Which of the following is NOT a step in the regeneration process of a water softener?

The regeneration process of a water softener is essential for restoring its ion-exchange capacity after the unit has softened hard water. The steps typically involved in this process include backwashing, which cleans the resin bed; a brine draw, where the concentrated salt solution is used to recharge the resin; a slow rinse of the resin after brining; and a final rapid rinse to ensure all excess brine is flushed away.

Filtration, while related to water treatment, is not a step in the softener's regeneration process. Instead, filtration is a separate process that may happen before or after softening but does not contribute to the regeneration of the softener itself. Understanding these processes helps clarify how a water softener operates and highlights the importance of each step in maintaining water quality.