Best Water Softener for Salem, OR — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Salem, OR

Every morning in Salem, thousands of homeowners pour an extra squeeze of shampoo without realizing they're fighting a battle with minerals. Salem's water supply, drawn primarily from the North Santiam River and treated at the Geren Island Water Treatment Plant, delivers water to Marion County residents at 2.8 grains per gallon (GPG) of hardness. While this places Salem in the "slightly hard" category according to the Water Quality Association's classification system, don't let that moderate label fool you into thinking there's no impact on your daily life.

To understand what 2.8 GPG means in practical terms, imagine your water as a solution carrying tiny calcium and magnesium particles — like extremely fine sand suspended throughout your plumbing system. Each gallon of Salem water contains enough dissolved minerals to gradually coat your pipes, appliances, and fixtures with a thin but persistent layer of scale. Over months and years, this accumulation transforms from an invisible nuisance into visible damage that costs Salem homeowners real money.

The North Santiam River's mineral content reflects the volcanic geology of the Cascade Mountains, where calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate naturally dissolve into the watershed. What makes Salem's situation unique is how the city's chlorine disinfection interacts with these hardness minerals. Chlorine doesn't just sanitize the water — it accelerates the oxidation process that turns dissolved minerals into the white, chalky deposits Salem residents scrape off their shower doors and faucet aerators.

For a typical Salem household, 2.8 GPG hardness means approximately 840 grains of minerals flow through your plumbing every day. That's roughly equivalent to a tablespoon of powdered chalk distributed throughout your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and every pipe in your home. While 2.8 GPG won't cause the dramatic scale buildup seen in cities like Phoenix or Las Vegas, it creates a slow, steady accumulation that reduces appliance efficiency and increases your monthly utility costs.

2. What 2.8 GPG Does to Your Home

At 2.8 GPG, Salem's water hardness operates like compound interest in reverse — small daily deposits that accumulate into significant problems over time. The calcium and magnesium ions in Salem's North Santiam River supply don't cause immediate dramatic damage, but they create a steady pattern of efficiency loss and increased maintenance that costs Salem homeowners an estimated $380 annually in additional energy, soap, and appliance depreciation.

Your water heater bears the first and most expensive impact of Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness. When water is heated above 140°F, dissolved calcium carbonate precipitates out of solution and forms scale deposits on heating elements. At 2.8 GPG, a standard 40-gallon electric water heater loses approximately 3-5% of its efficiency annually due to scale buildup. For Salem households paying Pacific Power's average residential rate of 11.2 cents per kWh, this translates to an extra $45-75 per year in electricity costs. Gas water heaters experience similar efficiency losses, with scale creating an insulating barrier between the burner and water.

Salem's volcanic soil geology contributes additional minerals that bond with the hardness compounds when heated. The combination of 2.8 GPG hardness plus Salem's naturally occurring silica creates a particularly stubborn scale that's harder to remove than calcium deposits alone. This explains why Salem residents often notice that white buildup on their fixtures has a slightly gritty texture compared to the powdery residue seen in areas with different mineral profiles.

Throughout Salem's residential plumbing systems, 2.8 GPG hardness creates measurable pipe narrowing over 8-12 years, particularly in copper joints and galvanized steel connections common in Marion County homes built before 1980. While catastrophic blockages are rare at this hardness level, water pressure gradually decreases as mineral deposits accumulate in pipe bends and fixture connections. Showerheads and faucet aerators require cleaning or replacement every 6-8 months instead of lasting 2-3 years in soft water areas.

Salem households consume approximately 2.5 times more soap and detergent than residents in soft water cities. At 2.8 GPG, calcium and magnesium ions react with soap molecules to form insoluble curds instead of cleansing lather. A typical Salem family spends an additional $85-120 annually on laundry detergent, dishwasher pods, body wash, and shampoo to achieve the same cleaning results. Laundry emerges from Salem washing machines with a slightly stiff texture as mineral deposits embed in fabric fibers, reducing the lifespan of clothing and linens by 15-20%.

The skin and hair effects of 2.8 GPG water are subtle but cumulative. Salem residents frequently report that their skin feels tight or itchy after showering, particularly during winter months when indoor humidity drops. Calcium ions form microscopic deposits on skin and hair shafts, preventing natural oils from distributing evenly. While not as severe as the skin irritation seen in cities with 7+ GPG water, Salem's mineral content still causes noticeable changes in how soap lathers and how hair feels after washing.

3. Salem's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the 2.8 GPG hardness baseline, Salem residents must also contend with chlorine disinfection that interacts with water hardness in ways that compound both problems. The Geren Island Water Treatment Plant adds chlorine to Salem's North Santiam River supply to eliminate bacteria and viruses, but this necessary disinfection process creates secondary challenges when combined with the city's moderate mineral content.

Chlorine in Salem's Water Supply

Salem maintains chlorine residuals between 0.5-2.0 mg/L throughout its distribution system, with higher concentrations during summer months when bacterial growth potential increases. This chlorine enters Salem's water as sodium hypochlorite added at the treatment plant, designed to provide continuous disinfection as water travels through miles of underground pipes to reach Marion County neighborhoods. The EPA's maximum allowable chlorine level is 4.0 mg/L, placing Salem's typical range well within safety guidelines.

The interaction between chlorine and Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness creates accelerated oxidation of calcium and magnesium compounds. Chlorine acts as a catalyst that converts dissolved minerals into precipitate scale more rapidly than would occur in non-chlorinated hard water. This explains why Salem residents notice white spots forming on dishes and glassware even when using rinse aid — the chlorine-hardness reaction occurs faster than the drying process, leaving visible mineral deposits.

Salem households detect chlorine through taste and odor, particularly noticeable in the first glass of water drawn from faucets after several hours of non-use. The characteristic "swimming pool" smell intensifies during summer months when the Geren Island plant increases chlorination rates to combat higher bacterial loads in the North Santiam River. Chlorine also degrades rubber gaskets and seals throughout Salem's residential plumbing faster than in non-chlorinated systems, with washing machine hoses and toilet tank components requiring replacement 20-30% more frequently.

Importantly, the SoftPro Elite HE water softener alone does not remove chlorine from Salem's water supply. Ion exchange resin targets calcium and magnesium ions specifically, while chlorine molecules pass through unchanged. Salem residents seeking both hardness removal and chlorine reduction should consider pairing the SoftPro Elite HE with an activated carbon whole-house filter or point-of-use carbon filter at kitchen and bathroom taps. This two-stage approach addresses both the mineral and disinfectant challenges present in Salem's treated North Santiam River supply.

During Salem's wet season from October through April, chlorine levels typically decrease as the North Santiam River's higher flow rates dilute contaminant concentrations. Conversely, late summer months often bring stronger chlorine taste and odor as the treatment plant compensates for lower river flows and warmer water temperatures that promote bacterial growth. Salem residents who are sensitive to chlorine taste notice these seasonal variations most clearly in ice cubes and coffee, where chlorine flavors become concentrated.

4. Why Most Salem Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walking through the water treatment aisle at Salem's Home Depot or Lowe's, you'll find dozens of systems that promise to solve hard water problems — but most are either undersized for Oregon's water conditions or designed for problems Salem doesn't have. After reviewing installation records and warranty claims from Marion County, four mistakes consistently lead Salem homeowners to buyer's remorse within the first year.

The most expensive mistake Salem residents make is choosing a softener based solely on the lowest upfront price. A $400 big-box store softener might seem reasonable compared to a $1,200 SoftPro Elite HE, but the math changes dramatically when you factor in Salem's 2.8 GPG continuous demand. Cheap softeners typically use 16,000 or 24,000-grain capacity resin that exhausts quickly under constant mineral load. What works acceptably in a 0.5 GPG city like Seattle fails within days in Salem, forcing homeowners into daily regeneration cycles that waste salt and water while delivering inconsistent softening performance.

Salem's moderate hardness level creates a false sense of security that leads to the second major mistake: confusing water softeners with water filters. Homeowners see "water treatment system" marketing and assume one unit addresses all water quality issues. The reality is that ion exchange softeners remove calcium and magnesium through resin chemistry, while chlorine requires activated carbon filtration — completely different processes. Salem residents who install only a softener still taste chlorine in their morning coffee, leading to disappointment and assumption that the system isn't working properly.

The third mistake involves grain capacity math that most Salem homeowners get wrong. The formula is straightforward: household members × 75 gallons daily usage × 2.8 GPG hardness = daily grain demand. A family of four in Salem needs: 4 × 75 × 2.8 = 840 grains removed daily, or 5,880 grains weekly. Adding a 20% buffer for high-usage days brings the requirement to approximately 7,000 grains weekly. A 16,000-grain softener forces regeneration every 2-3 days, while a properly sized 32,000-grain unit regenerates weekly — the optimal efficiency point for resin longevity and salt consumption.

Finally, Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness level exposes the fourth critical mistake: overlooking salt efficiency ratings. At moderate hardness levels, softeners regenerate more frequently than in soft water cities but less often than extremely hard water areas. This middle-ground usage pattern makes salt efficiency crucial for long-term operating costs. An inefficient softener might use 8-12 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle, while a high-efficiency model achieves the same results with 4-6 pounds. Over ten years in Salem, this difference compounds into 1,500-2,000 pounds of additional salt — roughly $300-500 in unnecessary expense at current Marion County salt prices.

5. Homeowner Checklist for Salem Water Issues

Before investing in any water treatment system, Salem residents should complete this diagnostic checklist to confirm their specific water challenges and avoid purchasing the wrong solution.

Test your current water hardness: Purchase a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter from a Salem hardware store and test water directly from your main line. Salem's 2.8 GPG should register approximately 165-175 ppm on a TDS meter. If your reading is significantly higher or lower, contact Marion County's water department to verify recent changes or request a water quality report for your specific neighborhood.

Document your soap and detergent usage: For one week, measure exactly how much laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo your household consumes. Compare this to manufacturer recommendations on product labels. Salem households typically use 2-3 times the recommended amounts due to poor lathering in moderately hard water.

Inspect your water heater for efficiency loss: Check your most recent 12 months of utility bills for seasonal patterns. Salem water heaters affected by 2.8 GPG scale buildup show gradually increasing energy consumption even when weather patterns remain consistent year-over-year.

Examine fixtures for mineral buildup: Photograph the aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets, showerheads, and the inside of your dishwasher. Salem's combination of hardness and chlorine creates distinctive white deposits with a slightly gritty texture. These photos will help you track improvement after softener installation.

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

After evaluating Salem's water hardness of 2.8 GPG and the presence of chlorine in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Salem homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't a marketing claim — it's an engineering match between Salem's specific water chemistry and the features required to address moderate hardness efficiently and reliably over the long term.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for Salem's Mineral Load

Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness demands true mineral removal, not the crystallization modification attempted by salt-free systems. The SoftPro Elite HE uses traditional cation exchange resin that physically replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions through proven chemistry. At Salem's moderate hardness level, salt-free systems fail to prevent scale formation because they cannot actually remove the minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure, which breaks down under heat and time. Salem residents who install salt-free systems continue experiencing white spots on dishes, scale buildup in water heaters, and poor soap lathering because the minerals remain in the water.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration Calibrated for 2.8 GPG

Salem's moderate hardness creates unique timing challenges that the SoftPro Elite HE's demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) system handles precisely. Unlike timer-based systems that regenerate on fixed schedules regardless of actual water usage, DIR monitors exactly how many grains of hardness the resin has removed. For Salem households, this prevents the two most common problems: hard water breakthrough during high-usage periods (under-regeneration) and excessive salt consumption during low-usage periods (over-regeneration). At 2.8 GPG, resin capacity calculation becomes critical because Salem families use enough water to exhaust resin every 5-7 days — too frequent for fixed timers, too variable for guesswork.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Performance

For Salem residents already managing chlorine in their water supply, the SoftPro Elite HE's NSF certification provides assurance that the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants. Standard 44 certification verifies that resin materials meet strict purity requirements and that the ion exchange process delivers consistent hardness removal without leaching unwanted substances. This certification becomes particularly important in Salem because chlorine can react with inferior resin materials to create taste and odor compounds not present in the original water.

Grain Capacity Options Sized for Salem Households

Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness allows homeowners to choose grain capacity based on actual household size rather than overbuilding for extreme hardness conditions. The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32K, 48K, 64K, and 80K grain options. For a typical Salem family of four, the 32,000-grain capacity provides optimal performance: 4 people × 75 gallons daily × 2.8 GPG = 840 grains daily demand, or 5,880 grains weekly. The 32K unit regenerates every 5-6 days, maximizing salt efficiency while maintaining consistent soft water delivery. Larger Salem households (5+ people) benefit from the 48K model to extend regeneration cycles and reduce operating costs.

10-Year Warranty Protection

At Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness level, resin experiences moderate but consistent mineral loading that requires long-term reliability rather than extreme-duty construction. The SoftPro Elite HE's 10-year warranty covers Salem homeowners during the critical period when moderate hardness stress accumulates into measurable wear. This warranty period reflects the manufacturer's confidence that their resin and control valve can handle Salem's specific mineral load without premature failure — a level of protection particularly valuable given the 8-12 year typical lifespan of water treatment equipment in moderately hard water areas.

Compatibility with Chlorine Pre-Treatment

The SoftPro Elite HE is designed to work effectively downstream of activated carbon filtration, allowing Salem residents to address both hardness and chlorine in a coordinated two-stage approach. While the softener itself doesn't remove chlorine, its resin chemistry remains stable and effective even when processing pre-filtered water. This compatibility means Salem homeowners can install a whole-house carbon filter upstream of the SoftPro to handle chlorine removal, then rely on the softener for complete hardness elimination — the optimal solution for Salem's dual water quality challenges.

For Salem households dealing with 2.8 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chlorine, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

7. Recommended Setup for Salem Homes

Salem's unique combination of moderate hardness and chlorine disinfection requires a thoughtful system configuration that addresses both challenges without over-treating or wasting money on unnecessary equipment.

Optimal Salem Configuration: Whole-house activated carbon filter (5-10 micron) → SoftPro Elite HE 32K → Standard plumbing distribution. This sequence removes chlorine first, protecting the softener resin from oxidation damage while eliminating taste and odor, then removes hardness minerals for complete water conditioning throughout the home.

Budget Salem Configuration: SoftPro Elite HE 32K only, with point-of-use carbon filters at kitchen sink and master bathroom. This approach prioritizes hardness removal for appliance protection while addressing chlorine taste/odor only at drinking and cooking locations.

Salem households using well water instead of city supply should test for iron and manganese before installation. Marion County's volcanic geology can contribute these metals to private wells, requiring additional pre-filtration upstream of the SoftPro Elite HE.

8. How to Size Your Softener for Salem

Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness simplifies softener sizing because moderate mineral content allows for precise capacity matching without the oversizing required in extremely hard water cities.

Step 1: Count household members
Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day
Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 2.8 GPG = daily grain demand
Step 4: Multiply by 7 = weekly grain demand
Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days
Step 6: Match to SoftPro Elite HE grain tier

Example for 4-person Salem household:
4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily
300 gallons × 2.8 GPG = 840 grains daily
840 × 7 days = 5,880 grains weekly
5,880 × 1.20 buffer = 7,056 grains weekly demand
Recommendation: SoftPro Elite HE 32K (regenerates every 4-5 days)

For Salem households with 5+ people, the 48K model extends regeneration to 6-7 days, reducing salt consumption and system wear. Households with 2-3 people can effectively use the 32K model with regeneration every 7-10 days, maximizing efficiency.

9. Installation in Salem: What to Know

Salem follows Oregon state plumbing codes that allow homeowner installation of water softeners without permits, but Marion County's volcanic soil and seasonal ground movement create installation considerations unique to the region.

Standard installation sequence places the SoftPro Elite HE after the main water shutoff valve but before the water heater — typically in the basement, utility room, or garage. Salem homes built before 1990 often have galvanized steel plumbing that requires careful valve placement to avoid disturbing corroded connections. The system needs a drain line for regeneration discharge, which Salem's municipal code allows to connect to laundry tubs, floor drains, or standpipes — but not directly to septic systems in rural Marion County areas.

Salem's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-65 PSI, well within the SoftPro Elite HE's operating range of 20-80 PSI. However, homes in West Salem's hillside neighborhoods occasionally experience pressure fluctuations during peak usage hours that benefit from a pressure tank installation alongside the softener.

For Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness level, use evaporated salt pellets or high-grade solar crystals. Evaporated pellets produce less brine tank residue and dissolve more completely, reducing maintenance frequency. Solar crystals cost less and perform adequately at moderate hardness levels, making them cost-effective for budget-conscious Salem households. Avoid rock salt, which contains impurities that can foul resin and reduce system lifespan.

At 2.8 GPG consumption rates, check salt levels monthly during winter (lower usage) and bi-weekly during summer (higher usage for lawn irrigation and increased showering). Maintain salt level above the water line in the brine tank but avoid overfilling, which can cause salt bridging problems.

10. Maintenance Schedule for Salem Homeowners

Salem's moderate 2.8 GPG hardness creates a maintenance schedule that's more forgiving than extremely hard water cities but requires more attention than soft water areas. The key is consistency rather than intensive intervention.

Monthly Tasks:
Check salt level (consumption averages 25-35 pounds monthly for Salem families)
Inspect for salt bridges — crusty formation above water line that blocks regeneration
Verify bypass valve remains in service position
Test one faucet for soft water feel and soap lathering

Every 3 Months:
Clean brine tank of accumulated sediment
Test post-softener water hardness with test strips — should read under 1 GPG
Inspect drain line for salt buildup or blockages
Check system for unusual noises during regeneration cycle

Annual Maintenance:
Complete brine tank disinfection and cleaning
Resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness exceeds 1 GPG consistently, resin may need cleaning
Control valve inspection and lubrication
Water usage audit to confirm regeneration frequency remains optimal

Every 5 Years:
Professional resin replacement evaluation — Salem's 2.8 GPG typically allows 8-12 years of resin life with proper maintenance
Control valve rebuild or replacement assessment
Plumbing connection inspection for mineral buildup or corrosion

Salem residents should establish baseline water quality readings before installation and retest 30 days after startup to confirm proper system performance. Keep records of salt usage, regeneration frequency, and any maintenance performed — this documentation helps identify problems early and maintains warranty coverage.

11. 30-Day Action Plan for Salem Homeowners

Salem residents ready to address their 2.8 GPG hardness and chlorine issues should follow this systematic approach to ensure proper system selection and installation.

Week 1: Assessment
Order a comprehensive water test kit specific to Oregon municipal water supplies. Test hardness, chlorine, pH, and TDS levels. Document current soap usage, energy bills, and photograph existing scale buildup on fixtures. Contact three local Salem plumbers for installation quotes if choosing professional installation.

Week 2: Research and Sizing
Calculate exact grain capacity needs using your household size and Salem's 2.8 GPG. Research SoftPro Elite HE pricing from multiple dealers. If adding chlorine filtration, get quotes for whole-house carbon systems. Verify installation space requirements in your utility area.

Week 3: Purchase and Preparation
Order the SoftPro Elite HE in the appropriate grain capacity. Purchase salt (evaporated pellets recommended for Salem conditions). Prepare installation area and verify drain access for regeneration discharge. Schedule installation if using professional services.

Week 4: Installation and Testing
Install system or oversee professional installation. Fill brine tank with salt, program control head for Salem's water conditions, and run initial regeneration cycle. Test water hardness after 24 hours of operation. Document baseline performance for future comparison.

12. Is Salem's water at 2.8 GPG dangerous to drink?

No, Salem's 2.8 GPG hardness level poses no health risks and actually provides beneficial calcium and magnesium minerals that many people lack in their diets. The World Health Organization notes that moderate water hardness may offer cardiovascular benefits. Salem's chlorinated North Santiam River supply meets all EPA drinking water standards, with regular testing results available through Marion County's annual water quality report. The minerals causing hardness are identical to those found in mineral supplements and health foods.

13. Will a water softener remove chlorine from Salem's water?

No, the SoftPro Elite HE water softener does not remove chlorine from Salem's municipal water supply. Ion exchange resin targets calcium and magnesium ions specifically, while chlorine molecules pass through unchanged. Salem residents seeking both hardness and chlorine removal should install an activated carbon whole-house filter upstream of the softener, or add point-of-use carbon filters at drinking water taps. This two-stage approach addresses both of Salem's primary water quality challenges effectively.

14. How much salt will I use per month in Salem at 2.8 GPG?

A typical Salem household of four people will consume approximately 25-35 pounds of salt monthly with a properly sized SoftPro Elite HE system. This calculation assumes 300 gallons daily usage at 2.8 GPG hardness with regeneration every 5-6 days. At current Salem area salt prices ($6-8 per 40-pound bag), monthly salt costs range from $5-7. Larger households or higher water usage increases salt consumption proportionally, while smaller households may use as little as 15-20 pounds monthly.

15. Does Salem require a permit to install a water softener?

Salem follows Oregon state codes that allow homeowner installation of water softeners without permits, as long as the installation doesn't modify main plumbing lines or electrical systems. However, if your installation requires new electrical circuits for the control head or modifications to main water lines, Marion County may require permits and inspection. Most standard installations connecting to existing plumbing with compression fittings or SharkBite connectors fall under homeowner maintenance exceptions. Check with Salem's building department if your installation involves significant plumbing modifications.

16. Why does soft water feel slippery in the shower?

Salem residents switching from 2.8 GPG hard water to softened water often notice a slippery or "slick" feeling on their skin during showers — this is actually your skin's natural oils functioning properly for the first time. Hard water's calcium ions form microscopic deposits that prevent soap from rinsing cleanly and block natural skin oils. Soft water allows complete soap removal and lets your skin's natural moisture barrier function normally. The slippery sensation is soap residue being completely eliminated rather than forming the sticky scum that Salem's hard water creates. Most people adjust to this sensation within 1-2 weeks.

17. How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Salem?

Salem homeowners notice immediate improvements in soap lathering and reduced spotting on dishes within 24 hours of SoftPro Elite HE installation. Skin and hair improvements become apparent within 3-7 days as existing mineral deposits wash away. Appliance efficiency gains develop gradually — water heaters show measurable improvement within 30-60 days as existing scale slowly dissolves. Complete removal of scale buildup in Salem plumbing systems takes 3-6 months, with the most dramatic improvements visible on shower doors, faucet aerators, and dishwasher interiors within the first month of operation.

Final Verdict for Salem

Salem's water hardness of 2.8 GPG demands Oregon-grade treatment that balances effectiveness with efficiency — neither the minimal intervention appropriate for Seattle's soft water nor the aggressive systems required in Arizona's extremely hard water cities. The presence of chlorine compounds the hardness problem by accelerating scale formation and creating taste issues that affect daily quality of life for Marion County residents.

The SoftPro Elite HE emerges as the optimal match for Salem conditions because its demand-initiated regeneration prevents both under-treatment during high-usage periods and salt waste during low-usage periods — critical for Salem's moderate but consistent mineral load. The system's NSF certification ensures reliable performance with chlorinated water, while multiple grain capacity options allow precise sizing for Salem household demographics without over-engineering.

For Salem families committed to protecting their homes from the gradual but persistent effects of 2.8 GPG hardness, the investment in proper water conditioning pays dividends in appliance longevity, energy efficiency, and daily comfort. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for a Salem household, and consider pairing with activated carbon filtration to address both of your city's primary water quality challenges.

Like the reliable North Santiam River that has supplied Salem for generations, the right water treatment system becomes invisible infrastructure that simply works — protecting your home while you focus on enjoying everything the Willamette Valley has to offer.