Hardness is defined as the total dissolved calcium and magnesium content of the water - and is dependent on the type of water in the subsoil where each waterworks extracts water.

In general, the water is hardest on Zealand, Falster, Lolland, Møn and Funen. Jutland has the most soft and medium-hard water, but there are also areas where the water is hard in the western part of Denmark.

High calcium content in the water can lead to calcified pipes, frequent repairs to household appliances, extra cleaning and higher heating bills.

Biomineralization is the process by which living organisms produce their inorganic components such as shells, tooth enamel and bones. Several biominerals are known, of which calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is the most common. It is found in seashells - and is one of the building blocks of the patented WATERCryst catalyst technology. 

A 550-million-year-old method

Fossil evidence shows that organisms that use biomineralization to form skeletons, for example, have existed in the oceans for at least 550 million years. In other words: BIOCAT plants utilize a highly proven and successful process.

Taste is subjective, but the calcium in drinking water helps to give it a natural flavour. When cooking or brewing coffee, the minerals in the lime are also essential flavour carriers. Many people believe that removing the lime gives the water a soapy or flat flavor.

A "lime thermal barrier" is an insulating layer of lime on heat exchangers and pipes. The layer is formed by highly calcareous water. The "lime heat barrier" inhibits the heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the drinking water. This creates additional costs due to higher electricity demand, faster wear, and tear, etc.

Calcium, which is primarily made up of minerals such as calcium carbonate, is especially important for building teeth and bones. Calcium is also important for a number of other bodily processes, and it's a good idea to include calcium-rich foods in your diet and maintain calcium in your drinking water.

To avoid legionella growth in drinking water installations, make sure that the temperature in the hot water tank and/or drinking water tank is always kept at 60°C or higher. Effective limescale protection is essential for this to be possible.

BIOCAT lime protection systems require no maintenance. Every five years, the granulate in the system must be replaced. This is done by an authorized plumber. No salt or other chemicals and operating materials should be added to the system.

When lime changes its properties, it means that the lime loses its ability to adhere to surfaces and form deposits.

You can't avoid cleaning altogether - but BIOCAT makes it easier. When calcareous drinking water evaporates, minerals are always left behind, partly in the form of annoying stains. Clean and maintain your surfaces regularly and avoid white spots by wiping away water droplets before the water evaporates. Avoid using microfiber cloths, steel sponges and harsh abrasives that can roughen the surface coating. 

If there are limescale stains due to evaporation, use a gentle, natural household cleaner such as lemon essence.

BIOCAT systems are chemical-free because the process in a BIOCAT system works without the addition of salt and phosphates.

The great advantage of chemical-free water treatment is that the wastewater from a BIOCAT system is completely clean drinking water - a BIOCAT system does not release any harmful substances into the environment. A side benefit of chemical-free water treatment is that much less rinse water is required than with other water treatment methods.