Methods and systems for employing softened acidified water sources from an acid regenerated ion exchange resins are disclosed. Various methods of dispensing and/or using the softened acidic water generated by an acid regenerate-able ion exchange resin are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, including water conditioning agents, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.