Water softening and water filtration are both water treatment methods. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water before it is used for drinking, cooking, or other purposes. The most common water softening systems pass the incoming tap water through a resin bed containing ion-exchange resins that will exchange sodium (Na+) with the dissolved minerals in your water, such as Ca2+ ions or Mg2+ ions. Sodium ions are removed from the water because they are more significant than calcium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium ions remain in the water, making the water more neutral and easier to use.

Many different types of filtering systems are on the market today for removing undesirable elements from tap water. Some filters are specifically designed to filter out the chlorine found in city water, while others will remove all trace amounts of chlorine from your tap water. Some people may install a system that removes chlorine and lead. These systems are often referred to as "whole house" filtration systems since these systems can also be used in conjunction with your existing plumbing pipes in the home. Other water processing units are designed for point-of-use applications such as washing dishes or watering plants. Point-of-use systems cannot supply filtered water to the entire household, so they cannot replace a whole house filtration or treatment system.

Difference Between Water Filtration And Water Softening:

When we say "water softening," we mean adding some chemicals which help soften the water. But when we talk about "water filtration," we suggest reducing the hardness and color of water without using any chemicals.

Softening: This process adds more salt to the water supply tank. It makes the water less hard to take care of. We add 1/3rd cup of salt per gallon of water. This way, we ensure that our drinking water is softer than ever before.

Filtering: This process reduces the number of impurities present in the water supply tank. The water then becomes suitable for taking care of human beings. No one feels sick after drinking water that has gone through this process. The best type of water filter depends upon what you want to achieve with your water. You need to get a decent reverse osmosis unit if you have clean drinking water. To protect your family from pathogens such as viruses and bacteria getting an ultrafiltration/microfilter is the right choice. If you want cleaner-tasting water, you should go for carbon-block-based water filters. And if you are looking for a low-cost option, you can consider buying a water distiller instead of a filtration system.

So, What's the difference between Water Softening and Filters?

A good water filter must be able to remove chlorine, heavy metals, nitrates, pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic compounds, radon, and other toxic substances from the water supply simultaneously. All this happens automatically by the machine. You don't need to worry about returning those things to your body again. A suitable water-softening device does the opposite – it removes calcium and magnesium from the water and replaces them with sodium. So, whether you use a water softening or water filtration system, you'll still consume too much sodium.

The most common problem with water softeners is their tendency to clog up over time. This can happen because of the buildup of minerals in the piping of the water line. They build up slowly, but once they start forming deposit layers, they become complicated to flush off thoroughly. Over time, this causes the flow rate to drop. Eventually, you might even notice a loss of pressure in the water supply.

How to know if my water is safe?

If you live in a rural area, you probably won't be highly affected by the issue of water pollution. However, water contamination in cities is quite common for numerous reasons. Chlorine is one of the major pollutants that affect the quality of water. As soon as you turn on the faucet, there is always a slight hint of chlorine in the air. While its presence isn't harmful, it can accumulate gradually and cause health issues. To avoid this situation, you would require a high-quality filter to eliminate chlorides from the water. There are various products available in the market, depending on your budget. Some of them will work well, while others may not.

Another thing to keep an eye out for is nitrate levels. Nitrates are naturally occurring chemicals found in soil and plants. But when it comes to water treatment, they can also pose hazards. For instance, excessive amounts of nitrogen enter the water supply causing blue-green algae outbreaks. When these grow large enough, they spread rapidly throughout the water supply. And since they're poisonous, it is essential to treat them quickly.

To ensure the safety of your household, you'd better invest in a water test kit. If you feel unsure about your home's water supply condition, you can read the instructions and follow the directions. Once the procedure is complete, you can immediately take the necessary action.