Abstract: A system for reducing the hardness of raw water to a level where it is suitable for circulation to a boiler wherein the water is converted to steam for generating power and subsequent use in equipment for building tires. The system employs, (i) a sedimentation tank in which a mixture of raw water, lime and soda ash is heated to cause the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the water as a sludge; (ii) a filter with a bed of coal for removing sludge which escapes with the water removed from the sedimentation tank; (iii) a softener with a resinous bed of sodium zeolite resin for further reducing the hardness of the water to a desired or tolerable level; and (iiii) a special filter or trap between the coal filter and zeolite softener for removing particles of coal carried along by the water as it flows through the coal filter, since the particles of coal eventually destroy the capacity and effectiveness of the zeolite softener.