Water Softeners (Conditioners) are the most effective system for combating the effects of overall hard water*. Conditioners can also be used to reduce metals such as Iron, Copper and Lead.
 
*HARDNESS (TOTAL) -
ormally expressed as CaCO in concentrations of mg/L (or parts per million - ppm).
Water above 150 mg/Lis considered hard; above 300 mg/Lis considered very hard.
Water Hardness is quite common in mountainous regions (caused by the leaching of
sedimentary rock) and in areas with limestone formations. Quite often referred to as
“lime in the water”.
Primarily caused by calcium and magnesium compounds.
N 3
Excessive Hardness may lead to scaling of pipes and fittings, cause blockage
of safety relief valves and heating elements to “burn out” in hot water cylinders
and dishwashers. In areas with very hard water, it is not uncommon to render a
new dish washer unserviceable within twelve months.
Scale build up can markedly reduce heating efficiencies by up to 90%.
Hard water will make detergents and soaps difficult to "lather up" and may
leave
ashed clothing may feel "starchy" and colours will fade quicker than normal.
Clothes washed in hard water tend to have a reduced useful life due the
abrasive nature of the water.
When hard water, used to wash glassware, windows and vehicles drys, it tends
to leave white streaks of calcium and magnesium.
There are no known adverse health effects from drinking hard water.