Best Water Softener for Akron, OH — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Akron, OH

Every month, Akron homeowners unknowingly flush $127 down the drain. That's not a utility bill or a plumbing repair — it's the hidden cost of living with 15.2 grains per gallon (GPG) of water hardness flowing through every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in Summit County homes. To put this in perspective, imagine your water pipes as arteries in your home's circulatory system. At 15.2 GPG, calcium and magnesium minerals act like cholesterol deposits, steadily narrowing the passages until your home's vital systems begin to fail.

Akron's municipal water system draws primarily from Lake Rockwell and the Cuyahoga River, both of which pick up limestone and dolomite deposits as they flow through Ohio's mineral-rich geology. At 15.2 GPG, Akron's water is classified as extremely hard — placing it in the top 15% of hardest water in the United States. This level of mineral concentration doesn't just cause minor inconveniences like soap scum; it actively damages your home's infrastructure every single day.

For Akron residents, a grain per gallon represents approximately 17.1 milligrams of dissolved calcium and magnesium per liter of water. With 15.2 GPG flowing through your home, you're processing over 260 milligrams of rock-forming minerals in every liter of water used. A typical Akron household uses 300 gallons daily, meaning nearly 300 pounds of limestone-equivalent minerals pass through your plumbing system annually.

The financial stakes extend far beyond monthly water bills. Akron homes with untreated 15.2 GPG water see water heater lifespans cut by 42%, appliance warranties voided by manufacturers, and property values affected when buyers discover scale-damaged fixtures during inspections. The question isn't whether you can afford a water softener — it's whether you can afford to keep living without one.

2. What 15.2 GPG Does to Your Home

At 15.2 GPG, calcium carbonate doesn't just coat your water heater elements — it forms thick, concrete-like shells that can reduce efficiency by 35% within the first 18 months. This isn't gradual wear; it's aggressive mineral deposition that transforms heating elements into chalky, insulated rods incapable of effective heat transfer. Akron homeowners report electric water heater elements failing at twice the manufacturer's predicted rate, with gas units showing flame sensor problems and burner clogging from scale buildup.

The crystallization process happens every time your 15.2 GPG water is heated above 140°F or allowed to evaporate. Calcium and magnesium ions, dissolved invisibly in cold water, bond instantly to any available surface when temperature or pressure changes occur. In Akron's older neighborhoods with galvanized steel pipes dating to the 1950s and 1960s, this process creates concentric rings of mineral buildup that narrow 3/4-inch pipes to 1/2-inch openings within five years of continuous 15.2 GPG exposure.

Tankless water heater manufacturers like Rinnai and Navien specifically void warranties in areas exceeding 7 GPG without professional water treatment. At Akron's 15.2 GPG level, heat exchanger coils can become completely blocked within 24 months, requiring $800-$1,200 in professional descaling or total unit replacement. The narrow passages in tankless units make them particularly vulnerable to Ohio's extreme mineral content.

Soap and detergent consumption in Akron homes averages 3.2 times higher than the national average due to 15.2 GPG interference with cleaning chemistry. Calcium and magnesium ions chemically react with soap molecules to form insoluble curds instead of cleansing lather. A typical Akron family spends an additional $340 annually on soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents just to achieve normal cleaning results. Dishwasher detergent costs alone increase by $85 per year as residents compensate for poor suds formation and mineral spotting.

The dermatological effects become noticeable within weeks of moving to Akron from a soft-water city. At 15.2 GPG, calcium ions strip natural oils from skin and form microscopic mineral films on hair shafts, leading to documented increases in eczema, dry skin complaints, and brittle hair conditions among new residents. Local dermatologists report a measurable uptick in moisturizing product recommendations for patients after they relocate to Summit County from softer water regions.

Laundry emerges from Akron washers with a characteristic grey tint and sandpaper texture as mineral deposits embed between fabric fibers. White clothing turns dingy within 30 wash cycles, and fabric softener consumption doubles as residents attempt to combat the mineral stiffening. Washing machine manufacturers document premature pump failures and clogged spray arms in areas exceeding 10 GPG, with Akron's 15.2 GPG pushing appliance lifespans 40% below national averages.

The annual "hard water tax" for a typical Akron household totals approximately $1,524 when factoring energy losses, excess soap consumption, accelerated appliance replacement, and professional plumbing interventions. This figure doesn't include the immeasurable frustration of dealing with cloudy glassware, ring-stained toilets, and shower doors that never look clean despite constant scrubbing.

3. Akron's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the crushing 15.2 GPG hardness baseline, Akron residents are simultaneously contending with chlorine, iron, and sediment — each of which compounds the mineral scaling problem in distinct ways. This layered water quality challenge means that addressing hardness alone, while critical, doesn't solve every water-related issue flowing from Summit County taps.

Chlorine Treatment Byproducts

Akron's municipal treatment facility adds chlorine to Lake Rockwell and Cuyahoga River water as a disinfectant, typically maintaining 0.5-1.2 mg/L in the distribution system. While effective at preventing bacterial contamination, chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in Ohio's surface water to form trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) — both regulated disinfection byproducts with EPA maximum contaminant levels.

At 15.2 GPG hardness, chlorine's interaction with calcium and magnesium creates accelerated corrosion of rubber gaskets, O-rings, and flexible supply lines throughout Akron homes. The combination of chlorine oxidation and mineral scaling creates a synergistic deterioration effect that ages plumbing components 60% faster than either factor alone. Residents notice stronger chlorine taste and odor during summer months when treatment plant dosing increases to combat higher bacterial loads in warmer source water.

Standard activated carbon filtration effectively removes chlorine, but the EPA secondary maximum contaminant level of 4.0 mg/L allows for noticeable taste and odor well before health concerns arise. A catalytic carbon whole-house filter paired with the SoftPro Elite HE provides comprehensive treatment for Akron's chlorine-hardness combination.

Iron Contamination and Staining

Iron enters Akron's water supply through natural geological leaching from Ohio's iron-rich soil and bedrock, plus corrosion from aging cast iron distribution mains throughout the city's older neighborhoods. Most Akron residents encounter iron in its ferrous (dissolved) form — invisible and tasteless until it contacts air and oxidizes into the familiar red-orange ferric precipitate that stains fixtures, laundry, and dishware.

The interaction between iron and 15.2 GPG hardness creates compounded staining problems unique to extremely hard water cities. Iron particles bond to calcium carbonate scale deposits, creating orange-tinted mineral crusts that resist conventional cleaning and etch permanently into porcelain and glass surfaces. Akron homeowners report that iron staining becomes visible within hours rather than days, as the high mineral concentration accelerates oxidation and precipitation.

Iron concentrations above 0.3 mg/L — the EPA secondary standard for taste, odor, and staining — can foul water softener resin by coating exchange sites with iron particles. For Akron homes with detectable iron levels, an iron-specific pre-filter using greensand or birm media upstream of the SoftPro Elite HE prevents resin contamination and extends softener service life. Without pre-filtration, iron-fouled resin loses capacity and requires expensive cleaning chemicals or premature replacement.

Sediment and Turbidity Issues

Sediment in Akron's water originates from two primary sources: natural particulate matter from Lake Rockwell during storm events, and rust flakes from the city's aging iron distribution pipes installed between 1940-1970. While Akron's treatment plant maintains turbidity well below EPA standards, residents in older neighborhoods often experience periodic cloudy water when distribution system pressure changes dislodge accumulated sediment.

Suspended particles create significant operational problems for water softeners, especially at 15.2 GPG hardness levels. Sediment clogs resin beds and interferes with regeneration cycles, reducing the SoftPro Elite HE's efficiency and potentially voiding warranty coverage if filtration isn't provided. The softener's built-in sediment pre-filter captures particles down to 20 microns, protecting the resin investment in Akron's challenging water environment.

High-hardness water like Akron's tends to hold suspended particles longer due to increased ionic strength, making effective sediment removal crucial for both equipment protection and aesthetic water quality. Residents should expect periodic filter replacement every 3-6 months depending on seasonal turbidity levels in Summit County's water supply.

4. Why Most Akron Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walking into a big box store in Akron and buying the cheapest water softener is like bringing a garden hose to fight a five-alarm fire. At 15.2 GPG, the mineral load overwhelms undersized units within days, leaving frustrated homeowners with hard water breakthrough, excessive salt consumption, and buyer's remorse. Here are the four critical mistakes that cost Akron residents thousands in wasted money and continued hard water damage.

Mistake #1: Buying on Price Alone

A 24,000-grain softener that might work adequately in Columbus (7.5 GPG) or Cincinnati (9.2 GPG) will fail catastrophically in Akron's 15.2 GPG environment. The resin exhausts completely within 2-3 days instead of the expected week, forcing constant regeneration cycles that waste salt and still allow hard water breakthrough during peak usage periods. Akron families end up with the worst of both worlds: high operating costs and continued scale damage because they tried to save $300 on initial purchase price.

Mistake #2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Water softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium minerals — period. They do not reliably remove chlorine, iron, or sediment from Akron's water supply. Residents who expect a single softener to solve all water quality issues become disappointed when chlorine taste persists, iron staining continues, and sediment clogs their fixtures. Akron's multi-layered water challenges require a systematic treatment approach, not wishful thinking about all-in-one solutions.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Mathematics

The sizing formula is straightforward, but Akron's extreme hardness makes precision critical:

4 people × 75 gallons/day × 15.2 GPG = 4,560 grains daily
4,560 grains × 7 days = 31,920 grains weekly
31,920 + 20% buffer = 38,304 grains needed

A 32,000-grain unit forces regeneration every 5 days under ideal conditions, but peak usage days (laundry, guests, lawn watering) cause premature exhaustion and hard water breakthrough. Proper sizing to 48,000 grains provides the operational headroom essential for Akron's demanding water conditions.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency Technology

At 15.2 GPG, a water softener regenerates 2-3 times more frequently than in soft water cities. An inefficient unit uses 60-80 pounds of salt monthly compared to 35-45 pounds for a high-efficiency model treating the same water volume. Over the SoftPro Elite HE's 10-year lifespan, this efficiency difference saves Akron homeowners $1,200-$1,800 in salt costs alone — enough to pay for the capacity upgrade that prevents the other three mistakes.

5. What to Do Next

Before shopping for any water treatment system, test your specific water to confirm current hardness and contaminant levels. While Akron's municipal average is 15.2 GPG, individual neighborhoods can vary by ±2 GPG depending on distribution system blending and seasonal source water changes. Purchase a TDS meter and hardness test strips from any home improvement store to establish your baseline numbers.

Calculate your household's actual daily water usage by reading your meter for one full week and dividing by seven. The standard 75 gallons per person estimate works for average families, but Akron households with pools, large gardens, or teenagers may use 20-30% more water, requiring larger grain capacity for optimal softener performance.

6. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Akron's Water

After evaluating Akron's water hardness of 15.2 GPG and the presence of chlorine, iron, and sediment in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Akron homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't marketing hyperbole — it's the logical engineering solution to Summit County's specific water chemistry challenges.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange Technology

Salt-free "conditioners" and "catalytic" systems do not remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change calcium and magnesium crystal structure to reduce scaling. At Akron's extreme 15.2 GPG level, salt-free systems cannot prevent scale formation and provide no protection for water heaters, dishwashers, or washing machines. The SoftPro Elite HE uses proven cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions — the only technology that delivers genuinely soft water at this mineral concentration.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) System

At 15.2 GPG, resin beds exhaust much faster than in moderate hardness cities. DIR technology monitors actual water usage and mineral removal to regenerate only when the resin is truly depleted — preventing both hard water breakthrough from under-regeneration and salt waste from unnecessary cycles. For Akron households processing 4,500+ grains daily, this precision timing is operationally essential, not just a convenience feature.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

Third-party certification verifies that resin, control valve, and internal components meet strict performance and materials safety standards. For Akron residents already managing chlorine, iron, and sediment in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides critical peace of mind. Certified systems undergo rigorous testing for structural integrity, capacity claims, and regenerant efficiency.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options (32K, 48K, 64K, 80K)

Akron's 15.2 GPG hardness requires careful capacity matching to household size and usage patterns. A 4-person Akron family needs 38,304 grains weekly (including buffer), making the 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE the optimal choice for 6-7 day regeneration cycles. Larger families or high-usage households can step up to 64,000 or 80,000 grains without changing the footprint or installation requirements.

10-Year Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

At 15.2 GPG, water softener components experience significantly higher stress than in moderate hardness environments. The SoftPro's 10-year warranty covers Akron homeowners during the critical high-usage period when extreme hardness puts maximum demand on resin, control valves, and internal seals. This warranty length reflects manufacturer confidence in the system's ability to handle challenging water conditions year after year.

Iron and Manganese Pre-Filter Compatibility

The SoftPro Elite HE is engineered to work downstream of iron-specific filtration media without voiding warranty coverage. For Akron homes with detectable iron levels, a birm or greensand pre-filter protects the softener resin from iron fouling while the SoftPro handles the 15.2 GPG hardness load. This staged approach maximizes the service life of both treatment components in Summit County's complex water environment.

Integrated Sediment Pre-Filter System

Before hardness minerals reach the expensive resin tank, the SoftPro's self-cleaning pre-filter captures rust particles, pipe scale, and turbidity from Akron's aging distribution system. This protection prevents resin bed clogging and maintains regeneration efficiency in a city where both sediment and extreme hardness challenge water treatment equipment. The pre-filter backwashes automatically during regeneration cycles, requiring no separate maintenance schedule.

For Akron households dealing with 15.2 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chlorine, iron, and sediment, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

7. Homeowner Checklist

Before purchasing any water softener for your Akron home, verify these essential requirements are met:

✓ Confirm your home's actual hardness level with a professional test kit
✓ Identify iron levels if you notice any staining or metallic taste
✓ Measure available space for resin tank, brine tank, and drain connection
✓ Verify adequate water pressure (minimum 20 PSI for proper operation)
✓ Locate electrical outlet within 10 feet of installation site
✓ Check local code requirements for water softener discharge permits
✓ Calculate 7-day grain capacity needs using your household size and 15.2 GPG

Red flags that indicate your current softener is failing in Akron's 15.2 GPG water:

✗ Soap doesn't lather normally in kitchen or bathroom sinks
✗ White spots return to glassware within days of cleaning
✗ Water heater makes popping or crackling sounds during heating cycles
✗ Skin feels dry and tight after showering
✗ Salt usage exceeds 50 pounds monthly for a family of four
✗ Hard water staining reappears on fixtures between cleanings

8. How to Size Your Softener for Akron

Proper sizing for Akron's extreme 15.2 GPG hardness requires precise calculation — guessing leads to expensive mistakes. Follow these steps to determine the exact grain capacity your household needs:

Step 1: Count Household Members
Include all full-time residents, including children and teens who use significant shower and laundry water.

Step 2: Calculate Daily Water Usage
Multiply household members × 75 gallons per person = daily household gallons

Step 3: Calculate Daily Grain Demand
Daily gallons × 15.2 GPG = daily grains of hardness to remove

Step 4: Calculate Weekly Grain Demand
Daily grains × 7 days = weekly grain capacity needed

Step 5: Add 20% Buffer for Peak Usage
Weekly grains × 1.2 = minimum softener grain capacity

Step 6: Match to SoftPro Elite HE Model
Choose the next size up: 32K / 48K / 64K / 80K grain capacity

Example for 4-Person Akron Household:
4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily
300 gallons × 15.2 GPG = 4,560 grains daily
4,560 grains × 7 days = 31,920 grains weekly
31,920 × 1.2 buffer = 38,304 grains needed
Recommendation: SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain model

This sizing provides 6-7 day regeneration cycles for optimal salt efficiency while preventing hard water breakthrough during high-usage periods. Regenerating every 5-7 days maximizes resin life and minimizes operating costs in Akron's demanding water conditions.

9. Installation in Akron: What to Know

Ohio does not require licensed plumber installation for residential water softeners, but Akron's building department recommends professional installation for warranty compliance and proper drain connections. Most competent DIY homeowners can handle SoftPro Elite HE installation with basic plumbing tools and clear instructions, though Summit County's older homes may present unexpected challenges.

The optimal placement sequence follows municipal water as it enters your home: main shutoff valve → sediment pre-filter (if needed for iron) → SoftPro Elite HE softener → distribution to water heater and household fixtures. Never install a softener upstream of outdoor spigots used for gardening, as plants prefer unsoftened water and soft water can leach metals from soil.

Akron's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-65 PSI throughout most neighborhoods — well within the SoftPro's operating range of 20-80 PSI. Homes in hilltop areas like Goodyear Heights or Portage Path may experience lower pressure during peak usage periods, but rarely below the minimum threshold for proper regeneration cycles.

The regeneration drain line requires connection to a floor drain, laundry sink, or standpipe with adequate capacity for backwash flow. Akron's sewer system accepts softener discharge without special permits, but the drain line cannot connect directly to septic systems due to high sodium content in regeneration wastewater. Rural Summit County residents with septic tanks need alternative discharge arrangements.

Salt Selection for 15.2 GPG Performance:
At Akron's extreme hardness level, use only high-purity evaporated salt pellets — never rock salt or solar crystals. Evaporated pellets contain less than 0.5% impurities compared to 3-5% in lower grades, preventing brine tank residue buildup that clogs injectors and reduces regeneration effectiveness. Budget an extra $0.50-$0.75 per bag for premium salt, but eliminate costly service calls for clogged components.

Check salt levels monthly in Akron's high-consumption environment. A 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE treating 15.2 GPG water uses approximately 12-15 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle. With weekly regeneration schedules, maintain 2-3 bags minimum reserve to prevent running dry during busy periods or salt delivery delays.

10. Maintenance Schedule for Akron Homeowners

Akron's 15.2 GPG hardness accelerates wear on all water treatment components, making proactive maintenance critical for long-term performance and warranty protection. Follow this schedule calibrated specifically for extreme hardness conditions:

Monthly Tasks:
Check salt level — consumption is exceptionally high at 15.2 GPG, averaging 50-60 pounds monthly for a 4-person household. Inspect for salt bridges, which form when humidity causes crusting above the water line, preventing proper brine formation and causing hard water breakthrough. Verify bypass valve remains in "service" position unless maintenance requires isolation.

Every 3 Months:
Clean brine tank interior to remove any accumulated sediment or salt residue. Test post-softener water hardness with test strips — readings above 1 GPG indicate resin exhaustion, improper regeneration, or system malfunction requiring immediate attention. Inspect and clean the sediment pre-filter if iron contamination is present in your specific Akron neighborhood.

Annual Maintenance:
Perform complete brine tank cleaning with warm water rinse to remove built-up impurities from salt. Conduct full resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness creeps consistently above 1 GPG despite proper salt levels, resin may need professional cleaning or replacement. For homes with iron issues, inspect resin for orange fouling and treat with iron-specific resin cleaner if necessary.

Regeneration cycle audit: Confirm timing, duration, and salt dosing remain optimal for your household's current usage patterns. Akron residents should order annual water testing to verify hardness levels haven't changed due to seasonal variations in Lake Rockwell and Cuyahoga River sources.

Every 5 Years:
Professional resin replacement evaluation becomes critical at 15.2 GPG exposure levels. Extreme hardness degrades ion exchange capacity faster than moderate hardness environments — Akron softeners may need resin replacement 2-3 years sooner than national averages. Monitor regeneration frequency and post-treatment hardness trends to anticipate resin service life.

Pro Tip for Akron Residents: Establish baseline hardness readings immediately after SoftPro installation, then retest every 6 months to track performance trends. Catching resin degradation early prevents expensive appliance damage during the transition period when your softener loses effectiveness.

11. Recommended Setup for Akron

Based on Akron's specific combination of 15.2 GPG hardness plus chlorine, iron, and sediment, the optimal treatment configuration combines the SoftPro Elite HE with targeted pre- and post-filtration:

Stage 1: Sediment pre-filter (5-micron) for rust particles from aging distribution pipes
Stage 2: Iron removal filter (if testing shows >0.3 mg/L iron) using birm or greensand media
Stage 3: SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain softener for 15.2 GPG hardness removal
Stage 4: Activated carbon post-filter for chlorine taste and odor improvement

This staged approach addresses each Akron water quality issue with appropriate technology while protecting downstream equipment from fouling and premature failure. Total investment ranges from $2,800-$3,400 installed, but prevents $8,000-$12,000 in appliance damage over 10 years.

12. 30-Day Action Plan

Week 1: Test current water hardness, iron, and chlorine levels. Document existing appliance conditions and photograph scale buildup for comparison.
Week 2: Measure installation space, verify electrical and drain requirements, obtain local permits if required.
Week 3: Purchase and schedule SoftPro Elite HE installation. Order 3-month salt supply and testing supplies.
Week 4: Complete installation, establish baseline soft water readings, begin monitoring salt consumption patterns.

This timeline ensures proper planning while minimizing continued damage from 15.2 GPG exposure during the decision process.

13. Is Akron's water at 15.2 GPG dangerous to drink?

Akron's 15.2 GPG hardness level is not dangerous for human consumption — calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that contribute to daily nutritional needs. The EPA does not regulate water hardness as a health concern, and many European bottled waters contain similar or higher mineral concentrations marketed as health benefits. However, the extreme hardness does create significant aesthetic, economic, and infrastructure problems that justify treatment for practical rather than health reasons.

14. Will a water softener remove chlorine, iron, and sediment from Akron's water?

Water softeners remove only calcium and magnesium through ion exchange — they do not reliably remove chlorine, iron, or sediment. Chlorine requires activated carbon filtration for effective removal. Iron needs specialized media like birm, greensand, or air injection oxidation depending on concentration and form. Sediment requires mechanical filtration through graded media or pleated cartridges. Akron residents need a comprehensive treatment approach, not reliance on softening alone.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Akron at 15.2 GPG?

A properly sized SoftPro Elite HE treating Akron's 15.2 GPG water for a 4-person household uses approximately 50-60 pounds of salt monthly. This equals $15-$20 monthly salt costs using high-quality evaporated pellets. Higher usage households or inefficient regeneration settings can push consumption to 75-80 pounds monthly. Weekly regeneration cycles are optimal for balancing salt efficiency with consistent soft water delivery.

16. Does Akron require a permit to install a water softener?

The City of Akron does not require specific permits for residential water softener installation, but electrical and plumbing work must comply with Ohio building codes. Summit County's building department recommends professional installation for warranty compliance and proper drain connections. Softener discharge to municipal sewers is permitted without special arrangements, but septic system connections require alternative discharge planning due to sodium content.

17. Final Verdict for Akron

Akron's hardness level of 15.2 GPG demands industrial-grade treatment, not residential convenience products. This extreme mineral concentration places Summit County in the top tier of challenging water conditions nationwide, where half-measures lead to continued damage and wasted investment. The combination of chlorine, iron, and sediment compounds the hardness problem in ways that require systematic engineering solutions.

The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other options because its demand-initiated regeneration prevents hard water breakthrough during Akron's high-consumption periods, its NSF-certified resin handles extreme mineral loads without premature fouling, and its 10-year warranty protects residents during the critical high-stress service period. These aren't marketing features — they're operational necessities for surviving 15.2 GPG exposure.

For Akron households serious about protecting their investment and ending the monthly hard water tax, check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for your specific household size. The question isn't whether you can afford a properly engineered water softener — it's whether you can afford another month of 15.2 GPG damage to your home's vital systems.

Just like the rubber barons who built Akron knew that quality infrastructure determines long-term success, today's homeowners must recognize that water treatment isn't an expense — it's the foundation that protects everything else you've worked to build.