No, BOROUX water filters do not soften water.
However, BOROUX filters can sometimes reduce the hardness of water slightly. The acidity can be reduces which prevents the water from holding as many mineral ions. The hardness or softness of water is determined by the mineral content of calcium and magnesium. BOROUX Foundation Filters do not remove beneficial minerals, so calcium and magnesium remain in the water.
Related: Does BOROUX Change the pH of Water?
Can you use softened water in a BOROUX system?
We do not recommend using your BOROUX with a water softener. The sodium or salts in softened water may prematurely clog filters and shorten the lifespan. If you have a whole-house water softener and would like to use a BOROUX, look for a by-pass valve. You may go against our recommendation and still use softened water in your BOROUX, but understand that it voids your warranty and you may have to purchase replacement filters more frequently.
What is soft water?
Water that is very low in mineral content is called soft water. Soft water has less than 17 parts per million of calcium and magnesium. Soft water is known for lathering better when combined with soap, and for leaving skin feeling slippery after using it for bathing.
What is hard water?
Hard water contains more than 17 parts per million of calcium and magnesium. When water falls to the earth as rain, it percolates through soil and rock on its way to our groundwater. As it flows, it dissolves and picks up small amounts of minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. This makes the water "hard". 85% of American homes have hard water. Oftentimes, hard water leaves behind a residue on plumbing, known as limescale or calcium scale. The minerals precipitate out of the water and form harmless, visible white particles. Hard water contains more minerals, but that doesn’t mean it’s contaminated.
Related: What TDS Meters Actually Tell You
Most people find the taste of hard water preferable to that of soft. Water that has been stripped of all mineral content like distilled water can taste bland and unsatisfying.
What is a water softener?
A device the filters the magnesium and calcium minerals. Most water softeners are whole-house systems and use ion exchange method. Resin beads are charged sodium anions. Calcium and magnesium minerals are positively charged cations. The positive charge of the resin beads attracts the negative charge of the minerals. Once the beads have shed all their sodium and are full of calcium and magnesium, the system goes into “flush,” mode, where a sodium-bearing solvent recharges the beads with sodium and washes the calcium and magnesium down the drain. Ion exchange trades hard water for salty water.
How Does BOROUX Work?
BOROUX filters are designed to filter contaminants out, while leaving beneficial minerals in. The activated carbon is charged to attract and bond with detrimental contaminants.
You may occasionally find some mineral buildup in the lower chamber, on the spigot, or in your tea kettles, water bottles etc. A periodic rinse often solves the issue. If it persists, rinsing in a mild vinegar solution eliminates any buildup. If you use the Water Level Spigot you may notice some clouding of the sight-glass due to calcium accumulation. Soak the parts and pieces in white vinegar, rinse reinstall and it should be back to perfect clarity.
Related: How to Clean Your BOROUX
BOROUX reduce over 80 contaminants. With a BOROUX on your counter, you can rest assured that water you're drinking is better for you.
