Twenty years of experience with central softening in The Netherlands

Water quality – Environmental benefits – Costs

Book chapter (2006)

Authors

J.A.M.H. Hofman Waternet
O.J.I. Kramer Waternet
M Nederlof Vitens NV
M. Groenendijk Brabant water
Research Group
Sanitary Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2006 J.A.M.H. Hofman, O.J.I. Kramer, J.P. van der Hoek, M Nederlof, M Groenendijk
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Published Date

2006

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Water Management

Research Group

Sanitary Engineering

Abstract

Central softening has been utilized by the Dutch water utilities since the late 1970s. It was introduced in the water treatment process as a method to supply water with an optimum water composition to prevent lead and copper release and to prevent excessive scaling. Twenty years of experience show that central softening is beneficial for public health, has significant environmental benefits and that it lowers social costs. Also enhanced consumer comfort is a result of distribution of water with low scaling potential. This paper will describe the water quality improvements and will quantify the benefits realized in practice.