I am planning to rent a softener. I have spoken to 2 places - Culligans and Crystal Clear Water systems. The rents are comparable (about $30 + GST) for the high efficiency systems.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with these companies and the softeners they provide.

Culligans - Culligan Medallist series
Crystal Clear Water - Proflo SE series (Hydrotech).

Also, do you know if you can negotiate on the rental rates ?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

ash_canada,
Your plan to rent VS purchasing one for the extended period of use is a judgement call. You know how long the equipment will be in use at your location and what are the impurities it addresses and remedies to provide you with crystal clear water. You can get equipment to suit standard 1/2 inch copper tubing to 3/4 inch mains for a fraction of the price you will incur over a few years of renting it from them.
I have had dealings with Culligan and they are highly reliable. The others are the competetors and like wise will provide you with good service. But you ought to talk to them, and get the direction in which you must proceed, which you have already done so. You seem to know what it is that you want. Here is a jist of the water chemistry and what it is that you would like to aim for. There are a lot of good machines in the market under a thousand bucks which will provide you with trouble free service for a long time, if it is just for DRINKING usage. One of them is "YR-6X Clasic Korean Water dispenser". I have it in use currently and your price may vary here. It was sent to me from Korea, but it was made in 'boquiang china.'
Good luck in you dealings with Culligan or anyone you have in your neighborhood.

Does Bourbon go with Branch water? mmmmmm....... good. You have good taste.

Freddie.
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WATER HARDNESS: Is expressed as ppm of calcium Carbonate. Hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. It is usually measured with combined calcium and magnesium levels and reported as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). The calcium and magnesium compounds can interfere with corrosion control because they are less soluble at high pH levels than at low pH levels. When corrosion control techniques are selected and implemented, hardness must be taken into consideration because it can cause unintended side effects such as increased scaling, both within the pump station and treatment plant or out in the service area. If you have a well water supply or an unknown source it is worth exploring the matter further.
Hard water is 'not known' to cause any adverse health effects. However, relatively softer water enhances consumer acceptability. Hardness is primarily caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium in the water. There is no well-defined distinction between hard water and soft water. In general, hardness values of less than 75 mg/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) represent soft water, and values above 150 mg/L CaCO3 moves us into the hard water side. If a soap suds fast and quickly, then you have good soft water.

0 - 70 ppm : very soft
70 - 140 ppm : soft
140 - 210 ppm : medium hard
210 - 320 ppm : fairly hard

Most people do not need to treat their drinking water at home to make it safe. A home water treatment unit can improve water's taste, or provide an extra margin of safety for people more vulnerable to the effects of waterborne illness. Especially people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs. Consumers who choose to purchase a home water treatment unit should carefully read its product information to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste or a certain method of treatment. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance, especially changing the filter on a regular basis. Some of the newer units have incorporated an ultraviolet radiation treatment for alleviating certain bacterial cultures.

No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant. You must decide which type best meets your needs. Most are classified according to the contaminants they remove as well as listing units that have earned their "Gold Seal" approval. So, choose one that meets your needs. Water treatment units certified by the CSA organization will indicate certification on their packaging or labels. If you haver your own well, then, you are responsible for making sure that your water is safe to drink. Private wells should be tested periodically for nitrates and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Also test more frequently for other contaminats and concentrations, if you suspect problems or odours then it is a must.

Bottled water products are normally categorized according to the source of the water and the method that the bottler uses to treat it. The following are common types of bottled water.

Artesian: Water that originates from a confined aquifer, where the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer. (Flows naturally}
Fluoridated: Water that contains fluoride added within the limitations established by the Food and Drug Administration. What the city supplies.

Mineral: Water that contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS). It comes from a source tapped at one or more bore holes or a spring, and originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. Bottlers may not add minerals to this water. Some are desalinated to suit the local taste. Bottles such as Perrier, that we see on shelves of the grocers.
Purified: Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes. Purified water may also be referred to as "demineralized water." The ones we buy in drug stores, hardware stores and groceries. We need 'big lugs' to hug these Jugs.
Sparkling: Water that contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source. The carbon dioxide may be removed and replenished after treatment. 'Fritz' and the bubbly water for instance.
Spring: Water that flows naturally to the earth's surface from an underground formation. Still it needs to be tested and verified before usage. Muskoka Natural springs in Ontario, Ramona springs, St.George in Kitchner and Berkley Springs to cite a few. There are so many others, Grail, Sauble, Creemore and pine springs are a few that are worthy of note.

Now you know what promotes longevity in all of us. Drink a gallon a day, but make it a good one. Six to ten glasses a day will do for a start.
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