In every water source, there are charged atoms or molecules called ions. In your water supply, there are many different types of elements and therefore many different ions, such as magnesium ions and calcium ions. When there are above-average levels of magnesium and calcium ions in your water supply, the water is referred to as being ‘hard’.
This hardness in the water can drastically reduce the overall life expectancy and efficiency of equipment and also hamper the taste, odour and overall aesthetics of your water. One of the most common and economical ways to minimise the effects of hard water is to utilise a water softening filter cartridge, or an ion exchange media system.
An ion exchange media system removes certain ions from your water and replaces them with ions that will make the water ‘softer’. In this ion exchange, the calcium and magnesium ions are removed and replaced with hydrogen and sodium ions. This is because unlike magnesium