A study by the Battelle Memorial Institute confirms that water softeners contribute significantly to energy savings and the efficiency and longevity of many household appliances.

“The benefits of having soft water are significant in terms of energy savings, (and they are) significant in terms of the ability to reduce the amount of detergents and soaps that end up in the land … For the most part, the Battelle Study confirms … water softeners contribute significantly to energy savings and the efficiency and longevity of many household appliances. … With all the advancements in heating technologies, higher efficiencies, Energy Star, tax incentives, these devices can only maintain those efficiencies when operated on soft water. … By removing calcium and magnesium ions, water softeners are one of the greenest technologies a consumer can own today.” Water Technology Magazine May 2010

In 2009, the Battelle Memorial Institute began a comprehensive study on “BENEFITS OF REMOVAL OF WATER HARDNESS (CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IONS) FROM A WATER SUPPLY”. The study was conducted by D. D. Paul, V.V. Gadkari, D.P. Evers, M.E. Goshe, and D.A. Thornton of the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH. The study was prepared for the Water Quality Association of Lisle, Illinois. Testing was done on gas, electric, and tankless heaters as well as appliances and shower heads.

If you are interested in this very comprehensive 251 page study, it may be downloaded at the link below:

Battelle Study (8 MB PDF)