Bore water is often very hard and can contain iron and manganese - both of which can cause staining to washing fabrics, bathroom tiles, screens, toilet bowls etc. Iron and manganese can also cause dissimilar metals corrosion by interacting with the copper pipe-work infrastructure within your home.

Hard water is characterised by being very difficult to lather and rinse. It can cause pipes and hot water services etc to become clogged with scale. Hard water is also inclined to cause scum to accumulate on wetted bathroom surfaces - shower screens, wall tiles etc.

Waterways’ will carry out a free of charge water test and provide a written report together with recommendations for solving your specific bore water problems.

All that is required is a small drink bottle filled to the very top (so that it contains no air). A small spring water bottle is ideal for sampling - if you use a soft drink bottle make sure that it is rinsed thoroughly. Just post it to us or drop it into your Waterways’ dealer - we will get the results and recommendations back to you as quickly as we can.

A water softener will effectively remove hard water salts (calcium and magnesium). Iron removal softeners also remove iron and manganese.

Water softeners need to be correctly sized taking flow rate requirements and hardness, iron and manganese levels into consideration. Waterways’ will offer you free advice to ensure that you select the right model for your specific needs. Softeners can be installed either in line or prior to a suitable water storage tank. If installing prior to a tank, you should seek advice regarding the isolation of flow to the tank while the softener is being regenerated. (This ensures that no untreated water will enter the tank while the softener is “off line”). Waterways’ can set the softener up for you so that it calls for a simple irrigation type solenoid valve to interrupt water flow from the bore to the tank while the regeneration is in process. Ask your dealer for information regarding the setting up of a suitable solenoid shut off valve.

Alternatively there are twin column water softeners that ensure that there is an uninterrupted flow of soft water to the holding tank at all times (no need for a solenoid isolation valve). Twin column softeners are highly recommended for use prior to a tank - particularly when filling from empty.

Water softeners work best in conjunction with a pressure pump. 35 psi (245kpa) is the preferred minimum operating pressure. If the incoming water supply contains sediment (including oxidised iron and manganese) it will be necessary to fit a pre-filter. Pleated filter cartridges are ideal for this purpose as they have a much larger surface area than non-pleated filters. In addition they’re washable and re-useable. If the water is really dirty you may need a sand filter. We will advise you on this when we test your bore water.

Contrary to popular belief, water softeners do not add salt to the water that is being treated. Salt (brine) is used purely as a regenerant and is flushed from the softener during the last stage of regeneration. Brine can be safely discharged to a septic tank where it is significantly diluted and then dispersed over a wide area.

Soft water lathers and rinses freely. Hair and skin feel soft again and your washing will be soft and fluffy. There is a significant reduction in the use of soaps and detergents and of course a reduction in scale and scum build up.  Soft water is one of life’s luxuries.

Waterways’ offer a cost free advisory service. You’re welcome to contact us by phone or email if you’re not sure about anything or to phone us if you just want to chat about your specific bore water problems.

To organise a free test of your bore water, contact Waterways Products on
(08) 8374 3111 or email enquiries@waterwaysproducts.com

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