may have about water treatment for your convenience.

1. Can you drink soft water?

Although many people believe soft water should not be drunk because of the sodium content, most do not realize how little sodium is in the water. Over 95% of our minerals come from our food and less than 5% from drinking water. The amount of sodium a water softener adds to tap water depends on the “Hardness” of your water. The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium, the more sodium needed to soften the water. Still, the amount of sodium in softened water that was originally very hard shouldn’t be cause for concern. (www.MayoClinic.com)

2. Why does soft water not rinse the soap off? Showering in soft water makes my skin feel “slick”.

Showering in soft water may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo haven’t been rinsed away.  The “slick” feeling is actually your skin and hair thoroughly clean. Bathing with soft water, skin and hair retain natural moisturizing agents, feeling softer and smoother. Your skin will be healthier all winter long and not be so dry and itchy. Hair needs less conditioner and will not get so much build up on it from styling products.

3. Are water softeners expensive to operate?

A water softener is the only household appliance that can save you money. The cost of the electricity it uses is less than $6.00 per year. Soft water will help your appliances such as your water heater and dishwasher run more efficiently and last longer. Soft water also uses 50-70% less detergent to laundry and dishes. A Lindyspring water softener can also save you hours of housework by eliminating mineral deposits and soap scum on your fixtures.

4. Should I buy an electronic or magnetic device to soften my water?

Do not be fooled! While a lot of these devices do exist, only water softeners soften water. In the industry these magnets are referred to as “Descalers”, not softeners. They may be effective in certain applications as descalers, but they do not remove the hardness of the water. All of the benefits of softened water are forfeited. These items are sold with testimonials and a money back 90 day guarantee, but there is no scientific evidence to support their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is!

5. Can the discharge from a water softener’s regeneration damage my septic system or drainfield?

In studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin in the late 1970s, it was confirmed that salt brine discharge from water softeners caused no problems in the operation of typical and newer style home treatment plants. High concentrations of calcium and manganese in the softener backwash water have no effect on the biological functions occurring in the septic tank and may, in some cases be helpful. The additional volume of wastewater generated is added slowly to the wastewater stream and does not cause any hydraulic overload problems. (Corey et al., 1977)

6. Do water softeners waste water and salt?

When you are shopping for a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to check the specifications for efficiency. If sized properly, a water softener will only regenerate 1 or 2 times per week. Always look for an electronic demand softener which meters water usage and adjusts accordingly. With the use of new technology such as upflow brining and metered electronic demand, today’s water softeners are much more efficient than those of yesteryear. It is not uncommon for a good quality softener to use less than 2 pounds of salt and less than 30 gallons of water per regeneration. Remember this piece of trivia – the total amount of water used to manufacture a new car, including tires is 39,090 gallons. Softeners do not waste water!

Many people wonder if buying a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks is worth the money. We at Lindyspring Systems know that not only is it worth the money you'll spend on getting one, but it'll save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run. To better help you understand the benefits of having a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've answered some frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Can you drink soft water?

Although many people believe soft water should not be drunk because of the sodium content, most do not realize how little sodium is in the water. Over 95% of our minerals come from our food and less than 5% from drinking water. The amount of sodium a water softener adds to tap water depends on the “Hardness” of your water. The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium, the more sodium needed to soften the water. Still, the amount of sodium in softened water that was originally very hard shouldn’t be cause for concern. (www.MayoClinic.com)

Why does soft water not rinse the soap off? Showering in soft water makes my skin feel “slick”.

Showering in soft water may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo haven’t been rinsed away.  The “slick” feeling is actually your skin and hair thoroughly clean. Bathing with soft water, skin and hair retain natural moisturizing agents, feeling softer and smoother. Your skin will be healthier all winter long and not be so dry and itchy. Hair needs less conditioner and will not get so much build up on it from styling products.

Are water softeners expensive to operate?

A water softener is the only household appliance that can save you money. The cost of the electricity it uses is less than $6.00 per year. Soft water will help your appliances such as your water heater and dishwasher run more efficiently and last longer. Soft water also uses 50-70% less detergent to laundry and dishes. A Lindyspring water softener can also save you hours of housework by eliminating mineral deposits and soap scum on your fixtures.

Should I buy an electronic or magnetic device to soften my water?

Do not be fooled! While a lot of these devices do exist, only water softeners soften water. In the industry these magnets are referred to as “Descalers”, not softeners. They may be effective in certain applications as descalers, but they do not remove the hardness of the water. All of the benefits of softened water are forfeited. These items are sold with testimonials and a money back 90 day guarantee, but there is no scientific evidence to support their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Can the discharge from a water softener’s regeneration damage my septic system or drainfield?

In studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin in the late 1970s, it was confirmed that salt brine discharge from water softeners caused no problems in the operation of typical and newer style home treatment plants. High concentrations of calcium and manganese in the softener backwash water have no effect on the biological functions occurring in the septic tank and may, in some cases be helpful. The additional volume of wastewater generated is added slowly to the wastewater stream and does not cause any hydraulic overload problems. (Corey et al., 1977)

Do water softeners waste water and salt?

When you are shopping for a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to check the specifications for efficiency. If sized properly, a water softener will only regenerate 1 or 2 times per week. Always look for an electronic demand softener which meters water usage and adjusts accordingly. With the use of new technology such as upflow brining and metered electronic demand, today’s water softeners are much more efficient than those of yesteryear. It is not uncommon for a good quality softener to use less than 2 pounds of salt and less than 30 gallons of water per regeneration. Remember this piece of trivia – the total amount of water used to manufacture a new car, including tires is 39,090 gallons. Softeners do not waste water!

There are a lot of good reasons to soften your home’s water, especially since hard water problems at the Lake of the Ozarks can wreak havoc on your plumbing, appliances and even your hair and skin. As a homeowner, you want to know that investing money in a water softener is going to be worth the cost. Part of knowing that your investment is making a difference is understanding how a water softener works and why it's essential to have one in your home. So first, let's take a look at the difference between hard and soft water and which is better for your home.

Hard Water vs. Soft Water
Water quality differs depending on where you live and whether you’re getting water from a municipality or a private well. Regardless as to where it comes from though, both sources are known to contain hardness minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals found in water that causes hardness. Minerals from groundwater - the source of all water regardless of whether it comes to your home from a municipality or well - can cause a scaly buildup on everything from dishes, to pipes, to the heating elements of your appliances, to your own body. Water softeners remove those hard minerals, prolonging the life of appliances that use water and making it easier to clean and do laundry.

How Hard Water Becomes Soft
So how do water softeners get the minerals out? Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove things like calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese – replacing them with sodium ions. As hard water passes through your water softener tank, calcium or magnesium are pulled to the media like a magnet, and sodium ions take their place. All the hardness minerals stay trapped inside the water softener tank while the clean water, with a few sodium ions, disperse throughout your home for use. No more scaly build up!

Regeneration is how a water softening system cleans and recharges itself so it can continue providing your home with soft water. This process happens in the brine tank, where you add water softener salt. During regeneration, the water softener will take the brine solution into the softener tank and the ion exchange process happens again, only this time in reverse. The media gets a bath in the salt solution. Hard minerals caught in the resin are released and the media gets replenished with sodium ions. The water softener is also cleaned and disinfected during regeneration. Finally, water containing the hard minerals and other waste gets flushed out of the system.

Do You Need a Water Softener?
Here's the bottom line. Water softeners aren't just for those homes whose water supply comes from a private well with extremely hard water. Even people living in the city who are on municipality water sources can have hard water too. Municipalities are required to treat the water for impurities, but they do not remove hardness minerals because, while they're burdensome and can be costly when it comes to home care and maintenance, they are not harmful to your health. Regardless as to where your water comes from, the modern home depends on soft water. High efficiency appliances can not run as designed when they suffer from hard water build up. Dishwashers and washing machines could end up with a much shorter lifespan because of hard water. You could end up spending thousands on avoidable plumbing and appliance repairs or replacement by installing a water softener in your home.

Your Water Softener Source at the Lake of the Ozarks
So, if you've got hard water problems, it's time to look into getting a water softener for your home. If you're ready to get one, but don't want to purchase a water softener, you've got options! At Lindyspring Systems, we can help make sure you get the size of unit that is exactly right for your needs as well as install it in the most professional manner possible. Our rental softeners are typically new or in like new condition, so you don't have to worry about getting an old worn out model from us! Contact us at 573-348-5044 to learn more about our water softener rental services at the Lake of the Ozarks!

For All Your Household & Commercial Water Conditioning and Treatment Needs Count on LINDYSPRING!

Hard water can cause some pretty expensive problems in the home if left untreated. Installing a Lindyspring water treatment system in your home can help reduce water contaminants, scale buildup, and electricity use in your home. Our water softeners are designed to make cleaning easier, deliver better tasting water, and extend the life of your appliances. Understanding the effects of poor water quality can help you appreciate the benefits of good water quality. So, this week, we'll share with you some benefits of good water quality at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Water and Health Are Linked
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (better known as the CDC), the top causes of disease outbreaks related to drinking water are Giardia intestinalis, hepatitis A, norovirus, and Shigella. As bad as that sounds, it’s far from a complete list. There are also health risks related to water contamination from organic and inorganic matter, other bacteria and viruses, and other pollutants. Some studies link high levels of lead in drinking water to delays in physical and mental development, short attention spans, and learning difficulties in children. There’s also evidence that arsenic in drinking water can lead to nerve, heart, skin, and blood vessel damage. And Cryptosporidium is responsible for potentially life threatening diarrhea.

Still, water is essential. The human body is about 70 percent water, and although a human being can survive a month or more without food, a week without water can be fatal. Yes, bad water is bad for you, but safe water is key to life! Water has so many health benefits that the CDC recommends drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. It is not hard to meet this, if you recognize that hydration can be achieved in various formats such as the water cooler at work, public drinking fountains, or the tap at home.

Good for Appliances
Good water is good for your home and appliances, too. A 2009 study commissioned by the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) and conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute found that adding a water softener helps water heaters and major appliances operate as efficiently as possible, while preventing clogs in shower heads, faucets, and drains. For example, researchers ran dishwashers and washing machines for 30 days and 240 wash cycles. They ran softened water through half of the units, while using a hard water source for the others. At the end of the month, the washers using softened water were nearly free of scale buildup, but the washers using hard water
required scale removal to work well.

When running hard water through faucets, the strainers on the faucets can clog within just 19 days. Softened water can save you money by keeping appliances at top efficiency, and making them last longer. The amount of dish and laundry detergent you use can be cut by half, or even more, if you use softened water. Studies show that using softened water can reduce detergent use by 50 percent in washing machines and save energy by making it possible to wash in 60ºF cold water instead of 100ºF hot water, while achieving the same or even better stain removal along with whiter clothes.

As for water heaters, the researchers found that when softened water is used, units can maintain their original factory efficiency rating for as long as 15 years. Running hard water through the units cut efficiency by up to 48 percent. Scale buildup shortens the lifespan of the heating elements inside electric water heaters, and some tankless water heaters using hard water can fail after just 2 years! Research has shown that showerheads perform well on soft water, but those running with hard water can lose 75 percent of their flow rate in less than 18 months.

What Are You Waiting For?
As you can see, there are many great benefits to having good quality water available to you and your family. Not only can it save you money by allowing your appliances to run more efficiently, but you can also save money on detergents, soaps, etc. Knowing the benefits of having a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks you can feel more confident in your choice to purchase a Lindyspring System to treat your water in your home or your business. If you have any questions pertaining to water treatment at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in scheduling a time for us to come out to your home to determine which system would best fit your needs, contact Lindyspring Systems today!

For All Your Household Water Conditioning and Treatment Needs Count on LINDYSPRING!

For anyone who's ever dealt with the annoyances of hard water, you've probably weighed the pros and cons of getting a water softener. But without seeing the science behind what a water softener can actually do to save you money and save your appliances, you may have just opted to "deal with it" rather than buying a softener. But what if you could actually see the real benefits of installing a water softener and how much more efficiently your appliances would work? Seeing sometimes really is believing. So, this week, we're sharing with you a study done on energy and detergent savings when comparing softened and unsoftened water supplies being used. Take a look:

The Energy Savings Study
This study tested devices fed with softened and unsoftened water under controlled laboratory conditions designed to accelerate the waterside scaling in the device and quantify the performance efficiency. The project specifically focused on efficiency improvements in household water heaters from use of softened water, and the subsequent effect on performance of fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads and faucets, and appliances, such as laundry washers and dishwashers. For this study, Battelle tested 30 water heaters supplied by WQA over a 90-day period using a Battelle-developed and WQA-approved test protocol. Battelle simultaneously studied the effect of water hardness on
performance of faucets, low-flow showerheads, dishwashers, and laundry washers. Using the empirical data generated from the water heater testing and the effect on performance of fixtures and appliances, Battelle developed a differential carbon footprint assessment for homes using unsoftened water vs. softened water.

Conclusions
For gas storage and instantaneous water heaters, the use of a water softener to eliminate or minimize the scale forming compounds in water resulted in the efficiency of the water heater remaining constant over the life of the unit. In contrast, gas storage and instantaneous water heaters using unsoftened water had a noticeable decrease in efficiency over the testing period resulting in higher natural gas use. This natural gas savings associated with the use of softened water lead to direct energy and economic savings. In addition, because of the need to have the instantaneous water heater delimed or cleaned periodically, the economic savings lead to recovery of the cost of a water softener and operating supplies in a period as short as a year.

Electric storage water heaters did not record any difference in the electricity consumption between units receiving softened or unsoftened water. However, the life of the heating element on the electric water heater receiving unsoftened water needed to be replaced more often due to a shorter lifespan.

Low flow showerheads and faucets using unsoftened water clogged in less than seven days of accelerated life testing, whereas those units using softened water made it through the test without any problems.

The dishwashers and clothes washers on either soft or unsoftened water made it through 30 days of accelerated scale testing, but the units on unsoftened water had noticeable scale buildup on all surfaces that had contact with unsoftened water.

The Detergent Savings Study
The laundry study investigated stain removal with varying levels of hardness, detergent dose, and temperature. Detergent usage was 50, 75 and 100% of the manufacturer's recommended level. Water hardness ranged from 0 to 513 ppm (30 grains/gallon). Wash temperature was 60, 80 and 100ºF. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the ability of softening water to mitigate the adverse effects of lower detergent dosage and lower wash temperature in turn decreasing costs and energy usage.

Detergent savings was also evaluated for dishwashers. The detergent savings study included tests for removing difficult soils in addition to the spot and film evaluation. The relationship between detergent dose and hardness was investigated with three non phosphate automatic dishwashing detergents with two consecutive wash-dry cycles for spot and film. One detergent was evaluated for five cycles to ensure that effects do not change with increased number of cycles.

Conclusions
The savings in detergent use and the energy required to heat the water is very high for each of the stains tested. Even when 50% of the detergent is used at a lower temperature of 60ºF instead of 100ºF, the washing yielded improved results when softened water was used as compared to when hard water was used. The study showed that one can use cold water and half the detergents for washing clothes stained with any or all of these stains and still achieve the soil removal desired, if the very hard water is softened prior to such use. This is the most significant conclusion of this study. Reduction of hardness is significantly more effective on stain removal than either increase in temperature or detergent dose.

Statistically significant improvements by softening water with hardness were observed in spotting and filming performance as well as in better soil removal in automatic dishwashing. Detergent savings up to 70% was observed for dishwashing when softened water was used compared to hard water. Depending on the soil, hardness reduction was found to be up to 12 times more effective at soil removal than increasing detergent dose.

What Are You Waiting For?
So, as you can see, there are some REAL tangible benefits to getting a water softener to take care of your hard water issues. Not only can it save you money by allowing your appliances to run more efficiently, but you can also save money on detergents, soaps, etc. So, now that you've seen the potential savings in black and white, what are you waiting for? Knowing the benefits of having a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks you can feel more confident in your choice to purchase a Lindyspring System to treat your water in your home or your business. If you have any questions pertaining to water treatment at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in scheduling a time for us to come out to your home to determine which system would best fit your needs, contact Lindyspring Systems today!

For All Your Household Water Conditioning and Treatment Needs Count on LINDYSPRING!

Many people wonder if buying a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks is worth the money. We at Lindyspring Systems know that not only is it worth the money you'll spend on getting one, but it'll save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run. To better help you understand the benefits of having a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've answered some frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Can you drink soft water?

Although many people believe soft water should not be drunk because of the sodium content, most do not realize how little sodium is in the water. Over 95% of our minerals come from our food and less than 5% from drinking water. The amount of sodium a water softener adds to tap water depends on the “Hardness” of your water. The higher the concentration of calcium and magnesium, the more sodium needed to soften the water. Still, the amount of sodium in softened water that was originally very hard shouldn’t be cause for concern. (www.MayoClinic.com)

Why does soft water not rinse the soap off? Showering in soft water makes my skin feel “slick”.

Showering in soft water may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo haven’t been rinsed away.  The “slick” feeling is actually your skin and hair thoroughly clean. Bathing with soft water, skin and hair retain natural moisturizing agents, feeling softer and smoother. Your skin will be healthier all winter long and not be so dry and itchy. Hair needs less conditioner and will not get so much build up on it from styling products.

Are water softeners expensive to operate?

A water softener is the only household appliance that can save you money. The cost of the electricity it uses is less than $6.00 per year. Soft water will help your appliances such as your water heater and dishwasher run more efficiently and last longer. Soft water also uses 50-70% less detergent to laundry and dishes. A Lindyspring water softener can also save you hours of housework by eliminating mineral deposits and soap scum on your fixtures.

Should I buy an electronic or magnetic device to soften my water?

Do not be fooled! While a lot of these devices do exist, only water softeners soften water. In the industry these magnets are referred to as “Descalers”, not softeners. They may be effective in certain applications as descalers, but they do not remove the hardness of the water. All of the benefits of softened water are forfeited. These items are sold with testimonials and a money back 90 day guarantee, but there is no scientific evidence to support their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Can the discharge from a water softener’s regeneration damage my septic system or drainfield?

In studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin in the late 1970s, it was confirmed that salt brine discharge from water softeners caused no problems in the operation of typical and newer style home treatment plants. High concentrations of calcium and manganese in the softener backwash water have no effect on the biological functions occurring in the septic tank and may, in some cases be helpful. The additional volume of wastewater generated is added slowly to the wastewater stream and does not cause any hydraulic overload problems. (Corey et al., 1977)

Do water softeners waste water and salt?

When you are shopping for a water softener at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to check the specifications for efficiency. If sized properly, a water softener will only regenerate 1 or 2 times per week. Always look for an electronic demand softener which meters water usage and adjusts accordingly. With the use of new technology such as upflow brining and metered electronic demand, today’s water softeners are much more efficient than those of yesteryear. It is not uncommon for a good quality softener to use less than 2 pounds of salt and less than 30 gallons of water per regeneration. Remember this piece of trivia – the total amount of water used to manufacture a new car, including tires is 39,090 gallons. Softeners do not waste water!