Choose your city
About Water Filtration
Water quality varies significantly across US cities and regions. Hard water — high in dissolved calcium and magnesium — is common throughout the Southwest, Texas, and Florida, causing scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances, spotted dishes, and dry skin after showering. Whole-home water softeners address hardness throughout the house. For drinking water concerns — taste, odor, or contaminant removal — under-sink reverse osmosis systems provide the highest purity.
Before investing in a water treatment system, get your water tested. Municipal water reports (required annually) show what's in water leaving the treatment plant, but home plumbing can add contaminants. Independent water testing gives you a precise picture of what you're actually drinking and using, and helps you choose the right treatment solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange. It doesn't filter contaminants or improve taste. A water filter removes specific contaminants — chlorine, sediment, lead, VOCs — depending on filter type. Most households with hard water benefit from both.
Does a water softener make water safe to drink?
No. Softeners replace calcium and magnesium with sodium ions — not suitable for people on sodium-restricted diets. Softened water still contains whatever other contaminants were in the source water. For drinking water, add an RO system at the kitchen sink.
How much does a whole-home water softener cost?
Quality whole-home water softeners run $1,500-$3,500 installed, depending on grain capacity and brand. Salt costs $20-$40 per month for average households. Many water treatment companies offer lease or rent-to-own options.
How do I know if I need a water softener?
Signs of hard water include scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware, dry or itchy skin after showering, frequent soap scum, and shortened appliance life. A simple water hardness test kit confirms whether softening is warranted.