Best Buy Award for Culligan HE Systems

Culligan's High Efficiency Softener Series Earns a Consumers Digest Best Buy; Reduces Water, Salt and Energy Use

CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Consumers who want better water for their homes, and an efficient system to provide it, can turn to Culligan's High Efficiency (HE) Softener series for residential use. The Culligan HE series was named a Consumers Digest Best Buy and is featured in the July/August print issue as well as online. The Consumers Digest July/August 2012 issue rated the Best Buys in Water Softeners based on capacity, quality of construction, salt usage and warranty.

The Culligan HE Softener series uses patented Culligan Aqua-Sensor® technology. The Aqua-Sensor automatically adjusts to changes in water conditions, reducing salt usage by intelligently planning when to regenerate. Most other water softeners use a constant amount of salt during regeneration; not only consuming more, but sending more salt down the drain. In fact, the patented technologies of the Culligan HE Softener series optimize salt, water and electricity consumption by up to 46 percent over traditional softeners (1).

Convenience and ease-of-use are additional benefits of the Culligan HE series. An optional wireless remote control displays the status of daily water usage, softener performance and the number of days of salt remaining. A homeowner can monitor and control the unit's water consumption to keep water bills down and be alerted when salt needs to be changed. The remote also lets users adjust the system setting from anywhere in their home instead of having to enter the basement where the system would typically be installed. Additionally, consumers can opt to add a feature to have the softener automatically contact their local Culligan Dealer when salt needs to be changed or repairs to the system are needed.

The Culligan HE Softener series also has multiple controls which allow it to be customized to meet the specific needs of a homeowner. For example, Culligan's unique Dial-a-Softness® gives people the opportunity to adjust the softness of the treated water so it's suited to them - not too soft or too hard.

"Culligan's HE Softener series represents our latest technology and was designed with consumer preferences top-of-mind," said Curt Hilliard, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Culligan International. "Culligan Dealers are finding an enthusiastic reception to the HE series and its many innovative features from homeowners across North America. We have also recently launched the HE series in Europe, where it is being met with similar acclaim."

While the Culligan HE Softener series for residential used was named a Consumers Digest Best Buy, the HE series also has commercial water treatment applications.

(1) 46 percent less versus a time clock regeneration softener

About Culligan International

Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of their customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration products. Culligan's products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business. Culligan's network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 800 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity in their communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises. For more information visit: www.culliganrochester.com.

Sodium and Soft Water

Relationship of Sodium and Water Softeners

A common question that Culligan receives is:  How much sodium is in my drinking water when I use a water softener? Here are two references that discuss the topic of “sodium and soft water”.

• http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=431
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/AN00317

Your Culligan Man will be happy to share with you the actual hardness of your water so the information in these links is most meaningful to your personal situation.

To read more about Culligan’s advanced filtration drinking water systems, go to: http://www.culligan.com/DrinkingWaterSystems.aspx

To contact Culligan of Rochester, simply call 585-266-2876 or go to http://www.culliganrochester.com/ContactUs.aspx

Concerned about that funny chlorine smell in your drinking water?

Concerned about that funny chlorine smell in your drinking water?  

While chlorine may conjure visions of swimming pools, did you know that it has been widely used as a disinfectant for drinking water since the early 1900s? In fact, chlorine has not only revolutionized water purification it has been hailed as the major public health achievement of the 20^th century! ¹Today, chlorine remains the most widely used chemical for water disinfection to ward off waterborne diseases (for example, typhoid, hepatitis and cholera).²  But recent hoopla about water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) – which can make their way into the water supply – can lead to concerns about tap water safety.  To help consumers sort the facts from the myths, let the Culligan Man answer  some top consumer questions:

1. What is a disinfection byproduct?

DBPs form when disinfectants used to treat drinking water react with naturally occurring materials in the water. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are the primary byproducts that result from the use of chlorine as a disinfectant.^1,2

2. Are there actions being taken by federal and local agencies to monitor or reduce DBPs?

The EPA has regulated the presence of DBPs since 1979 to address potential health risks posed by chlorinated water.¹ And, in some communities, the EPA has even required water utilities to reduce the amount of DBPs by switching to alternative disinfectants such as chloramine. ³

3. How do I know if my drinking water contains DBPs?

If you have concerns, you can turn to a couple of easy to access, reliable resources.  Obtain a free copy of your Consumer Confidence Report from the EPA to see exactly what is in your local municipal water supply and how it is being treated before it reaches your home or simply review your annual water quality report that you receive from your local water utility.

4. What can I do to limit DBPs in my home’s drinking water?

Consider adding a household drinking water filtration system for an extra level of security.   Culligan’s patented water filtration technology – including systems like Aqua-Cleer® – can be customized to reduce impurities⁴ in your water like aesthetic chlorine, lead, radium, and cysts.    
¹http://www.cdc.gov/safewater/publications_pages/thm.pdf²http://www.epa.gov/dclead/disinfection.htm³http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/184191/57/Disinfectant-Change-Cou⁴Impurities are not necessarily in your water.

Water & Healthy Aging

The Fountain of Youth: How Hydration Can Help You Age Gracefully

It’s never too late to take some simple steps toward rejuvenating your health. And Culligan would like to remind adults that proper hydration is not only an easy way to boost anti-aging; drinking clean, fresh filtered water can also help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Skip the Cosmetics Counter, Reach for Your Water Glass

Perhaps skipping the cosmetics counter all together isn’t necessary, but increasing your daily water intake remains one of the best ways to keep your skin looking young. When your body is properly hydrated, your skin can focus on healing wrinkles, lines and cracks that may appear as we age. Whereas dehydration may cause the skin to go into “survival” mode – using as little moisture as possible and prioritizing the healing of scrapes and wounds. Best of all, hydrated skin can actually boost the effectiveness of anti-aging cosmetics.

Soften Your Skin and Hair

Many women may notice changes in their hair’s texture and condition as they age; hair can become drier, coarser and more brittle than before. This is due in part because the body’s production of sebum, a natural lubricant, slows down as we get older. However, maintaining a diet rich in anti-oxidants, calcium, vitamins A, E and C, as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids and drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day can help combat this hair-raising issue.¹

Additionally, eliminating the use of hard water can dramatically improve the appearance of hair and skin. Hard water contains high amounts of calcium, magnesium and iron – which can cause clog your skin’s pores and leave your hair limp and lifeless. Switching to soft, treated, conditioned water will leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. Your hair will be silkier and bouncier.

Pump Up Your Metabolism and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Did you know that lean muscle tissue contains approximately 75% water? That’s why proper hydration is so important to maintaining muscle tone, which in turn increases the body’s fat burning capacity.²    

Zero calorie water can also be a secret weapon to maintaining a healthy weight.  A recent study found that middle aged and older people who consumed just two cups of water before a meal ate 75 to 90 fewer calories.  Why? Water fills up your stomach, helping you feel satiated faster. And, replacing sugary soda beverages – which can contain calorie-rich high fructose corn syrup – with water is another way to help keep those extra pounds at bay.

Filter Out Exposure to Harmful Impurities

Filtering your tap water is not only  a simple step toward a healthier lifestyle, it can actually decrease exposure to harmful impurities.³   Advanced reverse osmosis home water filtration systems – such as the Culligan Aqua-Cleer® Drinking Water System – can reduce lead, radium, aesthetic chlorine, arsenic and other toxins, like hexavalent chromium. These drinking water systems provide access to fresh, clean, great-tasting water right from your tap – at the cost of just pennies per day.   

¹ http://www.hairfinder.com/tips/aging-woman.htm

² http://reviveyourlife.com/inspiration-and-wellness/the-h2o-factor-hydration-supports-healthy-weight-loss/

³ Impurities are not necessarily in your water