What is the acceptable water hardness post softener?

The acceptable water hardness post softener is typically around 10 parts per million (ppm). Water softeners are designed to reduce the hardness of water by replacing calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness, with sodium ions. In domestic and industrial applications, maintaining an optimal level of hardness is crucial for both equipment longevity and the effectiveness of processes such as dialysis, where water purity is paramount.

A level of 10 ppm is generally considered effective, ensuring that the water is free of the detrimental effects of hardness while not being overly treated, which could affect the balance of other constituents in the water. Levels lower than this can be excessive and may result in increased sodium content, which could be a concern for some users. Therefore, a post-softening hardness of 10 ppm strikes a good balance between effectiveness and safety.