As the sole new owners of the technology, UNC-CH will benefit from future revenues after the technology is further developed, tested and commercialized. Our School of Public Health is a national leader in drinking water research. The potential benefits for treating municipal drinking water and water for industrial use are enormous. Dr. Philip Singer, a professor of environmental sciences and engineering in the School of Public Health, will lead the research effort. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hard water is a common problem for a large part of the United States.
Hard water makes washing more difficult by decreasing the amount of lather or suds.
Hard water also leaves deposits in pipes and boilers and on heat transfer surfaces, causing problems for industry. In addition to observing white, flaky buildup on showerheads, faucets, and pots and pans, homeowners will note that hard water causes problems for water heaters, clothes washers and dishwashers, shortening appliance lifespan and adding to energy costs. Hard water may also be linked to health problems such as kidney stones. Enhanced Water Softening Technology works by introducing specially treated calcium carbonate crystals into the water supply. The crystals attract and capture calcium ions, which are then filtered out.