If you want even more filtration of your drinking and cooking water than faucet filters provide, you might want to look at reverse-osmosis filters, which are usually installed under the sink. Reverse-osmosis filters are usually installed by professionals and can cost several hundred dollars. Softening water is a separate issue from removing contaminants. As rainwater falls and seeps into the ground to become groundwater, it dissolves some of the minerals it touches. Dayton-area water is naturally hard, which means it has a fairly high concentration of dissolved minerals, but Dayton and some other municipal water systems in the area soften the water somewhat before delivering it to homes.
Hard water can cause skin to become dry and irritated and can make hair dry and frizzy.
It takes more soap, detergent and shampoo to clean with hard water than with soft. Hard water can make clothing stiff and easily soiled and can even reduce the life of clothing, according to Cargill Salt, makers of Diamond Crystal Water Softening Salt. The cost of the materials to keep the system working varies among models and will be affected by the amount of water your family uses. Last week I mentioned a gas flame product called the Domino Inset, which is designed for small fireplaces in historic homes. Based on a conversation with the England-based manufacturer, I indicated the burner did not require a flue.