Water Treatment Solutions

Different water problems need different solutions. Understanding which category you need is more important than choosing a specific brand.

The water treatment industry is worth $20 billion. A lot of that goes to selling equipment people do not need. Before browsing products, understand the categories. A softener solves hard water. A filter solves contaminants. A conditioner prevents scale without removing minerals. Reverse osmosis provides the most thorough drinking water purification. Start with your city's data, then match the solution to the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A softener uses ion exchange to remove hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium). A filter uses carbon, membranes, or other media to remove contaminants (chlorine, PFAS, lead). They solve different problems. Full decision guide →
How much does a water softener cost?
Equipment: $400-2,000. Installation: $200-500. Total: $600-2,500 depending on capacity and features. Ongoing salt costs $50-100/year. A softener typically pays for itself in 12-18 months through energy savings and reduced soap/detergent usage. Cost breakdown →
What is the best water treatment system for my home?
It depends entirely on your water data. Start by checking your city on CheckMyTap, then use our decision guide. Hard water → softener. PFAS/lead → RO or certified filter. Chlorine taste → carbon filter. Check your water →
Do I need a whole-house system or just a kitchen filter?
If your concern is drinking water only (PFAS, lead), a point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap is sufficient and more affordable. If you have hard water affecting appliances and plumbing, you need whole-house treatment.