User:SFWinn/Electronic water conditioning

Electronic water conditioning is a relatively new technology that serves as an alternative to salt-based water softeners. Using an electronic signal, it reduces the problems associated with hard water, namely limescale buildup inside pipes, along water heating elements, on faucets and appliances.

Background
Water softening reduces mineral content in hard water and has traditionally been done using sodium-based ionic exchange. In contrast to salt based softeners, electronic conditioners do not change the chemical properties of the water. Rather, they affect its physical properties. Magnetic water treatment is another proposed method of water conditioning.

Electronic water treatment technologies were first patented in December 1991 in the United States by Jan de Baat Doelman of Scalewatcher. Since then, several other companies have come online marketing similar technologies worldwide.

How it works
Electronic devices treat hard water with by inducing variable electric fields with a continuously changing frequency. This forces the dissolved minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium to crystallize and remain in suspension in the water instead of adhering to surfaces such as pipes, faucets or heating elements of water heaters. The hard minerals now in suspension flow with the water and are discharged through the drain. This action stops minerals from building up inside pipes and water heating elements as sacle. The capability of the water to dissolve minerals is also increased. Hard scale layers are softened and gradually enter into the water stream. The now unsaturated water will dissolve existing scale and remove it from the water system. It may also affect deposits on the outside of the water system, such as around faucets and bathroom fixtures, reducing or eliminating the need for frequent cleaning with chemical products.

An alternative mode of action has been proposed, by the makers of Hydrosmart technology. Briefly, the mechanism proposed is that the electrical fields are able to separate ions that share secondary hydration shells. After treatment, a higher proportion of ions are freed from sharing water molecules, and so are more truly dissolved. These dissolved ions then migrate through the users system scavenging oppositely charged ions from scale layers, or dissolving salt crust and salt buildups.

Electronic versus chemical water treatment
Traditional sodium ion exchange based water treatment systems carry environmental and health consequences. Adding salts to household water systems affects watershed salinity. It impairs already limited fresh water sources and inhibits the viability of water recycling. Salinity reduces the viability of agricultural soils, potentially changing plant community composition. It deteriorates appliances, increasing the need for maintenance. Due to these watershed impacts, Santa Clarita County, CA, has recently banned salt based water softeners.

In addition, the salt added to household drinking water can be a health concern for those suffering from hypertension or other conditions in which a salt-restricted diet is indicated.