They solve different problems. A water softener removes hardness minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, using ion exchange. It stops scale on fixtures and inside appliances, but it doesn’t make water taste better or remove most contaminants.

A water filter removes things from the water rather than exchanging minerals. Depending on the type, a whole-home filter can reduce chlorine and chloramine taste and smell, sediment, iron, sulfur odor and some chemicals. A reverse osmosis system, usually installed under the kitchen sink, goes further for drinking water, removing most dissolved solids along with contaminants like lead, arsenic and nitrates. Many homes pair a softener for the whole house with a filter or reverse osmosis system for drinking water.

Water softeners and water filtration are installed at all four Element locations. Reverse osmosis systems are offered by our St. George & Hurricane team only.