This document, published by the United Kingdom Water Treatment Association (UKWTA), is an excellent summary of the scientific evidence for the benefits that come from fitting a water softener.
The benefits discussed in the report include:
- softened water reduces the amount of maintenance and servicing your appliances need
- water softeners save energy
- water softeners reduce fuel costs
- water softeners reduce carbon emissions
- softened water removes existing limescale
- with softened water, you use less soap, shampoo and detergent
- softened water is better at removing stains
- clothes last longer when washed in softened water
- cleaning is easier with softened water, because there’s no scum
- softened water is kinder to the skin
- softer water means softer hair