About Water Filters
Contact Us to Learn More Today
Contact Us to Learn More Today
Waterboy vs. Salt Based
Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family knowing that every drop of water flowing through your home has been filtered by the finest whole house system available today, the Waterboy System by Superior Water.
Water softening systems are effective in reducing minerals in the water but do not treat other chemicals, pollutants and heavy metals thus leaving chlorine, chloramines, ammonia and other harmful contaminants in the water. As you will read about below, reverse osmosis systems must be installed as an addition to a water softening unit for drinking water because it is not advisable to drink water saturated with sodium or potassium. But even with a reverse osmosis system, the problem of showering and bathing in water containing harmful chemicals is not addressed by either of these systems.
The first problem caused by water softeners is that water coming into your house for drinking and bathing contains sodium or potassium chloride. Many people do not like to brush their teeth or drink the water that has been softened so they have to add a filter that removes the salt. However, we often overlook the effect of bathing in water and the absorption of what the water contains into our body. The skin is the largest organ and absorbs water while we shower and bathe. It stands to reason that we should bathe and shower in the cleanest, freshest water possible.
Water softeners must be regenerated regularly adding to the amount of sodium or potassium saturated water going back to water treatment plants, and/or to rivers and the ocean.
Water softeners regenerate by flushing the buildup of calcium and magnesium in the brine in the cylinder. During the regeneration cycle the sodium or potassium saturated water is flushed into the sewer system. Along with normal waste water from bathing, doing dishes, laundry, etc. this is causing an environmental problem as well as a cost problem for water treatment plants.
There is cause for concern with excess salt levels (brine) being discharged into the sewer system. Because sodium and potassium saturated water can harm fish and aquatic life, impact crops irrigated with water, and affect downstream users, water treatment plants are under strict guidelines regarding the levels of sodium and potassium they can discharge. Reducing these levels is extremely expensive and wasteful compounding our water shortage issues in the state.
25 communities in the state of California have banned the use of water softeners. In 2008 the governor of California signed a bill allowing cities in the state to consider the ban due to environmental concerns.
When owning a water softener, a burden that is placed on the home owner is to continually replenish the sodium or potassium. Salt can be purchased at the grocery store but then it has to be taken home and dumped into the tank. This is a chore that many don’t want or are incapable of performing. There are monthly services with a fee associated to them that will come out and do the work for you by either bringing the sodium or potassium or by exchanging the tank each time.
To offset the problem of sodium or potassium saturated water for drinking, Reverse osmosis (RO) water filter units are typically installed under the kitchen sink to provide clean drinking water for water softener owners.
The membranes used for reverse osmosis have a dense barrier layer. In most cases the membrane is designed to allow only water to pass through this dense layer while preventing the passage of solutes (such as salt ions). This process requires that a high pressure be exerted on the high concentration side of the membrane.
Other than regular maintenance (replacement of filters which can cost up to $200 /yr) of the membrane, the main problem with RO systems is that they waste a significant amount of water. It is estimated that for every gallon of drinking water, the RO system flushes 3 gallons of water out to the sewer. This is up to a 75% waste of water.
Because of this waste, RO systems are not the optimal solution for water filtration in California and other states combating the effects of a declining water supply. Also using a reverse osmosis system as a whole house water filter is cost prohibitive and wastes even more water.
Reducing minerals in the water is one way of preventing lime scale build up in pipes and on fixtures. Water that contains minerals is said to be good for bones, teeth and blood.
Pros and Cons
Water run through a water softener and then an RO system contains no minerals which is one of the benefits to the body of drinking water.
The WATERBOY Whole House Water filtration and Conditioning System from Superior Water addresses both the filtration of contaminants and hard water issues without the use of chemicals and monthly maintenance. It also does not waste water or send contaminated water down the drain to our rivers and water treatment plants.
The benefit to you is that minerals do not stick and adhere to plumbing, fixtures and appliances yet your family gets these minerals from the water they drink and by bathing and showering. This is the way nature intended water to be.
The WATERBOY whole house water filter requires no outside maintenance for typically 10 to 12 years of water filtration depending on usage. A few times each month the WATERBOY conducts self-maintenance by back flushing which regrades the media and flushes out contaminants. The water used during the back flush is drained into the yard or flower bed causing no water waste. Trees, flowers and grass flourish when watered by the WATERBOY.
People often think minerals are contaminants and bad for your health. Actually, minerals are not considered a "contaminant" and are good for the taste of water and for vitality. Minerals also give you a healthy PH level for drinking water from every tap.
Water softeners are not the only way to treat minerals in the water. Non– chemical water conditioning systems are more environmentally focused to tackle the minerals without needing salt and chemicals.
Water softeners don't filter anything out of the water, like a filter would, they exchange sodium for minerals to create "soft water". Most people don't like that feeling of "soft water" because it creates a slimy feel like you can't get the soap off.
Hard water doesn't ruin clothes as much as hot water and chlorine in your water. Our system helps to keep clothes soft and colors bright.
Water softeners are unsafe for the environment since they waste water and the brine from the regeneration weekly is salty and downstream can kill and fish and plant life. Water softener alternatives and organic products are a natural and safe way to accomplish the same results.