Water Softener vs Water Filtration

It can be quite overwhelming to consider the different style of water filtration systems out there and which one is perfect for you and your family? Independent research can lead you down so many rabbit holes it becomes a minefield of information and after all, aren’t we just talking about water? The stuff that comes out of our tap? That is daily on our table and in our supermarkets bottled in fancy containers?

It should be such a simple decision but how often do we question what’s really inside our water, aside from that well-known H₂0? Hard water, for example, contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This form of water is typically found across Australia in areas reliant on bore water or water that has been heavily treated, most of our municipal tap water will contain varying degrees of these and other minerals.

The body needs a steady supply of minerals like calcium and magnesium and where better to consume them than through our abundant drinking water.  But when consumed consistently in large quantities over an extended period of time, they can lead to a range of potential health impacts, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, malformations of the central nervous system and more.

With this in mind, it is only natural that many of us will want to find ways that we can remove or reduce these elements from our ‘hard water’, turning it into ‘soft water’.   It is important to keep in mind that drinking municipal tap water in Australia will not lead to an excessive build up of minerals in your body.  

There are other reasons for pursuing a softer water and in this article, we will explore exactly how to soften water and compare water softener vs water filtration to find the best option for you.

What is a water softener system?

Water softener systems are available for your home in a host of different sizes and designs based on your needs. Still, they will all usually work around the same method for how to soften your water: a process known as ion exchange.

Systems will have different styles but typically hold a tall, narrow tank that connects directly to your home’s water-supply line. There will also be a thin tube connecting this taller tank to a smaller brine tank and a discharge hose running to a drainpipe. Users will then fill the taller tank with special resin beads.

As the water pours through the tank and trickles through the beads, the resin’s negative charge will attract any minerals within the water holding a positive charge. This ‘ion exchange’ leaves the minerals clinging to the beads and letting the clean water pass through, now softened and ready for consumption.

What is water filtration?

Water filtration is a process designed to remove impurities from water by using a physical barrier, chemical process, or biological process. Natural water filters can be used to remove the following:

• Particulate matter, such as dirt, sand, and sediment
• Organic matter, such as algae and bacteria
• Inorganic matter, such as salts and heavy metals

Water filtration is used at scale in various applications, including drinking water purification, industrial water treatment, and wastewater treatment.

The best water filter systems hold a design that not only removes the contaminants and toxins that may be present, but also replicates Mother Nature’s process to remineralise the water back to its natural state, providing optimal cellular hydration.

An excellent example of this is the zazen Alkaline Water System.

This natural alkaline water filter system begins by utilising a ceramic filter to collect the bacteria, parasites and countless unwanted elements before engaging a silver-activated carbon layer to reduce chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. Next up, the activated zeolite layer within the filter cartridge traps heavy metals, and a collection of natural mineral stones reintroduce a selection of essential trace minerals. Finally, Far Infrared technology is applied to balance pH levels and neutralise overly acidic components.

Natural alkaline water filters can produce a consistent supply of clean, mineralised water that assists in proper cellular hydration.

What is the difference between a water softener and a water filtration system?

While they might seem similar in their application, a hard water filter and a water softener system are two completely different devices. Where a water softener for your home is designed solely to help ‘soften’ hard water by removing its excessive minerals, the best water filters work instead to remove a range of contaminants and reintroduce a balance of essential electrolytes and minerals.

Advantages of water softeners

• Removing excessive minerals can offer various health benefits
• Water softeners can prolong the life of your plumbing by preventing hard water build-up
• Softened water can make your skin and hair feel softer
• Softened water can also improve the efficiency of lathering soap and detergents

Disadvantages of water softeners

• Water softeners can be expensive to purchase and install
• They require regular maintenance, such as adding new components and materials to the system
• Water softeners can remove certain beneficial minerals from your water

Advantages of water filters

• Water filters can remove impurities such as dirt, sediment, and chlorine from your water, improving its quality
• Essential electrolytes and minerals are reintroduced through sophisticated technology
• Improve pH levels to balance high acidity within the body
• Filtered water can improve the taste and smell of your water
• Water filters can be less expensive to maintain than water softeners

Disadvantages of water filters

• Water filters also need regular replacement
• Inferior models may not remove all impurities from your water or reintroduce the necessary minerals for proper cellular hydration

Is Hard or Soft Water Best For You?

As mentioned above, consuming hard water may be associated with a range of adverse health impacts, such as cardiovascular disease, reproductive failure, and growth retardation.  This can be difficult to measure considering it would take an excessive and consistent amount of these minerals to create such conditions. Conversely, the higher amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium may ensure you are receiving an adequate supply in your diet, but again this will be difficult to quantify.

For some, when comparing hard water vs soft water, soft water is preferable. However, a range of bacteria and fungi can develop within the resin utilised in the water softener system, so it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning and replacement schedule.

Do water filters remove water hardness?

A water filter by itself will not create softened water, if you are looking  to soften your water at home, you will need a water softener system. A water filter is designed to reduce contaminants and toxins from drinking water and systems such as  the zazen Alkaline Water System  reintroduces a balance of essential minerals and electrolytes essential for cellular hydration.