Water is an essential resource for human survival, and its usage varies significantly across the globe. Below, we will explore various water use statistics, how to check your water quality, and the benefits of a water softener.
Water use statistics show that our water consumption is on the rise and that some populations continue to struggle to find a reliable source of water. Also, we will also introduce you to the water softeners and water filters that may help you improve your water quality.
Global Water Consumption and Use Statistics
According to World Bank data, around 4,102 cubic kilometers of freshwater were withdrawn globally in 2017. This usage can be broken down into three main sectors:
- Agriculture: Approximately 70% of global water withdrawals are used for agricultutaral purposes, including irrigation, livestock watering, and aquaculture (FAO). Much of this withdrawal comes from water stressed countries with a lot of population growth.
- Industry: Industries account for about 19% of water use worldwide, with significant variations between high-income countries (58% of their total water use) and low-income countries (8% of their total water use) (World Bank).
- Domestic: Domestic water use, including drinking, cooking, and hygiene, accounts for around 11% of global water withdrawals (World Bank).
The average daily water use per person varies widely, with high-income countries generally using more water per capita than low-income countries. For example, the average American uses 575 liters (152 gallons) of water per day, whereas an Ethiopian uses only 8 liters (2.1 gallons) per day.
How To Check The Quality of Your Water Resources
Maintaining high water quality is essential for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Here are some steps you can take to check your water quality:
Know Your Water Source
The first step in assessing water quality is understanding where your water comes from. Water sources can include municipal supplies, wells, or springs. Knowing your water source will help you determine what contaminants may be present and what tests you should perform.
Review Your Water Supplier’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from a Food and Agriculture Organization
If your water comes from a public water system in the United States, your supplier is required to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that includes information about the water source, detected contaminants, and any violations of water quality standards.
Test Your Water Supply
For those using a private well or concerned about specific contaminants, testing your water is the most accurate way to assess its quality. You can use a certified laboratory or a home test kit to check for various contaminants, such as bacteria, lead, nitrates, and pesticides.
Why a Water Softener Can Benefit You
Water softeners are designed to remove minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that cause water hardness. Here are some of the benefits of using a water softener:
Protect Your Appliances
Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, reducing their efficiency and shortening their lifespan. A water softener can help prevent these issues and extend the life of your appliances.
Reduce Soap Scum and Scale Buildup
Hard water can leave soap scum on dishes and surfaces and cause scale buildup on fixtures and pipes. Softened water can help prevent these problems, making cleaning tasks easier and reducing maintenance costs.
Improve Drinking Water Taste and Feel
Softened water often tastes and feels better than hard water. It can help eliminate the metallic or chalky taste that hard water sometimes has and provide a more pleasant experience when drinking, cooking, or bathing. The right water filter may also protect against water related diseases.
Save Money on Cleaning Products
Using a water softener can reduce the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning tasks. Since softened water lathers more easily, you can save money on cleaning products while still achieving excellent results.
How Much Water Does a Water Softener Use?
Water softeners can use a fair amount of water during their regeneration process. On average, a water softener uses approximately 20 to 25 gallons of water per regeneration cycle. The regeneration cycle typically happens every week or two, depending on the size of the household and the hardness of the water.
Newer and more efficient water softeners may use less water during regeneration, and the amount of water they use is low in the context of what a household uses during a whole week.
How To Choose a Water Softener
Selecting the right water softener for your home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and requirements before making a decision. Here’s a guide on how to choose the perfect water softener for your home.
1. Determine Your Water Hardness
The first step in choosing a water softener is to determine the hardness level of your water. You can do this by either:
- Contacting your local water supplier for information on water hardness in your area
- Testing your water with a water hardness test kit
This information will help you understand the level of hardness your water softener needs to treat.
2. Evaluate Your Water Usage
Consider the water usage habits of your household. Estimate the average daily water consumption, considering factors such as the number of people in your home, water-intensive appliances, and any special needs like watering a garden.
This information will help you select a water softener with the right capacity to meet your daily water usage. You can also make notes on how you might be able to use less and conserve water.
3. Choose the Type of Water Softener
There are several types of water softeners available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some common types include:
- Salt-Based Ion Exchange Softeners: These water softeners use salt and ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water. They are highly effective but require regular maintenance, including salt replenishment.
- Salt-Free Water Softeners: Also known as water conditioners, these systems don’t remove hardness minerals but instead alter their structure to prevent scale buildup. They are low maintenance but may not be as effective for very hard water.
- Dual Tank Water Softeners: These systems have two resin tanks, allowing for continuous soft water supply. While one tank regenerates, the other is in use. These are ideal for large households or those with high water usage.
4. Consider Features and Maintenance Requirements
When choosing a water softener, it’s essential to consider the features and maintenance requirements. Some water softeners come with digital controls, allowing you to monitor and adjust the system easily. Others may require manual adjustments and regular maintenance.
Ensure that you are comfortable with the level of maintenance required for the water softener you choose. Keep in mind that salt-based systems will require more frequent maintenance than salt-free options.
5. Set a Budget
Water softeners come at varying price points. Determine your budget and compare the features, benefits, and maintenance requirements of different models within your price range. Remember to factor in the ongoing costs of salt, filters, or other consumables when setting your budget.
6. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Before making a decision, read reviews of the water softeners you are considering. This will give you an idea of other users’ experiences and help you choose a reliable, high-quality system. Additionally, ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations based on their experiences with water softeners.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect water softener for your home. Remember to consider your water hardness, usage habits, softener type, features, maintenance requirements, and budget when making your decision.
If you are looking for the right water softener to meet your water demand, you need to work with experts who can help you find the right water softener for your freshwater withdrawals.
Check Out the Water Softeners and Water Filters From DROP Today
Ensuring that you have high-quality water in your home is essential for your health and the longevity of your appliances. DROP offers a range of water softeners and water filters designed to provide you with clean, healthy water while addressing issues like hardness, taste, and odor.
Whether you’re looking to soften hard water, remove contaminants, or improve the overall quality of your water, DROP has a solution for you. Explore our selection of water softeners and water filters today and discover how you can improve your water quality for a healthier, happier home. If you have questions about which option is right for your needs, reach out to us today to speak to our team.
