Probably get heck for this, but what the hay.
Recently had to change over a couple richies to softened water instead of straight well water. The animals took a bit but seem to like it better and are not drinking out of the pond any more. The valves and such are looking better and do not seem to need to be cleaned as often, plus the tanks as well. Now this is not a large operation by any means at all but so far the switchover seems to have been all for the better and have not noticed that much more salt usage. I guess the well water was that bad that they were not getting used to it.