Aqua-Rex has unveiled a groundbreaking technology that addresses the pervasive issue of hard water, which affects millions globally. For almost a century, traditional methods, particularly ion exchange, have dominated the market despite their high costs, environmental drawbacks, and inconsistent performance. The new Aqua-Rex system offers a non-chemical solution that could transform water treatment practices.
Hard water, primarily caused by dissolved calcium, poses significant challenges for both households and commercial operations. As water is heated, calcium precipitates, forming scale that coats pipes, appliances, and heating systems. Over time, this buildup can severely restrict water flow, reduce heating efficiency, and cause appliances to fail. According to Aqua-Rex President Jonny Seccombe, “You can’t simply wipe the scale away. Scale sticks and only an acid can remove it.”
For decades, the industry relied on salt-based softeners, which have their own set of problems, including high installation and maintenance costs, the necessity for continuous salt refills, and environmental concerns regarding discharged chlorides. Seccombe points out, “You are literally dumping chloride into the environment, and there’s no way that nature has to get rid of that contamination.”
The Aqua-Rex device utilizes radio signals to alter the way calcium precipitates in water, preventing it from adhering to surfaces. This innovative approach allows scale to form as a powder, akin to chalk dust, which then passes through plumbing systems without causing damage. “It makes the scale form as a powder in suspension,” Seccombe explains. The outcome is cleaner plumbing, decreased maintenance requirements, and improved reliability.
Aqua-Rex’s technology has been independently verified under the IAPMO IGC 335 test protocol, demonstrating its performance in real-world conditions. In one notable study conducted with water from Las Vegas at 180°F, the technology showed an impressive reduction in scaling of 83%. “At normal domestic water temperatures, the scaling is negligible. It’s affordable, reliable, and proven,” Seccombe states.
In addition to preventing scale formation, Aqua-Rex’s technology softens water by promoting precipitation in suspension, thereby reducing residual dissolved calcium in hot water. This results in improved soap lathering, softer laundry, and gentler conditions for washing hair and skin. The Water Quality Association has acknowledged that “these technologies may provide a measurable reduction in hardness” based on the performance data submitted by Aqua-Rex.
Despite the technology’s potential, its adoption has been gradual. Seccombe attributes this hesitance not to skepticism but rather to industry resistance. “The technology works, but it challenges a long-standing business model,” he notes. Traditional service providers face financial losses due to the significant cost savings Aqua-Rex offers, yet the trend is shifting as communities emphasize reducing chloride discharge to facilitate water recycling.
As cities explore bans on salt-based softeners due to environmental concerns, alternatives like Aqua-Rex become increasingly relevant in promoting sustainable practices. With its low cost and minimal maintenance, Aqua-Rex presents a compelling solution for those in hard water areas.
Seccombe has spent nearly four decades advocating for change within the water treatment sector. Now, he views the next step as securing investments or partnerships to mainstream the technology. “To get it to the next level, we need an investor or trade buyer who can expand it into the mainstream,” he asserts. The company’s established market presence and eco-friendly design create a timely opportunity for potential partners.
Reflecting on his journey, Seccombe shares, “Every industry reaches a point where it has to decide whether to cling to the old or embrace something new, better, and more affordable.” He believes the challenge lies in convincing stakeholders that change is not only possible but necessary. In a light-hearted comparison, he mentions, “Billy Smith, CEO of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, describes me as the Steve Jobs of the water treatment industry. Let’s see where that goes!”
With Aqua-Rex’s innovative approach, the future of water treatment appears brighter, offering hope for a more sustainable and efficient way to combat hard water challenges worldwide.
