For many well owners, a water softener isn't really an option. Hard water contains excessive levels of calcium and magnesium, a common condition found in 85 percent of the United States. Softening the water as it enters the home protects all appliances, fixtures and uses at any tap throughout the house.
Water softeners use a few different methods to operate, but essentially the equipment "exchanges" hard minerals for either sodium or potassium. According to the Water Quality Association, some equipment also may reduce levels of arsenic, nitrates and mercury.