Water news for a thirsty world…

Those who make and install water softeners contend that the devices save energy used by water heaters, clothes washers and other water-using appliances, and, by extending the life of those appliances, reduce the burden on landfills.

Those concepts will be examined in a new study to be conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute, an independent nonprofit science and technology research organization, according to a May 21 press release from the Water Quality Association (WQA), the trade association representing the water treatment industry. WQA oversees the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF), which is funding the study.

Tests will be conducted using independently developed and impartial methods, the release said. Battelle is based in Columbus, OH.

WQA had recently announced a new WQRF-funded Battelle study of the effects of soft and hard water on energy consumption of water heaters and other appliances. The results of that study are expected in September. To that study, WQA announced this week, Battelle will add the study of the longevity of clothes washers, dishwashers and low-flow faucets using hard and soft water. The impact of worn-out appliances discarded in landfills will be examined.

WQA Executive Director Peter Censky expressed the view of the water treatment industry when he said in the latest release, “By making sure our appliances run better with soft water, ion exchange water softeners ultimately help to protect the environment.” (Get The Full Story…)

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