Central Iowa communities rely on a number of sources for their water. Whether you receive water from a private well, the city’s water provider, or have bottled water delivered from Crystal Clear, homeowners should understand the difference between water softeners and reverse osmosis filtration. Knowing how each system affects your water quality can help you decide if your home would benefit from a whole-home water softener or a reverse osmosis system instead.
Water Softener Benefits and Uses
How do you know if the water in your home could use a water softener? The water in your home may be too hard if:
● Clean dishes still have soap residue.
● More shampoo and soap is needed to clean your hair and skin.
● Clothes become dingy or don’t last as long as they should.
● Pipes and water heaters show signs of corrosion or need to be replaced prematurely.
Hard water contains high concentrations of abrasive minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Water softeners “soften” the water through the process of ionization, replacing magnesium and calcium with gentler minerals, like sodium. The benefits of water softeners include:
● Cleaner dishes
● Whiter and brighter laundry
● Increased appliance longevity
● Fewer clogged pipes
● Crisper, more natural taste
Keep in mind that water softeners do not filter water and do not remove other contaminants.
Reverse Osmosis Filtration Benefits and Uses
Reverse osmosis is a filtration system that has become popular among homeowners, particularly those with wells, who wish to improve the taste and health of their water. Dissolved minerals and other contaminants are physically removed during the reverse osmosis process by forcing the water through a filter. The benefits of a whole-home reverse osmosis system include:
• Better-tasting water: Reverse osmosis improves the taste of water by removing pollutants.
• Soft water: Similar to water softeners, reverse osmosis filtration removes magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that cause hard water.
• Chemical removal: Reverse osmosis does not use chemicals in its water filtration process, making it more environmentally friendly than other filtration systems.
• No odors or color: Water may have a strange odor or be slightly discolored due to contaminants and minerals. Reverse osmosis removes these sources, leaving nothing but clear, odorless water.
If you just want to target your drinking water, point-of-use reverse osmosis systems are available to install under your sink for clean, crisp-tasting water.
Whether you need a water softener to reduce your water’s hardness or you need a complete reverse osmosis filtration system, Crystal Clear Bottled Water serves Des Moines, Grimes, and the surrounding area for all your water quality needs. If you’re unsure which system is best for your home, give us a call today! Our professionals will make recommendations based on your unique water preferences.