Water Systems

You likely need a water system if your tap water is contaminated or has other quality issues, which can be determined by having your water tested. A system is necessary if you use a private well or have known high levels of contaminants, chemicals, or hard water in your municipal supply. Water tests can identify if you need a water filter, a water softener, or both to address specific contaminants or hard minerals.

Do you need a water system?

A water system isn't always necessary, but you should consider one if your water has:

Contaminants:
Chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, or other pollutants that can affect your health.

Hardness:
High levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can damage plumbing, leave spots on dishes, and lead to dry hair and skin.

Poor taste or odor:
Chlorine or chloramine in city water can give it an unpleasant taste and smell.

Discoloration:
Yellow, brown, green, or red tints in your water can indicate the presence of contaminants.

How to find out what you need

1. Test your water:
The best way to determine if you need a water system is to get your tap water tested.

2. Check with your municipality:
For city water, review the water quality reports available from your local utility to understand any existing contamination.

3. Test your well water:
If you use a private well, it's crucial to test for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants that may be present in groundwater.

Types of systems

Water filters:
These systems remove contaminants like chemicals, bacteria, and sediment to improve the taste, smell, and safety of your water.

Water softeners:
These systems specifically target hard minerals, using methods like ion exchange to remove them.

When a system might be necessary

Private well:
You should have your well water tested regularly and consider a water filtration or treatment system to ensure it's safe for consumption.

Municipal water with known issues:
If your city's water supply has high levels of specific contaminants or high hardness, a whole-house system may be a good idea.