Hard water can be a major problem in some parts of Australia.   Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron, and can leave unsightly residue and staining on household surfaces.  It can cause scale build up in pipe work and appliances, resulting in poor performance and also reduces the effectiveness of soaps and cleaning products. A process called ion exchange water softening can help with hard water problems.  A recent study in the region of Waterloo, Canada, which has some of the hardest water supply in that country, independently tested nine popular models of water softeners.  The Kinetico water softener distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Davey Water Products, was the judged the top performer.  Davey Kinetico demonstrated overall operating cost 25% less than the next ranked model and achieved in environmental efficiency as well.

Waterloo estimates 72% of homes in the region have an ion exchange water softener installed, however, the region noted there were no independent test results on water softener performance or satisfactory benchmarks which could be passed on to consumers.

So the region constructed a water softener test rig and over a twelve month period tested nine different residential water softeners that were readily accessible on the local market, most of which are also available in Australia and New Zealand.

Each unit was installed by their supplier and remained on the test rig for thirty days with water demands that simulate typical household water use or 700 litres a day flowing through the test softeners.

Most water softeners employ a process where calcium and magnesium ions in the water are replaced or exchanged with sodium ions in a resin bed, essentially a mass of small plastic beads. The process includes a cycle to regenerate the resin beads, whereby the contaminants are replaced by the sodium in the brine solution allowing them to be flushed to drain.

The tests confirmed that the Davey Kinetico achieved the best results of all nine units tested.

On top of this, it was noted that the annual cost of operating the Davey Kinetico would be significantly cheaper in terms of the amount of water sent to drain, the salt use and the power cost, meaning they were better for the environment as well.

The margins were significant over the eight other water softeners tested, with the Davey Kinetico unit 25% cheaper than the next best product and also used the least amount of salt to regenerate than all units tested – a staggering 38% less than the product ranked in second place.

A key feature of the Davey Kinetico is that it requires no power to operate as it employs the energy of moving water to power its system rather than electricity.

The patented turbine in combination with the unique twin tank design ensures the Davey Kinetico is always supplying softened water to the home and uses this softened water during the regeneration process, improving its efficiency.  The unit only backwashes when flow demands have been met and automatically adjusts to water use patterns, saving water.

So if your water supply has a ‘hardness factor’ caused by excess levels of dissolved minerals, a Davey Kinetico water softener offers dependable, soft, clean water for all domestic needs.

For more information find your local Davey water treatment dealer www.davey.com.au/DaveyDealers.  A water test can be arranged and a recommendation provided for appropriate treatment on a range of water supplies.