"When water contains a significant amount of calcium and magnesium, it is known as hard water. Hard water can clog pipes and keep soap and detergent from dissolving in water. Water softening is a technique that serves the removal of the ions that cause the water to be hard, in most cases calcium and magnesium ions. Iron ions may also be removed during softening. The best and most efficient way to soften water is to use a water softener unit and connect it directly to your water supply."