Which chemical process is primarily used to remove hardness in water treatment?

Ion exchange is the primary chemical process used to remove hardness from water in treatment systems. Hardness in water typically comes from dissolved calcium and magnesium salts. The ion exchange process involves a resin that has been treated with sodium ions. When hard water passes through this resin, the calcium and magnesium ions are effectively exchanged for sodium ions. This not only reduces the hardness of the water but also helps in improving its overall quality for various uses, such as in homes or in industrial applications.

Using ion exchange is advantageous because it allows for precise control over the hardness levels in treated water, making it an effective solution for ensuring water quality meets specific standards. Additionally, the process can be regenerated, allowing for sustainability in water treatment operations. Other methods, while they may contribute to water treatment, are not as effective for hardness removal as ion exchange.