Hardness in water is caused by calcium and magnesium ions. There are several methods for water softening including chemical precipitation using lime, soda, and ash; caustic soda; and ion exchange. The lime soda ash method converts all forms of carbonate and non-carbonate hardness into precipitating species using lime and soda. Ion exchange can remove 100% of hardness from water but some hardness is desirable, so ion exchange is used to maintain an appropriate level of hardness.