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Water Softeners: How They Work & Their Main Types

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A water softener is a valuable tool for homes affected by varying levels of hard water, offering a multitude of benefits. It works by removing minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are primarily responsible for hard water issues. The use of a water softener helps avoid problems like mineral deposits, scale buildup that can lead to leaky faucets and clogged pipes, damage to appliances using water, residues on dishes cleaned in dishwashers, dry skin and hair post-showering, and the fading of clothes washed in hard water. By eliminating these heavy minerals, softened water enhances the quality of life in several ways: ·          improved skin and hair health ·          brighter and softer laundry ·          cleaner dishes and glasses ·          reduced cleaning effort ·          long-term cost savings ·          improved taste and clarity of drinking water. How a Water Softener Works The core technology behind most water softeners is the ion exchange proce
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The Unseen Consequences of Road Deicing: How Salt is Impacting Our Waterways

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As winter envelops many parts of the world, the familiar sight of trucks scattering salt on icy roads becomes a common occurrence. This practice, aimed at ensuring safer driving conditions, uses sodium chloride, a compound similar to table salt, for deicing roadways. While the immediate benefits of this method are clear, its long-term environmental impact, especially on our water systems, is a growing concern. The Scale of Road Salt Usage The use of road salt, or sodium chloride, has become an integral part of winter road maintenance in cold climates. According to research from The University of Toledo , approximately 25 million metric tons of this deicing salt are applied annually across various regions. The quantity varies by state but can range from 3 to 18 pounds per square meter, roughly the area of a small kitchen table. The Dual-Edged Sword of Road Deicing The primary goal of road deicing is to prevent vehicle accidents during snowy conditions. Indeed, studies show that
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Unlocking the Benefits: How a Water Softener Can Help

  If you've ever dealt with hard water issues in your home, you may have heard about the magic solution known as a water softener. But what exactly does a water softener do, and why is it essential for households dealing with hard water? In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of water softeners, exploring their function, benefits, and the difference they can make in your daily life. Understanding Hard Water and the Effects of Iron and Manganese Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are naturally present in groundwater and can create household problems when they accumulate in your plumbing and appliances. Hard water-related issues encompass the corrosion and scaling within pipes, pervasive staining in showers, bathtubs, and sinks, and your water heater's premature wear and tear. Scale build-up inside water heaters can insulate the temperature sensor within the tank, causing them to work hard
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The Hidden Gem: Private Wells Supplying Homes in Michigan

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When considering clean and reliable water resources in Michigan, most people first think of the Great Lakes. However, there's an overlooked water source that has provided countless residents for generations: private wells. An extensive network of private wells dots the landscape, supplying water to rural and suburban homes. These private wells offer homeowners a degree of autonomy and control over their water supply, as they are not connected to municipal water systems. The Significance of Private Water Wells Self-Sufficiency: Private wells empower homeowners to have their own water source, reducing dependence on municipal water supplies and potentially saving on water bills. Water Quality: Many private well owners attest to the superior taste and quality of well water, which often comes from underground aquifers free from the chlorine and additives present in treated city water. Environmental Impact: By relying on their wells, homeowners can help reduc
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Whole House Water Filtration Systems vs. Reverse Osmosis Systems

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  Are you wondering what the differences are between a whole house water filter system and a reverse osmosis system? They both have their own unique features and benefits. Keep reading our blog to learn more about these two popular filtration systems.    Understanding Whole House Water Filter Systems A whole house water filter system is positioned where your main water line enters your home. It’s a collective set of filters within a single unit, filtering both hot and cold water. Pros: Filters all the water in your home Enhances quality of water for drinking, showering, etc. Systems vary for specific needs (i.e., city or well water) Comprehensive filtration Cons: Installation can be challenging; often requires a plumber Permanent setup, not ideal for rental properties Reliable systems start around $1,000. Understanding Reverse Osmosis Systems Reverse osmosis systems are also a collective set of filters within a single unit, but they utilize a
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August is National Water Quality Month

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  Imagine life without water. It’s a terrible concept if you really think about it. A life without water or a lack of reliable, clean drinking water is not a welcome thought. Those who live in certain parts of the world are all too familiar with the barriers to obtaining clean water, while others don’t fully recognize the scarcity of this natural resource. National Water Quality Month was created to prompt people to be mindful and preserve our sacred availability of fresh water. Earth’s Freshwater Despite water covering 70% of Earth's surface, only 3% is freshwater, with just 1% being easily accessible to sustain the needs of over 7 billion people. That's a hard fact to swallow, especially when you look at a globe or satellite imagery and see Earth primarily blue. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 68% of Earth's freshwater is found in icecaps and glaciers, and just over 30% is in the ground. This leaves only .03% of our freshwater to fill lakes
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Whole House Water Filtration – Rochester, MI

  Whole home water purification systems are available to tackle the different types of water quality challenges present in Michigan cities. It's crucial to select the right technology and size the system appropriately to handle your household's water consumption. A system installed by professionals is vital, along with consistent maintenance over time to ensure its longevity and effective operation. While signs of water quality concerns like unpleasant odors and tastes, staining of clothes and bathroom fixtures, etc., signal existing issues, the recommended initial step is to conduct a water test. This test will identify the contaminants or minerals present in the water and their respective quantities. This information is key to making an informed system recommendation and establishing a pathway toward excellent water quality in your home. A water softener serves as a form of whole home water filtration system, engineered to eliminate hard water minerals such as magnesi
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