The Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener is the most environmentally conscious hard water softening/conditioning system available. The NaturSoft system will protect your appliances and hot water heater from the damaging effects of hard water scale, increasing the lifespan of your appliances. Cleaning will become easier, no longer requiring harsh chemicals or cleaning agents for the removal of hard water deposits. Now you can enjoy naturally conditioned water that is full of healthy minerals without the use of salt, wasted water or electricity. The Pelican NaturSoft "Physical Water Treatment" (PWT) technology offers you a maintenance-free solution to your hard water problems.
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Upgrade to "A True Spa like Experience"!
If you are interested in salt-free water softening/conditioning along with whole house filtration, you may want to consider the Pelican Premium Filter & Softener Combo Series. Learn more |
| • NaturSoft System Includes: |
Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Softener
 Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener, the most environmentally conscious hard water softening/conditioning system available, Pelican's Proven and Certified technology that stops the negative effects of hard water without the use of salt or electricity. The Pelican NaturSoft system also actively removes any existing hard water scale formation in pipes and water heaters .
What is this?
All Pelican NaturSoft systems come with a 5 micron pre-filter system that helps protect your new filter system and your home appliances from the damaging effects of sediment (dirt & debris) build up. The sediment in city or well water can clog faucets, damage appliances and even change the taste of your drinking water. The pre-filter system filters down to 20 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair or 5 microns in size. Learn More.
FREE Lemi Shine Rinse
The finishing touch for sparkling dishes and glassware. Final rinse agent for all dishes and glassware Spot-free rinse formula Helps remove spotting and haze on dishes.
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| • Benefits of the Pelican NaturSoft |
Pelican Water - The Leaders in Salt-Free Technology
The Pelican NaturSoft system utilizes a commercial grade media granule, offering you superior performance and unlimited lifespan. Over the years Pelican Natursoft systems have been installed in thousands of residential and commercial applications with some larger commercial systems having used in excess of 250 million gallons without needing replacement. That is performance unmatched on the market today!
The Pelican NaturSoft system is the only maintenance-free system that is completely salt-free and offers an industry leading limited lifetime warranty on tanks and parts.
Other great benefits include:
- Naturally softened water without salt
- Prevents/removes hard water scale from plumbing and appliances
- Allows soaps and detergents to work more effectively
- Sized to prevent pressure loss
- Does not require electricity to operate
- Does not waste water
- Conditioned water without the slippery feel
- Simple installation, system comes ready to install
- Safe for pets, lawns, gardens, pools and spas
Features: |
Salt-Free |
Keeps Beneficial Minerals |
Requires No Electricity |
Zero Wasted Water |
Eliminates Monthly Maintenance |
Eliminates Slimy Feeling |
Yearly Operating Cost ($) |
Requires No RO System |
RO Operating Costs |
Pelican
NaturSoft |
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Other Brands |
No |
No |
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6,200 Gallons/Yr.
Wasted |
Continuously Adding Salt |
No |
$250 - $400 Every Year |
Required ($200-$400) |
$100-$200 Every Year |
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| • Save More, Waste Less with NaturSoft |
 Saving Your Appliances
The most important investment you make in your home are your appliances. Why not protect those investments from the damaging effects of hard water and save money on costly repairs! Repairs can cost you hundreds of dollars every year due to hard water damage. Protecting your appliances will keep them running longer and more efficiently without needless repair costs. To repair your ice maker in the fridge from hard water damage costs $230 for a repairman! A hot water heater, if protected can save you up to $30 a month in water heating by keeping scale buildup off the heating element, making it more efficient. Not protecting your water heater could cost you $300-$1,000 to replace! You also save the yearly plumber visits for clogged shower heads, minor appliance repairs or clogged pipes which will save you up to $500/ year!
The Pelican NaturSoft system is designed to protect your plumbing from the damaging effects of hard water up to 75 grains per gallon of hardness (over 1,200 mg/L). Unlike the Pelican NaturSoft system, other similar systems fall short requiring the media to be replaced every 5 years and have a limited hardness rating of only 25 grains.
That means we have already saved you $876 in normal yearly repairs and maintenance in the first year and prevented a costly $530 - $1,230 repair cost from damaged appliances! Hard Water Map.
Saving Time Cleaning
How much is your time worth? Keeping your house clean takes up a lot of your time and your time is worth something, right? The Pelican NaturSoft prevents the minerals in your water from etching your glass and fixtures and prevents the minerals from sticking to surfaces. The number one expense and time consuming job of cleaning is the removal of hard water scale from toilets, fixtures, shower heads and sinks. One study (Ohio State University) determined that it takes an average of nearly 4 hours per house cleaning hard water scale. When softened water was made available, cleaning time was cut by 40%. Over the course of a year, this would save you more than 10 8-hour work days (80 hours).
We spend up to $45/month in cleaning supplies and harsh chemicals. Let's be conservative and say we save only 20% on cleaning time and supplies. If your time is worth $10/hour (and its probably worth more) we are saving you $42 a month cleaning hard water off your fixtures and in cleaning products! That's 40 hours saved and $504 a year in savings!
Soaps & Savings
Ever wonder why you go through so much soap when doing your laundry? Hard water prevents many soaps from properly creating soap suds and thus requires more soap and soaps containing salts and chemicals to counteract the hard water. These soaps are harsh on your skin and your clothes. The extra soap also costs you money every month, on average we spend $20/month on soaps. With the NaturSoft system installed you can reduce your soap usage and use more natural soaps with less salts and chemicals. NaturSoft reduces soap usage and improves cleaning.
Learn more about NaturSoft technology.
So what's our total savings so far? A huge $1,380 savings in 1 year from simply adding a NaturSoft system to your home. With an unlimited lifespan on the NaturSoft system, you will have paid for your system within the first year and it will pay you every year thereafter.
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| • Accolades |
 Featured in Go Green Home Pelican was asked to be a part of this Green Home, featuring our Pelican Combo Series for their water filtration and softening needs. The Go Green Home is a 4,300 square foot living laboratory of green design, materials and innovation. They are "deconstructing" an existing single-family home -- taking it apart board by board, nail by nail. Usable building products are donated and recycled, diverting material from the landfills. We're studying the sun, the winds and the neighborhood, and they are incorporating everything into the design and build of their new home. Plus they are greening it all -- from solar roof panels to recycled content countertops in the cutting edge cook's kitchen. They will take you with them, step by step, updating frequently with journal entries and photos of their progress. |
| • How NaturSoft Works |
Please watch our other videos to learn more about your water and how you can benefit from installing a Premium Pelican System in your own home. Please watch our videos.
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Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free System - Physical Water Treatment
The NaturSoft media has calcium carbonate crystal structures on its surface that will attract excess dissolved hardness and remove it from solution by integrating it into the crystal structures on the media. This results in the crystals on the media surface to grow larger. The movement of water and friction among the individual media granules rubbing against each other will cause fragments of these newly grown crystal structures to be fragmented off the media and released into the passing water.
Those free flowing calcium carbonate crystals then continue to travel through a plumbing system as suspended particles where they perform the same role as the media in the NaturSoft system itself, i.e. acting as seed crystals further buffering the effects of any changes in the scale potential of the water downstream by absorbing excess mineral into their structure and themselves spawning the creation of additional micro crystals.
Learn about the science behind the NaturSoft Softener by Pelican.
Green Water Softening Technology & Beneficial Minerals
The Pelican NaturSoft system utilizes the most environmentally friendly water softening technology, eliminating the harmful effects of hard water scale without the use of salt or harmful brine discharge into the environment. Pelican's advanced salt free water softening and conditioning technology leaves the beneficial minerals in your water and keeps the pH balanced. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) study on the health risks of drinking chemically softened and/or de-mineralized water, it was concluded that calcium and magnesium are essential minerals for your body.
Read full WHO report.
NaturSoft water is naturally softened water. That means all the calcium and magnesium minerals are left in your water to maintain the waters pH balance. Minerals are a very important element in the water we drink and the foods we eat.
Low dietary calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis. If calcium is not supplied in the diet, it can be withdrawn from the bones. The largest study ever conducted on calcium and kidney stones, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993, and another published in 1997, showed that daily calcium intake above 850 mg was associated with decreased incidence of symptomatic kidney stones. Another benefit of leaving the calcium minerals in your water.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that mitochondria (the tiny power generators in your cells) require to help your body produce energy. Most of us don't get enough magnesium because two common dietary habits leach magnesium from our bodies: too much dairy and too much salt. Thus another benefit of going salt-free in your water conditioning.
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| • Request a Brochure |
Please click here if you would like to receive a brochure and dvd containing information about this product.
Note: For your convenience, the videos on this DVD are also available online. If you would like immediate information on the benefits of installing a premium Pelican System, please watch these videos online.
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| • Recommendations |
If you have Multi-Headed Body Sprayers in your shower you may need a high flow system to accommodate the high volume of water needed to operate the shower system. Since the flow rate on each type of system can vary, please contact sales at 1-877-842-1635 or email us to ensure the proper system is sized for your needs
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Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been reviewed by the FDA. Products offered for sale herein are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. No medical claims are being made or implied. |
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Pelican Customer Reviews: NaturSoft
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Simpler Cleaning
Now in my third week of using the water softener, I am noticing a significant difference in how easy it is to clean the showers and bathroom. I really like the way the water feels when I wash my hands and take showers. so far it is a purchase that I am very happy with.
- Jon Shadowens
Peoria, AZ
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customer service
Steve was very helpful in assisting me in selecting the right system for the house. He not only used the test results, but the well depth, pump size, and soil conditions to formulate the best solution for our needs. Good on ya Steve. The price was right and the system was delivered as promised; on time and no damage.
- Mike Outten
charlotte, nc
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Love It!
We are very happy with our NatureSoft system. We love the fact that we are not adding additional salt into the environment. Our skin and hair look great! And our dishes come out sparkling clean. No more water streaks! In addition, we have discovered that the Pelican Water System company provides great customer service. When it was time to change our filter, we received an email to remind us! When we called Patrick to make sure we were changing the filter correctly, he walked us through it! Thanks Pelican!
- Wendy
Long Beach CA
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Grateful
We are on a well water system and wanted to make sure that the NS3 systerm would work properly based on our water chemistry and system configuration. We contacted customer service and were very satisfied with the service we received. Your representative was professional and answered all of our questions in clearly understood terms. They had us perform additional water testing and concluded that we needed to add a calcite filtering component in order for the softener to have optimal performance. We are grateful for their assistance and would encourage any prospective customer to contact your office for assistance prior to their purchase.
Thank you.
- John P Briggs
Central Point
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IDEAL FILTER
I BOUGHT TWO WATER FILERTS - NATURESOFT, MODEL NS-3 IN 9/2008, AFTER RESEARCHING THE WATER SUPPLY WITH OUR LOCAL WATER COMPANY.
I HAVE IT IN TWO HOUSES. PALM SPRINGS ACQUIFER WATER IS HIGH IN SEVERAL MINERALS THAT MAKE THE WATER "HARD" FOR SHOWERING, AND LEAVE SPOTS ON DISHED AND GLASSES. IN THE YARD, THE SPRINKLERS LEAVE A WHITE RESIDUE ON THE WOOD COMPOSITE FIENCING. I INSTALLED THESE FILTERS AND ALL OF THE PROBLEMS DISAPPEARED. OVER TIME, THE WATER EVEN WASHED THE RESIDUE OFF OF THE FENCING. IN ADDITION TO "SUSPENDING " THE MINERALS, THE FILTERS ALSO TRAP PARTICULATE MATTER, WHICH WAS MORE THAN I HAD REALIZED.
- PHILIP REAVIS
PALM SPRINGS CA
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Excellent Service
On calling in I thought that noone would be able to help me as I purchased the product over a year ago, had no receipt or serial number. Fortunately Patrick investigated and found me with the incorrect name spelling, got me registered and had replacement filters on the way while I was still madly searching through last year's tax documents to find receipts.
Thank you Patrick.
- Rose Littley
ogden, ut
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Kudos to Steve in sales
Steve in sales was very helpful and patient in the processing of this order
- walter idol
dandridge, TN
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DRAMATIC RESULTS
After several discussions with Brandy and I getting the link to my water provider's results to the State(I recently moved to a horrible water county) I came to get this unit.,
I wanted to make sure I was not wasting my money again so did alot of research.
1. 1st test was smokey wine glasses and use of dishwsher that did not do any cleaning. The dishwasher shined, and not a spot nor film on any glasses. I did bite the bullet and buy your suggested 3-1 Mega Capsules.
2. Harsh, heavy ring in the toilet....after just one week of water passing through it has totally diminished it. I can probably do the rest with a pumice stone.
Staying home full time now, you clean more and it was a total waste of time....This product has enhanced my quality of life tremendously,.
Surprisingly, with this County's bad water no plumber up here ha heard of this unit, only water softener (which are useless) Maybe your Marketing Dept. needs to infiltrate Polk County, Tx.
- MARGE CHAIRES
LIVINGSTON, TX
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Very Satisfied
We're very satisfied with our salt free water softener that we purchased last Aug.We had our water retested after 6 weeks and we had gotten great results
- Cresilda M
Milford, NJ
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Water softener
Thank you for the great service,product arrived as scheduled and was in great shape. Water softener seems to be working great as you promised. Thanks
- mike pasztor
helena montana
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product evaluation
I have had the NS6 for nine months. I have noticed that my kitchen faucet does not have a build-up of crust at the base of the faucet. Also, my grout in the shower stall is gradually losing the build-up of calcium and the true color is coming thru again. I am extremely satisfied with this product.
- donald howe
denver,nc
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NaturSoft system
We have owned our NaturSoft system for two and half years and are very pleased with the product. It is a big improvement our previous salt system. Yorba Linda is noted for its very hard water - high calcium content.
- Fred W.
Yorba Linda, CA
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Helpful
Very helpful and well knowledgeable about the product.
- Juyon kim
Bossier city
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After 2 yrs of use...
The equipment has been working without any trouble for about two years. Contacted Cust Services to ask if some maintenance should be done.
1) Quick/effective response.
2) Clear indication of no service needed for the equipment other than to replace the sediment pre-filter every 6-8 month.
Sa, happy there is no need for extra work to keep this water treatment running.
- M Lombard
Katy
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Wonderful Product
I easily installed the water softener following the provided instructions, and it went to work right away cleaning up the calcium in my home's pipes and water heaters. Within days the calcium level dropped noticeably, and within a week, once the scale came off the elements, the water from my hot water heaters actually increased by 5 - 10 degrees. Also noticed that within a week it took less soap and within two weeks the water softener had completed cleaning my plumbing and was working great. Great product at a fair price !!
- Lynn Whittington
Granbury, TX
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Sales order
I just spoke with Frank who was able to answer all my questions and did a greta job. I had been researching the salt free water softeners this week and had narrowed it down to the Natursoft and the Filtersorb SP3. While talking with Frank, I decided to go ahead and purchase the NS3 unit.
- Doug Compton
Glen Carbon, IL
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excellent product
I WAS TOLD ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENERS BY A FRIEND WHO HAD BOUGHT ONE A COUPLE YEARS AGO. COMPLETELY FED UP WITH THE SALT FILTER SYSTEM THAT I HAD PURCHASED AT SEARS, I FINALLY FIGURED TO GIVE THE PELICAN FILTER A TRY. WOW! MY GLASSES NO LONGER LOOK FROSTED, THE TOILETS AND SINKS SEEM TO CLEAN THEMSELVES (NO MORE HARD WATER STAINS AND SCALE). I WAS WITHOUT QUESTION A NONE BELIEVER IN YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE I INSTALLED IT, BUT YOUR FILTER TRULY WORKS...GREAT PRODUCT, HAPPY CUSTOMER.
J.C. BUTLER
- j.c. butler
bristow, va
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No Salt!!
This product softens water without salt and it really works!! The Pelican N-3 came with everything necessary to install - no runs to the hardware store. Manuals are very clear and straight forward.
The customer service is excellent - thank you Frank!
The bottom line - I am extremely happy.
- Randy
Marana, AZ
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Prompt service and friendly customer service
Thank you for the quick service in sending me
my filters...the prompt service and friendly
people that i have talked too is awesome..
I shall recommend this product to anyone who
ask me. Thank you so much Libby Smith
- Elizabeth Smith
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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EASY TO ORDER
FRANK WAS PROFESSIONAL, PROMPT AND INFORMATIVE. EVEN EMAILED ME LIST OF PLUMBERS IN OUR AREA THAT I REQUESTED. ORDER PROCESS TOOK LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. Will recommend to all!
- John Villani1
PFLUGERVILLE,TX
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review
Patrick answered my Q's with Professionalism and courteously.. If Pelican products are as good as the employees.. You will get a lot of recommendations from me to friends and family..
- Gary Prosser
Yuma,az
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NaturSoft
My husband and I were skeptical but wanted to do away with all the heavy bags of salt that he would have to lug downstairs. At first we thought it wasn't working but in a about a month the white scale on all my black appliances such as my coffee pot, water/ice despenser, the white scale is nowhere to be found now and even though you don't get the slick soapy feel when you shower, you know the water is free of lime and scale, plus no lugging those bags around, just change your filter. WE LOVE IT!
- Vivian
Orfordville, WI
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Sortware Development Manager
I love my unit and the lady that just took my order for filters is a definite compliment to your company and product.
- Larry Hilands
Boalsburg, PA
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My pelican system
We live in a community that has very hard water and many minerals in our water supply. My daughter bought one of your filtration systems and is highly satisfied with it. When we wanted to put a filtration and softener system in our house we naturally checked out your systems and purchased both the filtration and softening systems. We are very pleased with both and the service from your company when we need more filters. I would recommend them to others.
- Patricia Leonard
Mahesh , NJ
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It Works So Well!
We installed the natursoft system on our well water system a few years ago. we no longer have calcium buildup on our garden drippers, showerheads, faucets, etc. it works so well that, in our current expansion of our water system to two separate pressure tanks, we are including a second natursoft system, which i just ordered.
When we ordered the first system you told us about LemiShine. we tried it and now use it all the time...not only does it keep glasses from getting cloudy, it clears them up too. amazing stuff.
- Carl Heiles
Martinez, California
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REVIEW
Thanks so much for providing such great service to your customers. Patrick helped me order the correct filter for my unit. Our softener is working well for us. I knew immediately that I needed a filter change by how my skin felt.
Thank you also for advising me that I could call for help anytime!
Your product and service is outstanding.
Brenda Frank
- Brenda Frank
Creedmoor
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system review
This system has performed essentially the same as our salt added system. It sure beats bringing in 4 to 5 40 lb bags of salt per month.
Rick Halloran
- Rick Halloran
livingston montana
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Its Great
We have had the system for over two weeks and so far it's been great. Just a little water spotting on our SS sink. It's great not to add salt and no more backwashing.No more wasting water. We have a well so water is precious
- Richard Colegrove
Lima, NY
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Very Pleased!
I have had my Pelican Water Softener for several months now, and am very pleased. It was amazing to see how much buildup came out of the pipes.
As I am a single older woman, I really appreciate not having to purchase, lift, and carry forty pound bags of salt as I had to do to replenish my old softener. I also referred this product to my contractor who installed it, and his brother also bought one. I would recommend this product to anyone.
- Shirley Dale
Virgina Beach, VA
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Needless to say, we love our Pelican salt free water softener
Needless to say, we love our Pelican water softener. The water is very hard here in Palm Springs, CA and we were faced with the sodium based systems which are expensive to purchase, and expensive to operate. However, that is not the main reason we chose the Pelican. Reading the literature convinced us that we could enjoy the benefits of soft water, without having to face the increase in Sodium in our consumed water. Our new home has been kept pristine using the Pelican, and we just purchased another for a rental property that we recently acquired. Two of my neighbors have followed our lead in this and I expect more in the future. Bravo on an excellent product.
- Charles Irwin
Palm Springs, Ca
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Best Money I Ever Spent
I installed my new no salt softener two months ago and it was the best money I have ever spent. Our clothes feel like they have fabric softener in them but we do not use it. We can make our coffee with tap water instead of buying bottled water. At first our water had a smell to it but after two months the water is perfect.We have no mineral buildup of any kind. The water feels soft when we shower. Thank you for a great product. I will have saved over $800.00 a year in salt and softener rental. Thanks again James and Dee DeYoung.
- James DeYoung
Tucson, Arizona
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Love the product!!!!!!!!!
Purchased the Salt free water softener on 7/23/10. Product arrived on 7/27/10. Install was really easy after I figured out where I wanted to install the unit. My house was a reposed house that we just purchased and was pre-plumbed for a water softener; however I had to remove the existing by-pass valve for the previous water softener which took some time. I went to Home Depot and bought the "Tiger Shark" connectors for connecting the copper tubing to the Pelican softener, I think even with measuring and cutting the copper pipe only took me about an hour and ten minutes or so to install the unit. This unit is pretty simple to install, instructions were straight forward and simple to follow. The softener has been working great, and even just after a week or so we can already feel the difference in showers and baths, water comes out of the tap clear as a bell and taste great, Indiana water is pretty hard. I think mine measured around 18 GPG. I plan on within the next week, to drain the water heater as suggested to help prevent the few spots still on some of the glasses from the dish washer, nothing major though. It is 10 times better after install than what it was before I installed the Pelican Softener.
Best of all we love the "NO-SALT" concept.
Love the product !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Gary D.
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Natursoft
I had a NaturSoft NS-3 installed last November to replace an existing salt-based exchanged tank softener from one of the major soft water companies. We had used this service for over 30 years but grew tired of poor customer service, wet garage floor on tank exchange day and knowledge that all that sodium was not good for anything nor our health. I am amazed at the taste, feel and lack of waterspots on shower doors etc. with the Pelican system. I heartily recommend the Natursoft system to anyone experiencing the kind of hard water we have in the Southwest.
- Don Lee
Encinitas, California
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A++++++++
I have no complaints for this system. Its great that you have no salt. Nothing to maintain. Works wounders. I had no pressure drop. People need to understand that there will still be water spots, But how this system works is it keeps the spots from glueing/sticking to surface. So they just wipe away, with nothing left behind. Top it off, all my old spots are washing away. A+++++
- Marco Noia
California
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SO THANKFUL!!
I live in the mountains of Colorado. My well is 500 ft. deep in solid lava (there was a huge volcano here). The water is wonderful tasting--almost sweet--but full of all kinds of minerals, which I noticed were building up on my plumbing fixtures, drains, and humidifier. I had an electric tankless hotwater heater installed last year ($10/mo electricity versus $75/mo propane heated tank), and it required that I get a filter or the 10-year guarantee on it would be voided. I certainly did not want to strip this water of all minerals, just the ones making the build-up. After researching on-line, I decided on the Pelican NS-3. I am SO THANKFUL that I did! It requires no maintenance other than a filter replacement about twice a year. My neighbors went with a salt-type softener and they are constantly buying bags of salt and the husband has to lift them (my dog and I aren't strong enough). My plants are doing great and so am I - no worries about additional salt in the water with my high blood pressure. The water still tastes great, but the built-up mineral rings in the toilets, the humidifier, and the fixtures are gone! About the 3rd week after the filter was installed, I noticed chunks of white minerals coming out of the faucets. Less soap is required in the washer and diswasher. I have a photo of my set up if you'd like to see it. The plumber who installed it (my dog and I didn't try), checked back several times as to how it was working for me, and he's now recommending electric tankless hotwater heaters and your filter to others. Thank you for a great product!!
- Carol Todd
Guffey, Colorado
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We love it!!
We installed our Nature Soft system ealier this week. We love it! I am so glad we went with your system rather than a salt-type. The water is great without the slimey feel. The plumber who installed it was complimentary about the quality of materials and design. Thanks
- Steve Lindquist
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Feels Great
Hello and I just want to Thank You for all your answers to my questions and very fast shipping. I got my Water Softener last week(the NS-6) and just finished installing it this weekend. The water now feels great (just like an expensive hotel) when I shower. Plus, the NS-6 was extremely easy to install.
- Jonathan Danon
Rockaway, New Jersey
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Pleased with the results
One year ago I purchased a Pelican Water Softener and have been very pleased with the results! For years my wife and I had been using a salt type water softener and found it to be a nuisance to constantly have to buy heavy bags of salt andf lift and load them into the softener tank. I'm a senior citizen and have difficulty handling anything over 20 lbs. From time to time we'd get a "salt bridge" in the tank which resulted in partially softened water. Also we found that during a shower, while we could get ample suds to wash, it was difficult to rinse these suds off without experiencing a "slimy" feeling on the skin. Also our drinking water tastes better now. A few days after the purchase I received the well packaged components by UPS and installed the system in the garage. I've included several photos showing the location on the wall near the incoming water supply. I chose to use copper tubing and sweat fittings. The prefilters are very easy to change and I do this every three months. In conclusion, we are quite pleased with the decision we made and have recommended it to our friends and family.
- Tony
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Build-up Completely Gone...
We purchased a Pelican Natursoft NS-3 Salt Free Softener in Feb 2009 and within a week, the calcium carbonate buildup on our dishwasher heating element was completely gone. The water is softer, but not too soft. We live in Kokomo, IN where the city-supplied water hardness is about 20. - Lee
- Lee Boger
Kokomo, Indiana
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It works so well.....
This unit works exactly as advertised. Beware once you install it takes several weeks, in my case 2 months, to fully purge the scale and calcium deposites out. It works so well it released 2 years of calcium build up in all my copper pipes including my expensive tankless water heater.
My stainless steel dishwasher was once covered with a milky thick calcium deposit. It took several months over time to self clean the walls. It continues to get cleaner all on its own. I reccomend however a post hot water filter to catch all this calcium debri being released, it is a lot and sometimes a detriment to water fixtures with integral filters. They will clog up during the first several weeks. After that its clean. Remmember it does not remove calcium it just keeps it in suspension preventing buildup over time.
Great product because of what I just said plus there are no consumables or electricity used. I recommend this to anyone who likes the hard water feel and a software effect on pipes.
- A Kelcher
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System Is Unbelievable
It has been almost three months since we had this system installed in our 3-yr old house. This system is unbelievable...maintenance-free, environmentally friendly, no more scale build-up anywhere, cleaner and softer clothes, more managable hair per my wife's and daughters' observations, and most of all, your customer service is top-of-the-shelf A1! - Andrie P.
- Andrie P
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BUY IT! !
We have been using our Pelican water softener for about a month.The softener made a huge difference in our water quality.We had moderately hard water 120ppm. As they state in their advertising, we saw an immediate difference in our water.No more spots on our dishes, no spots in shower, no spots on car after washing. This product really works and is worth the money. Easy to install. BUY IT!!
- Garrett L.
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Best thing I have purchased for my house...
this was the best thing i have purchased for my house.i should have done this sooner.
- Art D.
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Pelican Salt-Free Water Softener
One year ago I purchased a Pelican Water Softener and have been very pleased with the results! For years my wife and I had been using a salt type water softener and found it to be a nuisance to constantly have to buy heavy bags of salt andf lift and load them into the softener tank. I'm a senior citizen and have difficulty handling anything over 20 lbs. From time to time we'd get a "salt bridge" in the tank which resulted in partially softened water. Also we found that during a shower, while we could get ample suds to wash, it was difficult to rinse these suds off without experiencing a "slimy" feeling on the skin. Also our drinking water tastes better now. A few days after the purchase I received the well packaged components by UPS and installed the system in the garage. I've included several photos showing the location on the wall near the incoming water supply. I chose to use copper tubing and sweat fittings. The prefilters are very easy to change and I do this every three months. In conclusion, we are quite pleased with the decision we made and have recommended it to our friends and family.
- Charles Mortensen
Safety Harbor, Florida
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Impressed!!!
Over the last 15 years I have bought 3 salt based water softners. At 3-5 years they become pretty much non-functioning for different reason. The last one I had unplugged and bypassed for 2-years. I just gave up on it. I research the Peilican NaturSoft and even though it cost more the thought of not dealing with salt and the wasted water used by salt based systems made this system pretty much cost effective. I bought it, installed it myself, and then looked to see if I noticed a difference.
I have been impressed how effective the system has been. Noticed the difference right away. Now I have soft water, waste no water for recharging, and use no power. I do not fully understand nanotechnology but I know it works. I highly recommend this trouble free system and recommend it to friends.
- Keith Jones
Fruit Cove, FL
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Thanks for your assistance
Earlier today I spoke with Richie, in your customer service department. I was looking to order more o-rings for my NS-3 water softener, installed in March of 2008.
My problem was that when I went to change the pre-filter, the o-ring in the pre-filter housing seemed to have stretched, and did not fit in the groove as it should - it seemed to be about a half inch too large in circumference. Richie was patient and suggested putting the old o-ring in the refrigerator to see if it would shrink enough to fit, until the o-rings I ordered arrived. I put the o-ring in the freezer for about 10 minutes and it WORKED!!! It did shrink enough to just fit into the groove of the pre-filter housine. Thank goodness, for I had to shut off the water line that supplies my house, and without the pre-filter installed, no house water! Richie even went the extra mile, called me back and told me he has gotten permission to overnight express the o-rings I purchased. I am grateful.
On another note, last week I was leaving my local HomeDepot, and saw an older gentleman pushing a cart with 8 40-pounds bags of salt stacked on it. I truly felt for him, since that was me less than 2 years ago (before my double knee replacements). I spoke with him, a Mr. Margent, and asked if he knew about the NaturSoft softening system that didn't use salt, rather used nano-technology. He never heard of it and was very interested, since he had back surgery and had trouble carrying the bags of salt. I got his email address and sent him your website, as well as another that compares pros & cons of different ways to soften water of which your system is highly rated. I also gave him the distributor for this area, D&J Construction out of Woodbridge in case he wanted to investigate further.
In economic times like these, companies like yours, who have employees like Richie that care about their customers, make a big difference to people like me who are much more particular about how they spend their money. Your product is so cost-effective that people have to be nuts not to replace their salt based water softeners with the NaturSoft system. I really wish your company did more publicizing, so folks are aware of an alternative to the traditional salt-based water softening systems.
- Jan P
Union, NJ
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Immense Improvement.....Very Satisfied...
Received the system in two days and two days later I had it installed. Installation was very easy and the directions easy to follow. All I had to buy was a couple of fittings and a 10' section of PVC pipe which was less than $10.00. We have noticed an immense improvement and are very satisfied with our, "virtually maintenance free system". Once again Thanks!
- John D.
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Love the salt free softener
Received the system in two days and two days later I had it installed. Installation was very easy and the directions easy to follow. All I had to buy was a couple of fittings and a 10' section of PVC pipe which was less than $10.00. We have noticed an immense improvement and are very satisfied with our, "virtually maintenance free system". Once again Thanks!
- David & Connie Ader
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Video Page
We invite you to watch the videos below to learn more about your water and how you can benefit from installing a Premium Pelican System in your own home. Pelican Water is the leader in premium whole house water filtration and salt-free systems. In this day and age it now more important than ever to filter your water, protect your pipes and appliances from the negative effects of hard water. |
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| Is your water Safe? |
Learn about the problems we are facing today with our limited drinking water supply. Also learn about the Pelican solution for your family. Learn how chlorine and chloramines are absorbed through your skin and into your foods, including how to remove them from your water. Water is one of our most valuable resources and its time to start treating that way.
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| Salt Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis |
Learn about the affects of salt-based water softeners and how they work. Also learn about Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and how they work. Many people who have a salt or potassium-based water softener do not realize the damaging effects it can have on our planet and our bodies over a period of time.
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| Safeguarding your water |
Learn about the benefits and advantages of owning the Pelican Combo Series. The EPA says it is up to you to filter your water in your home. Adding a filter to your home is the first line of defense against harmful chemicals and byproducts. The Pelican Natursoft system offers a green alternative to water softening that will protect your biggest investment: your home, from scale and the damaging effects of hard water.
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About the Water Quality Association (WQA)
The Water Quality Association (WQA) is a not-for-profit international trade association representing the residential, commercial, industrial, and small community water treatment industry. WQA maintains a close dialogue with other organizations representing different aspects of the water industry in order to best serve consumers, government officials, and industry members. WQA is a resource and information source, a voice for the industry, an educator for professionals, a laboratory for product testing, and a communicator to the public.
About the WQA Gold Seal Certification Program
The Water Quality Association's Gold Seal Certification Program is dedicated to providing public health and safety services throughout the USA and globally, while maintaining expert service, superior reputation, and fair pricing. The Gold Seal Program offers certification of all products and chemicals that contact drinking water.
About the DVGW
The DVGW is an organization that establishes standards and test protocols. It also approves or certifies laboratories to then conduct testing according to those standards and protocols. The same can be said for NSF in the US.
The DVGW is located in Bonn, Germany. It has its own laboratory by the name of TZW located in Karlruhe, Germany. Beyond that, the DVGW has certified some twenty plus privately owned laboratories throughout central Europe who are authorized to conduct certification testing. The same holds true for NSF. It has its own laboratory and those certified by NSF like WQA, UL and Pace Laboratories to name a few.
The DVGW also issues test marks or certifications (i.e. the WQA equivalent of a "Gold Seal") like the "W510" standard. Their internal code for the W510 certification is "9191 - Kalkschutzanlage" (scale protection device). In order to obtain the W510 certification seal or certification mark, the applicant has to pass a total of three test protocols: Efficacy (W512), material safety and structural integrity. We have fulfilled the W512 requirements and have also fulfilled the material safety and structural integrity requirements with our WQA certification.
Relating it to the US equivalent, for example a NSF 42 certification for a carbon filter has three components to it: 1) Structural Integrity NSF/ANSI 42-2007a, 2) Material Safety NSF/ANSI 61-2007a Toxicological Extraction, and 3) NSF/ANSI 42-2007a Aesthetic Effects.
About the DVGW W 512 Standard
The DVGW W 512 standard is the most stringent of its type in the world. In order to be subjected to the most rigorous test standard possible, sparing no expense, we have commissioned to have our equipment performance not tested in the US , but tested by a DVGW certified laboratory in the home country of the standard itself, Germany. The test aims to simulate real life conditions over an exceptionally long period of time using some extremely challenging natural well water.
| • Third Party Certification and What it means |
True in both Europe and the US, a certification is a pass/fail proposition. The certification states that the applicant has passed and fulfilled the requirements of the standard. Individual test results are not published in either jurisdiction. Our test certificate (Pruefzeugnis) states that the Pelican NaturSoft System has been tested and fulfilled the requirements of the W512.Furthermore, it also states that the W512 in a certificate of efficacy only and is not a certification seal or mark issued by the DVGW (i.e. it makes the distinction between a certificate and a certification): "This proof of effectiveness alone as documented with this test certificate is not sufficient to obtain a DVGW Test Mark".
That is standard verbiage that is required to appear on any W512 certificate.In summary, Pelican NaturSoft Systems hold a WQA Certification to NSF 61 for material safety and 42 for structural integrity as well as a certificate of efficacy based on the DVGW W512 protocol since there currently is no corresponding US standard.
Note: Just 1/4" of scale build-up can increase heating costs by 40% or more. Observe the scale build up on the untreated side after only 3 days of operation.
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| • Superior Performance Results |
Pelican Water Systems proudly introduces NaturSoft media the next generation in hardness control. Years in development and tested in the U.S. under harsh real life conditions the NaturSoft media exceeded all expectations and delivered amazing results. NaturSoft media is produced exclusively in the United States by Pelican Water Systems.
The new era of technology has made many advances in water treatment possible in residential as well as commercial applications. NaturSoft has proven to be very effective in both applications even at high temperatures and hardness levels. The NaturSoft System represents the superior alternative with respect to dealing with the symptoms of water hardness without resorting to ion exchange (salt or potassium) based systems. The commercial grade media is now available for residential consumers. What you will read in this story is an example of commercial water treatment using NaturSoft media. This represents an extreme case far beyond any residential demand or application. The boiler/heat exchanger is just a larger version of a residential hot water heater. |
| • Boiler System |
This stainless steel heat exchanger is part of a boiler system in an industrial application. The energy source for the heat exchanger is a steam generator whose steam heats the interior of the stainless steel tubing of the heat exchanger to 338 Fahrenheit resulting in an exterior surface temperature of 266 degrees Fahrenheit. The source water has a temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. It travels through the heat exchanger pipe and is heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds. The heated water then is supplied to a 13,000 gallon hot water storage tank that in turn supplies all the hot water requirements for the entire factory. |
| • The History |
The boiler system was newly installed in August of 2002 with raw water treatment consisting of traditional water softeners (Duplex Fleck 2900 24.X72.). The system was operated in this configuration for the first 18 months.
Numerous Softener failures / service problems combined with the substantial operating cost (salt usage approaching $45,000 worth per annum) and industrial discharge issues caused the owner to look for alternatives.
The first attempt was to try and get by without pre-treating the raw water at all; this proved to be disastrous. After only two and a half months the heat exchanger had scaled up to the point where the hot water supply to the plant had been reduced to a trickle. Pulling the heat exchanger for inspection and cleaning proved to be no easy task. The unit had scaled up so completely that it required the use of chains attached to hydraulic presses to force the coil out of its housing. The scale so completely surrounded the core that it visibly consisted of a big lump of limestone in the cylindrical shape of the heat exchanger housing rather than looking at the stainless steel core. It took two days of careful cleaning with phosphoric acid to restore the heat exchanger to a normal operating condition.
Finally in the spring of 2004, a system using the NaturSoft media was installed (Single tank, in/out in up flow operation. Ever since then, this boiler system has been in continuous service protected by no other water treatment but NaturSoft. Hot water usage in the plant averages 80,000 gallons per day, 6 days a week, and 50 weeks per year. The water treated has a calcium hardness of 446 ppm (26 grains per gallon) and small traces amounts of iron. For the entire service life to date, there have been no variations or drop in the performance / efficiency of the boiler system.
At the time of these photographs, the boiler had already heated in excess of 80 million gallons of water in its service life. More importantly, the photographs show the heat exchanger after one year of uninterrupted service having heated in excess of 24 million gallons of water since the last annual inspection! This spring (2007) the annual inspections of the boiler were suspended indefinitely. Since the previous two inspections had not yielded any need for cleaning and the system was operating within specifications the owner chose not to bother going forward.
No service problem or failure resulting in down time for the plant, no capacity constraints and zero operating costs. |
| •The photographs |
The pictures show the heat exchanger with the insulation removed and the core / heating coil freshly pulled. As one can plainly see, there are absolutely no scale deposits on the element or the heat exchanger pipe. On the bottom of the pipe's interior, there is a small amount of a silt-like deposit of the calcium carbonate crystals produced by the NaturSoft media. The stainless steel surfaces of the heating coil have a slightly dull look which is due to a few micro micron thick haze of 'soft scale' during the process. This deposit is easily wiped off with a cloth or flushed away with a pressure washer . without the need for chemicals of any kind. It is the only evidence of hardness minerals that could be found after one full year of operation.
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Hot water pipe (left)/ heat exchanger core and stainless steel guide to control internal flow (right)
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Heat exchanger and core (left) / Heat exchange core (right)
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Heat exchange core (left) / inside of the heat exchanger housing (right) |
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| Q. What is the blue housing installed before the system for? |
Every system Pelican offers comes with a 10" 5 micron sediment filter system. This sediment filter is used to keep sand and sediment away from your system and your home. You will change the filter every 6-9 months, depending on sediment levels. The pre-filter will let you know its time to change it when you notice a slight drop in water pressure meaning the filter is full. Learn More.
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| Q. Does the NaturSoft filter out chlorine and chemicals from my water? |
No, the Pelican NaturSoft is a water softener/conditioning system. Its sole purpose is to deal with the hardness in your water and not the contaminants. If you are interested in filtering chlorine and other chemicals from your water, you may want to consider the Pelican Whole House Water Filter and Softening Combo.
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| Q. What makes NaturSoft different from similar technologies? |
Unlike other systems on the market, the NaturSoft systems requires only 3 seconds of contact with the water, while the others require 9 seconds or more. The Pelican NaturSoft is unlike any other system on the market. The NaturSoft is made in the USA and is sold only by Pelican Water Systems.
Another benefit of going with Pelican is the lifespan of the NaturSoft catalytic granules. NaturSoft catalytic granules have been rigorously tested in the real world, used in the commercial industry, and made to be non-sacrificial, therefore it requires no "rest time", and requires no replacement. Other similar technologies require replacement every 3-5 years at costs of $600-$1,000 and require you not use their systems for 8 hours a day for proper rest!
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| Q. Why does the NaturSoft handle 75 grains while others only handle 25 grains of hardness? |
The NaturSoft's catalytic granular surface is 100% active and grows seed crystals on the entire surface. Other similar technologies only have "growth sites" that are active, leaving more than 70% of the surface inactive.
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| Q. How long do the NaturSoft Systems last? |
The NaturSoft Systems use a non sacrificial media that has the potential to last forever as long as the media is not introduced to oils or hydrogen sulfide (sulfur).
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| Q. If the water hardness is tested after the system is installed will the hardness level be different? |
If the water is tested after the NaturSoft System is installed the hardness level will remain the same or even test slightly harder due to the existing scale being removed from the plumbing.
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| Q. Do the NaturSoft Systems have any negative effects on the human body? |
No, if your water supply is safe before it enters the NaturSoft System it will be safe after the system. NaturSoft Systems do not add any chemicals to the water therefore there is no harmful effect. NaturSoft Systems leave in the beneficial minerals that are healthy for the human body.
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| Q. Why do the NaturSoft Systems not require backwashing? |
NaturSoft Systems operate in an up-flow rather than the traditional down-flow. The NaturSoft media works as catalyst only, not as a filtration media therefore there is no accumulation of anything in the media tank and no need for backwashing.
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| Q. What is included with the purchase of your new NaturSoft System? |
 NaturSoft Systems are preloaded and ready to install.- Installation instructions
- 10" pre-filter housing with a polyspun 5-micron filter and wrench
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| Q. How will the NaturSoft System be shipped? |
The NaturSoft Systems are shipped via UPS Ground in the highest quality doubled walled box with side cushions and a custom top piece. No expense has been spared to ensure your system arrives in factory fresh condition.
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| • Specs and Product Information |
NS3 |
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Tank Width: |
9" |
Max Flow Rate: |
10 GPM |
Connection Size: |
1" |
Operating Pressure: |
25-80 PSI |
Operating Temperatures: |
36-120 F |
pH Range: |
7-11 |
Hardness range: |
up to 75 GPG
(1,282 mg/L or ppm) |
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NS6 |
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Tank Width: |
11" |
Max Flow Rate: |
15 GPM |
Connection Size: |
1" |
Operating Pressure: |
25-80 PSI |
Operating Temperatures: |
36-120 F |
pH Range: |
7-11 |
Hardness range: |
up to 75 GPG
(1,282 mg/L or ppm) |
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| • System Includes |
- Sediment pre-filter system with mounting hardware
- Pelican NaturSoft system preloaded ready to install
- Bypass valve and fittings (1”)
- Installation guide
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| • Manufacturer's Warranty Information |
Pelican Limited Lifetime Warranty on all filter housings, tanks, in/out heads, and the bypass valves against manufacturer's defects.
Pelican Water (“Pelican”) warrants to the end user (“customer”) that its tanks, valves, in/out heads, bypass’s, fittings and housings (“Covered Items”) will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for the life of the system. No warranty is made with respect to defects or damaged due to neglect, misuse, alterations, accident, misapplication, physical damage, or damaged caused by fire, acts of God, or freezing.
Private Well Water Conditions (water supplied from homeowner's private well): The water treated should be free of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur gas / rotten egg smell), oils or high levels of copper (>1.30 mg/L). Any will coat the surface of the media and will interfere reducing its efficiency. If any iron or manganese is present in the source water, the media will cause it to be oxidized. If any of these issues exist, you should employ pre-treatment prior to using this technology. Please contact customer service at 1-877-842-1635 for your pre-treatment needs.
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| Santa Clarita Automatic Water Softener Ban Declared a Success |
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Santa Clarita Automatic Water Softener Ban Declared a Success
IEUA to Consider Water Softener Discharge Ordinance
May 19, 2010
Inland Empire - Today, in a presentation before the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County declared that the automatic water softener ban and removal program implemented in the area of Santa Clarita over the past two years was clearly successful.
The Santa Clarita automatic water softener ban was approved by a public vote in 2008 to help reduce the amount of salt discharged to the Santa Clarity Valley Water Treatment System and released into the Santa Clara River. With the implementation of the automatic water softener ban and removal program, the chloride discharged by existing water softeners was reduced significantly. This represented a potential savings of more than $110 million to the residents of Santa Clarita in comparison to installing expensive salt removal technologies at the sewage treatment plants.
"This is very helpful information and we appreciate learning how well the water softener ban worked as IEUA and our cities consider how to deal with the salt impacts to water supplies caused by the home use of automatic water softeners in our service area," said IEUA Board President Terry Catlin. "IEUA currently offers a rebate program to homeowners who want to remove their automatic water softeners. Homeowners can receive up to $2,000 for qualifying water softeners, and the removal service by a professional plumber is free. For more information on how you can take advantage of the rebate, visit www.ieua.org." continued Catlin.
"Most people don't know that automatic water softeners - the type homeowners have to buy bags of salt for - pose a major threat to our water supplies because of the huge amounts of salt they discharge into the sewage treatment system" said IEUA Board Member John L. Anderson. "It's a big water quality problem especially for places like the Chino Basin where we depend upon our groundwater and recycled water supplies to meet our water needs," said Anderson.
"Just one of these home systems will use an average of 30 pounds of salt per month - that's over 360 pounds of salt per year!" declared IEUA Secretary/Treasurer Michael Camacho. "When you multiply that much salt by thousands of households with automatic water softeners, we have a big pollution problem, especially here in the Chino Basin where 70% of our water supplies come from local sources," continued Camacho.
Because of the need to protect local water supplies, every major source of salt within the Chino Basin is currently regulated with the exception of the discharge from home use of automatic water softeners. Last fall, Assembly Bill 1366 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger to provide cities and water agencies authority to regulate discharge from home water softeners in areas where the regional water quality board has determined that there is a particular salinity problem. IEUA is considering the development of an ordinance that will encourage the use of alternative water systems that do not pollute and ban those that do.
"We have been working to reduce salts and protect our water supplies in the Chino Basin for decades," said IEUA Board Member Gene Koopman. "Our cities and water agencies have invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the past ten years to protect the quality of our water. If the water becomes too salty, it is tremendously expensive to remove enough salt to make it useable - it would be 10 to 20 times more than the five bucks per bag of water softening salt that a homeowner may be paying today. That's why we are considering all options for reducing the salty discharge that comes from automatic water softeners," said Koopman.
"We've already removed over 200 water softeners through the rebate program - that's keeping 72,000 pounds of salt per year, equivalent to 1,800 bags of salt out of the water supply," said IEUA Vice President Angel Santiago. "Homeowners can install alternative systems that don't discharge the salt, including the softeners that use the off-site regenerated exchange cylinders that can be traded out as needed; and the salt disposed of without harming our water supply," continued Director Santiago.
"Successful automatic water softener control programs , like the ones being implemented in Santa Clarity, are really important to the long term protection of our water supplies," declared President Catlin. "We're doing our homework to develop a program that will deliver equal success for the protection of our water supplies."
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a municipal water district located in western San Bernardino County, California. The Agency's mission is to supply imported drinking water and recycled water, to collect and treat wastewater, and provide other utility-related services to the 850,000 residents living within its service area.
For more information contact Sondra Elrod at (909) 993-1747 or visit IEUA's website at www.ieua.org.
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| Drinking water violations examined by NY Times |
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NEW YORK .Regulatory and water system data analyzed by The New York Times show that more than 49 million people in the US have consumed polluted drinking water since 2004, according to a report in the December 8 print edition of The New York Times.
Pollutants of concern included concentrations of chemicals like arsenic or radioactive substances like uranium, as well as bacteria often found in sewage, the report said.
Analyzing data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulators and water systems, the New York Times reported: .More than 20 percent of the nation.s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data..
Fewer than 6 percent of the water systems that broke the law were ever fined or punished by state or federal officials. According to the article, which quoted current and former EPA enforcement officials who wished to remain anonymous, federal regulators were informed of violations, but in many cases, unless the violations would make sensational news stories or target big money, pursuing the violations were overlooked.
EPA spokeswoman Adora Andy, in response to questions regarding the agency.s drinking water enforcement, told the New York Times: .This administration has made it clear that clean water is a top priority. The previous eight years provide a perfect example of what happens when political leadership fails to act to protect our health and the environment..
The article also noted that drinking water contaminants .are linked to millions of instances of illness within the United States each year..
In response to the article, Water Quality Association (WQA) Executive Director Peter J. Censky said in a December 8 association statement, .Filtering systems in the home provide the highest technology available to treat drinking water. Home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify water for drinking.. WQA is urging the public to consider installing home treatment systems.
- Tuesday, December 08, 2009 http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=73069
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| That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy |
This Los Angeles reservoir contained chemicals that sunlight converted to compounds associated with cancer. The city used plastic balls to block the sun, but nearby homeowners asked why, if the water didn't violate the law. The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose what scientists say are serious health risks . and still be legal.
Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Government and independent scientists have scrutinized thousands of those chemicals in recent decades, and identified hundreds associated with a risk of cancer and other diseases at small concentrations in drinking water, according to an analysis of government records by The New York Times.
But not one chemical has been added to the list of those regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 2000.
Other recent studies have found that even some chemicals regulated by that law pose risks at much smaller concentrations than previously known. However, many of the act.s standards for those chemicals have not been updated since the 1980s, and some remain essentially unchanged since the law was passed in 1974.
All told, more than 62 million Americans have been exposed since 2004 to drinking water that did not meet at least one commonly used government health guideline intended to help protect people from cancer or serious disease, according to an analysis by The Times of more than 19 million drinking-water test results from the District of Columbia and the 45 states that made data available.
In some cases, people have been exposed for years to water that did not meet those guidelines.
But because such guidelines were never incorporated into the Safe Drinking Water Act, the vast majority of that water never violated the law.
Some officials overseeing local water systems have tried to go above and beyond what is legally required. But they have encountered resistance, sometimes from the very residents they are trying to protect, who say that if their water is legal it must be safe.
Dr. Pankaj Parekh, director of the water quality division for the City of Los Angeles, has faced such criticism. The water in some city reservoirs has contained contaminants that become likely cancer-causing compounds when exposed to sunlight.
To stop the carcinogens from forming, the city covered the surface of reservoirs, including one in the upscale neighborhood of Silver Lake, with a blanket of black plastic balls that blocked the sun.
Then complaints started from owners of expensive houses around the reservoir. .They supposedly discovered these chemicals, and then they ruined the reservoir by putting black pimples all over it,. said Laurie Pepper, whose home overlooks the manmade lake. .If the water is so dangerous, why can.t they tell us what laws it.s violated?.
Dr. Parekh has struggled to make his case. .People don.t understand that just because water is technically legal, it can still present health risks,. he said. .And so we encounter opposition that can become very personal..
Some federal regulators have tried to help officials like Dr. Parekh by pushing to tighten drinking water standards for chemicals like industrial solvents, as well as a rocket fuel additive that has polluted drinking water sources in Southern California and elsewhere. But those efforts have often been blocked by industry lobbying.
Drinking water that does not meet a federal health guideline will not necessarily make someone ill. Many contaminants are hazardous only if consumed for years. And some researchers argue that even toxic chemicals, when consumed at extremely low doses over long periods, pose few risks. Others argue that the cost of removing minute concentrations of chemicals from drinking water does not equal the benefits.
Moreover, many of the thousands of chemicals that have not been analyzed may be harmless. And researchers caution that such science is complicated, often based on extrapolations from animal studies, and sometimes hard to apply nationwide, particularly given that more than 57,400 water systems in this country each deliver, essentially, a different glass of water every day.
Government scientists now generally agree, however, that many chemicals commonly found in drinking water pose serious risks at low concentrations.
- New York Times 12/17/2009 - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/us/17water.html
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| Millions in U.S. Drink Dirty Water, Records Show |
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More than 20 percent of the nation.s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data.
That law requires communities to deliver safe tap water to local residents. But since 2004, the water provided to more than 49 million people has contained illegal concentrations of chemicals like arsenic or radioactive substances like uranium, as well as dangerous bacteria often found in sewage.
Regulators were informed of each of those violations as they occurred. But regulatory records show that fewer than 6 percent of the water systems that broke the law were ever fined or punished by state or federal officials, including those at the Environmental Protection Agency, which has ultimate responsibility for enforcing standards.
Studies indicate that drinking water contaminants are linked to millions of instances of illness within the United States each year.
In some instances, drinking water violations were one-time events, and probably posed little risk. But for hundreds of other systems, illegal contamination persisted for years, records show.
On Tuesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee will question a high-ranking E.P.A. official about the agency.s enforcement of drinking-water safety laws. The E.P.A. is expected to announce a new policy for how it polices the nation.s 54,700 water systems.
.This administration has made it clear that clean water is a top priority,. said an E.P.A. spokeswoman, Adora Andy, in response to questions regarding the agency.s drinking water enforcement. The E.P.A. administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, this year announced a wide-ranging overhaul of enforcement of the Clean Water Act, which regulates pollution into waterways.
.The previous eight years provide a perfect example of what happens when political leadership fails to act to protect our health and the environment,. Ms. Andy added.
Water pollution has become a growing concern for some lawmakers as government oversight of polluters has waned. Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California, in 2007 asked the E.P.A. for data on Americans. exposure to some contaminants in drinking water.
The New York Times has compiled and analyzed millions of records from water systems and regulators around the nation, as part of a series of articles about worsening pollution in American waters, and regulators. response.
An analysis of E.P.A. data shows that Safe Drinking Water Act violations have occurred in parts of every state. In the prosperous town of Ramsey, N.J., for instance, drinking water tests since 2004 have detected illegal concentrations of arsenic, a carcinogen, and the dry cleaning solvent tetrachloroethylene, which has also been linked to cancer.
In New York state, 205 water systems have broken the law by delivering tap water that contained illegal amounts of bacteria since 2004.
However, almost none of those systems were ever punished. Ramsey was not fined for its water violations, for example, though a Ramsey official said that filtration systems have been installed since then. In New York, only three water systems were penalized for bacteria violations, according to federal data.
The problem, say current and former government officials, is that enforcing the Safe Drinking Water Act has not been a federal priority.
.There is significant reluctance within the E.P.A. and Justice Department to bring actions against municipalities, because there.s a view that they are often cash-strapped, and fines would ultimately be paid by local taxpayers,. said David Uhlmann, who headed the environmental crimes division at the Justice Department until 2007.
.But some systems won.t come into compliance unless they are forced to,. added Mr. Uhlmann, who now teaches at the University of Michigan law school. .And sometimes a court order is the only way to get local governments to spend what is needed..
A half-dozen current and former E.P.A. officials said in interviews that they tried to prod the agency to enforce the drinking-water law, but found little support.
.I proposed drinking water cases, but they got shut down so fast that I.ve pretty much stopped even looking at the violations,. said one longtime E.P.A. enforcement official who, like others, requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. .The top people want big headlines and million-dollar settlements. That.s not drinking-water cases..
The majority of drinking water violations since 2004 have occurred at water systems serving fewer than 20,000 residents, where resources and managerial expertise are often in short supply.
It is unclear precisely how many American illnesses are linked to contaminated drinking water. Many of the most dangerous contaminants regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act have been tied to diseases like cancer that can take years to develop.
By Charles Duhigg, Dec 7th, 2009 New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/business/energy-environment/08water.html
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