This paper reviews the chemicals and processes applied in various methods of water softening with pellet reactors in the Netherlands. Emphasis is given to a new reactor concept based on crystallization on a seeding material with sodium hydroxide. During long-term,full-scale operations, this concept has provided low-cost softening and eliminated problems with solids disposal. (This paper was presented at the AWWA 1983 Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 5-9, 1983.) Includes 16 references, tables, figures.