What is the main purpose of lime softening in water treatment?

Lime softening is primarily employed in water treatment to reduce water hardness. Hardness in water is typically caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to various issues, such as scaling in pipes and appliances, as well as reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents. The process involves adding lime (calcium hydroxide) to the water, which reacts with the hardness-causing ions to form insoluble compounds that can be removed through sedimentation or filtration.

By reducing the concentration of these hardness ions, lime softening improves the overall quality of the water for both drinking and household use. This process is particularly efficient and widely used in municipal water treatment facilities to provide softer water to consumers. The other options discussed do not accurately represent the main goal of lime softening in the context of water treatment.