What process is typically associated with the removal of hardness from water?

The process associated with the removal of hardness from water is softening. Hardness in water is primarily caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. Softening typically involves the use of ion exchange systems, where these hardness-causing minerals are replaced with sodium ions. This not only reduces the hardness but also prevents scale buildup in plumbing and appliances, improving water quality for domestic and industrial use.

In contrast, desalination refers to the removal of salt and minerals, primarily from seawater, to produce fresh water, which is not specifically focused on hardness. Nanofiltration is a membrane technology that can help remove certain contaminants, including some hardness, but it is not the primary or most common method for softening water. Chlorination is a disinfection process aiming to eliminate pathogens and does not address the hardness issue in water.