It all depends on the hardness of the raw water. The following table shows the additional amount of sodium consumed by drinking one quart of softened water.

Example: If the water hardness is 20 grains per gallon, the softener will add 150 milligrams of sodium to each quart of water. 150 milligrams of sodium is equal to eating one slice of white bread.

Yes. Any CUNO water softener may use either Potassium or Sodium Chloride as a re-generant without changing settings. This is of special interest to anyone on a sodium-free or low sodium diet.

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Example: if the water hardness is 20 grains per gallon, the softener will add 150 milligrams of sodium to each quart of water. That is equivalent to eating one slice of white bread a day.

The softening process does add some sodium or potassium to the conditioned water. The following chart shows approximately how much sodium or potassium is added to one quart of conditioned water based on the amount of feed water hardness. For comparison, (2) slices of white bread contain approximately 278 milligrams of sodium and (2) cups of milk contain approximately 226 milligrams of sodium. One large banana contains approximately 600 milligrams of potassium.

Very little. In most cases, you'll find less sodium in a quart of conditioned water than in a slice of bread. If your doctor recommends a sodium-free diet, a reverse osmosis drinking water unit can reduce the total sodium content to near zero.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium are added for taste. At the levels used, they do not provide any nutritional benefits.

No. Our water has a very low sodium level (10mg/1 or less). This is substantially lower than most well water supplies and many bottled water brands.

A great deal of research has been done on this subject. According to The Water Quality Association (WQA), water softener regeneration discharge poses no problems to a septic tank or its related leach field. Studies have shown that discharge (waste) does not interfere with the system drain field soil percolation, and in many cases, can actually improve the percolation especially when fine textured soils are involved.

Our standard installation is quick and unobtrusive. Once installed, you can forget about it except for adding salt as required. In most cases our standard domestic installation method is suitable for most households. If there are any difficulties we can advise you about this when we carry out the survey. But rest assured ... we usually have a way to get round any problems.

Installation is usually completed within two to five working days of placing your order. If you have a direct feed system (as used with combination boilers) the soft water will start to flow immediately after the first salt recharge. If your water passes through a cold water storage tank and is heated in a hot water cylinder, the softened water will gradually replace the water already stored in the tanks and the effect will be slightly delayed.

The most common water softening method is called "ion exchange.” Put simply, this type of softening is a process where calcium and magnesium (the minerals that make water hard) ions are exchanged for sodium ions. This exchange takes place in a "resin bed" made up of a tiny bead-like material. The beads have a negative charge and attract and hold positively charged ions such as sodium.

This is a matter of personal choice. A softener will improve the efficiency and increase the life of appliances using hot water. It will make lathering easier and reduce tide marks on sanitary ware. Some people with skin conditions, such as eczema, have fewer problems if they use soft water for washing. But if you do install a water softener you should make sure that you have a supply of unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.

If you are bothered by a sticky, gummy soap curd deposit in your bathtub or by the buildup of white deposits (called scale) on your cooking pots and coffee maker, a water softener can help with these problems. You can find out the hardness of your drinking water by telephoning your water supplier. The higher the hardness number, the more a water softener will help.

A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, lime, and iron from supply water. By removing these minerals, you eliminate buildup in pipes, on fixtures, and in your RV water heater.