Salt vs. Salt-Free

Salt vs. Salt-Free

This week, Complete Water Systems of Phoenix dropped a guide breaking down the key differences between salt and salt-free water treatment systems, with a detailed look at replacement costs and system longevity. They say that traditional salt-based softeners' resin lasts 10-15 years with low replacement costs, while salt-free systems need replacement every 3-5 years at a higher price point. The comparison shows salt-based systems excel at actual softening, soap efficiency, and skin benefits, but require regular salt additions; while salt-free options offer eco-friendly scale prevention without reducing water hardness.

Meanwhile, Telica Pumps and Supply published their own article on the topic, highlighting why they believe the "softener" label on salt-free systems is misleading. Their breakdown of water conditioning vs. softening shows how salt-free systems use magnetic fields or specialized media to alter mineral properties rather than remove them, making "water conditioner" a more accurate term.

Importance of ISO Certification

Puretec Industrial Water released a recent article on a certain badge of honor in water treatment: ISO 9001:2015 certification. According to Puretec, this globally recognized stamp of approval means a water treatment company has systems in place for quality management, continuous improvement, and meeting customer needs. The team explains that the certification requires companies to standardize their processes, optimize resource usage, and stay on top of regulations (all while maintaining consistent water quality standards). For Puretec specifically, they say the certification backs up their ability to deliver reliable water treatment solutions while keeping up with evolving industry demands.

Piezoelectricity for Water Treatment

In a recent article for WaterWorld, water tech journalist Ellie Gabel reports that forever chemicals might have met their match in an unexpected place: piezoelectricity. Scientists are using these charge-generating materials, which activate under mechanical stress, to break down PFAS in drinking water. The secret behind it is the nanomaterials that look like ordinary sand but, when hit with ultrasonic waves, destroy 90.5% of PFOS (a common PFAS variant) in lab tests. While the system needs tweaking to handle real-world concentrations, it has potential to run solely on water movement from natural currents and droplets, eliminating energy costs post-installation.

Local Resources for Cali Wildfires

While WQA is leading the charge with their resources for professionals, local water treatment companies are following with their own guidance and FAQs. Here’s the recap:

• LA-based Puroserve posted important water safety information, including why ‘Do Not Drink Water’ orders are important to follow and how RO systems might properly address most of the current water concerns

• Water Techniques posted a list of water safety FAQs specific to the wildfires. In it, they say existing water treatment setups might not work due to the unknown concentration levels of contaminants, that folks should avoid bathing if in an advisory area, and that adding UV treatment systems may give some peace of mind

What else is happening:

• American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the US, finalized a supply agreement with Calgon Carbon to support PFAS treatment across 10 states

• The Guardian writes a piece on PFAS titled ”Are PFAS in everything?” (and the answer is yeah, pretty much)

• Water technologies company EAI Water does a case law overview of previous Legionella lawsuits and the legal precedents from them

• Central Florida Water Treatment shares the 5 signs that you might need water treatment