A system and method for regeneration of an ion exchange material employed in a water softening or conditioning system. The method includes the step of contacting the ion exchange material with an aqueous process fluid that includes a compound having as set forth in General Formula I to yield a regenerated ion exchange material with at least one target material removed. The target material includes at least one of the following: metal ions such as those that have been extracted from a source of hard water, ionically soluble organic compounds, active water borne pathogens. During the contacting step, at least a portion of the target material associated with the ion exchange material is removed from association with the ion exchange material. After removal from association with the ion exchange material, the target material is retained in the process fluid and conveyed to a suitable recovery and/or removal source.