During the softening process the reaction takes place as: Na2Ze+CA(HCO3)2CaZe+2NaHCO3Na2Ze+Mg(HCO3)2MgZe+2NaHCO3 After sometime, the zeolite is completely converted into calcium and magnesium zeolites. Eventually, the bed ceases to soften water i.e., it gets exhausted. At this stage the supply of hard water is stopped and the exhausted zeolite is reclaimed by treating the bed with a 10% NaCI solution (Brine soln.) when the following reaction takes place: CaZeorMgZe+2NaClReclaimedzeoliteNa2Ze+CaCl2orMgCl2