What substance does a water softener aim to remove from the water supply?

A water softener primarily targets the removal of calcium and magnesium ions from the water supply. These minerals are responsible for water hardness, which can lead to a variety of issues such as scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduced efficiency of soaps and detergents, and decreased lathering ability. By exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions through a process known as ion exchange, water softeners effectively reduce hardness and contribute to improved water quality for various household and industrial uses.

Other substances like chlorine, heavy metals, and nitrates may be addressed by different treatment systems, such as water filters or reverse osmosis units, but they are not the focus of typical water softening systems.