News Chemistry Water softeners get friendlier to health, environment New devices could help keep salt out of drinking water and streams SOFT DRINK A new method softens water using aluminum, instead of salt, to remove minerals. terrasprite/iStockphoto By Thomas Sumner October 24, 2016 at 7:00 am - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print Clever chemistry could take the salt out of water softening. Aluminum ions can strip minerals from water without the need for sodium, researchers report online October 4 in Environmental Science & Technology.
