Chelation Water Treatment

Hard water is a nuisance. The high mineral content of hard water prevents other chemical compounds such as the ones found in soap to work effectively. Water chelation treatment refers to the process of softening hard water with the use of a chelant.

Hard Water

• When there is a large amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, it is called hard water. Hard water does not affect your health. Hard water leaves residue on facets and fixtures and has the potential to narrow and clog pipes. Hard water also leads to the poor performance of soaps and detergents. Soap is less effective because it reacts with the calcium and magnesium, forming a scum instead of suds. One obvious sign that you have hard water is that your soap and shampoo won’t lather up well.

Who Has Hard Water?

• Where you live the United States may determine whether or not you have hard water. According the U.S. Geological Survey, the softest groundwater is in New England, South Atlantic, Gulf States and Pacific Northwest. Moderately soft groundwater occurs in Alaska, Tennessee and the Great Lakes region. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California have the hardest water. Groundwater chemistry is stable and does not change over time. If you have well water, this regional information will be applicable to you. If you receive public water, contact your local water utility or health agency to determine the quality of water you get at home.

Chelant

• A chelant is a molecule that binds with minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It prevents these minerals from building up and forming a residue. Chelants will also bind with iron and manganese. In the case of hard water, a chelant will bind with the calcium and magnesium present and prevent the minerals from forming a residue.

  Chelants are added to soaps and shampoos so that these products can work better in water. They may also be added to food preservatives.

  The most common synthetic chelant is EDTA, or edetic acid. NTA (triglycollamic acid) and DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) are also chelants. These chemicals are used in industry to soften water and are not available for home use.

Softening Water at Home

• The simplest way to soften hard water is to boil it and let the lime settle to the bottom. You can then use the water for cooking or washing, since there are no chemical chelants.

  The minerals in hard water prevent good soap sud formation. When using a washing machine, add lye, borax or washing soda at the time of washing, and this will let the soap do its job.

  Martha Van Rensselner prescribes softening water the following way: For each gallon of water, use 1 tablespoon of a solution (1 pound of washing soda dissolved in 1 quart of water) or add 1 tablespoon of borax dissolved in 1 cup of water.

Residue Removal

• After softening water, you may still have lime buildup on faucets and in kettles. For faucets, soak a rag in vinegar and place over the facet. Secure the rage and leave it for an hour. Remove and wipe the faucet with a soft towel. For kettles, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and bring to a boil. Rinse the kettle out in the morning.