Salt is a commonly used material in water treatment processes. Water purification is the general name of the methods used to obtain drinking water or to purify water for industrial purposes. Salt is used for different purposes in water treatment processes.
Water softening: Salt is used to soften hard water. Hard water refers to water that has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Salt neutralizes these minerals in the water and softens the water. This process reduces limescale build-up, prevents scale build-up in installations and appliances, and ensures a more efficient use of water.
Reverse osmosis: Salt plays an important role in the reverse osmosis process. Reverse osmosis enables the removal of harmful substances and salt by passing the water through membrane filters. While salt water passes through membrane filters under high pressure, clean water passes while harmful substances and salt are left behind. In this way, the brine is purified and usable water is obtained for drinking or industrial purposes.
Chlorine removal: Chlorine is a chemical used to disinfect water. However, the taste and smell of chlorine in drinking water may not be pleasant. Salt can help remove chlorine in the water treatment process. Salt neutralizes chlorine and results in cleaner, better-tasting water.
Cleaning water treatment equipment: Salt can also be used to clean water treatment equipment. After prolonged use, water treatment equipment may experience loss of efficiency due to mineral build-up. Salt water is used to clean these deposits and restore equipment efficiency.