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Description of the water softener system
This nitrate reduction system includes a brine (salt) tank and a resin (media) tank with a backwashing control
valve. Incoming water flows into the control valve and is directed down through the anion exchange softening
resin. This resin exchanges the nitrates and other anions for chloride ions. The treated water then returns to
the control valve where it is directed into the service lines.
Periodically the control valve will go through a regeneration cycle. The frequency of this regeneration process
will depend on the size of water softener, incoming water quality and amount of water used. This cycle is
factory preset to begin at 2:00 A.M. At this time the control valve will draw the brine solution out of the salt tank
and flush both the accumulated hardness and excess salt to the drain. The control valve will then put fresh
water back into the salt tank to make brine for the next regeneration cycle.
Water Quality
The water should be tested to determine the concentration, or levels of the items listed below:
Hardness
- Hardness in drinking water is defined as those minerals that dissolve in water having a
positive electrical charge (cations). The primary components of hardness are calcium (Ca++) and
magnesium (Mg++) ions. But dissolved iron (Fe++) and manganese (Mn++) also contribute to total
“adjusted” hardness. Hardness produces scale, soap scum and white mineral deposits which shorten
the life of water using appliances, plumbing and fixtures. Water that has less than 1 grain of hardness is
considered to be “soft” water. Please note the FSN does not reduce hardness and, in fact, must be
supplied with soft water.
pH
- A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH
of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. If your pH is below 6.8 you may consider installing an acid neutralizer
before the water softener to elevate the pH.
Iron
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron levels in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l) combine with
oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron exists in some water sources in clear
water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. Iron levels that exceed 2.0 mg/l require special
ion exchange resin for reduction, or if bacterial or ferric (red water) iron is present or iron level exceeds 4.0 mg/l,
an iron filter should be installed. Water supplied to the FSN must not exceed 0.05 ppm iron content.
Manganese
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese levels as low as 0.05 milligrams/liter (mg/l)
can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally, manganese can cause
an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. The FSN does not reduce manganese.
Tannin
- A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is caused by water passing through decaying vegetation.
Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. Tannin levels as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter can
cause a yellow discoloration in water. Consult your dealer for a system designed to remove both tannin and
hardness. The FSN does not reduce tannin.
Hydrogen Sulfide
- A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur gas,
causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested at the
well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If sulfur is present additional equipment will be required. The
OXY3 iron filter can typically treat up to 2 milligrams per liter of sulfur gas. The FSN does not reduce hydrogen
sulfide.
Pre-installation Instructions
