Water softeners
Hard water is ground water that has picked up minerals from the earth such as magnesium and chalky calcium. Water with high levels of calcium can clog pipes with mineral build up left behind as the water flows through the pipes. Hard water also reduces the ability of soap to lather and leaves a sticky scum even after rinsing. It can affect dishes, glasses and even our hair. It is a good thing that there is an appliance that will make water softer.
Water softeners contain a bed of small plastic beads or chemical matrix called zeolite which is covered with sodium ions. As the water flows past the sodium ions they swap places with the calcium and magnesium in the water. Eventually the zeolite will contain nothing but calcium and magnesium and it is time to be regenerated. Regeneration involves soaking the beads in salt or sodium chloride. The strong brine displaces all of the calcium and magnesium and it becomes ready to be used again.