Modern Chemistry, Lesson 96: Hard Water - Its Treatment - Ion Exchange

Explains that temporary hard water may be softened by a base such as sodium hydroxide which neutralized the bicarbonate ions and forms carbonate ions which then precipitate with the calcium ions present. Phosphate may also be used to remove calcium ions. Another method of softening water is by "ion exchange.".

Sources

  1. Catalog of Classroom Teaching Films for Georgia Schools, No. 10 (Georgia Department of Education) — title, creator, length, description