Soft water treatment efficiency

In Poland, soft water is carried by mountain rivers and streams, and is found in impoundment lakes located in mountainous regions. The low concentrations of calcium and manganese compounds in those waters should be attributed to the geological structure of the subsoil, which is poor in sedimentary rocks. Until recently, mountain streams and rivers have been considered synonymous with purity, but now the pollution load received is showing an upward trend. The waters under study display a low alkalinity, are sufficiently oxygenated, often contain humic acids, and experience episodes of increased coloured matter concentration and turbidity. The waters additionally receive some airborne pollutants (e.g., nitrogen and sulphur compounds) which enter the water body together with precipitation. As a result, the pH of the water taken in for drinking purposes is in many instances notably lower than the value required for potable water.