The need for safe, healthful water is critical to all human life. The public water authorities do the best they can to provide us with water that is free of disease-causing pathogens and contaminants. However water that is passed through a series of distribution lines before it reaches our homes may contain sediment and other impurities. The water available to us (excluding private wells) here in Southern California is generally safe and the taste is not too bad. However there are some things you can do to improve the quality, taste and safety of your water if you choose to.

Water Softeners: Hard water is water that contains elevated levels of calcium, magnesium, or both. A visible indication of hard water is the appearance of white spots on faucets, shower doors, and the cloudy film on your dishes. A less visible but more serious problem is the build up of lime and scale in your plumbing fixtures which can shorten their useful life. Studies have shown that having a water softener can actually save you money by extending the life of your clothing, using less soap, saving energy by keeping your water heater more efficient, and extending the life of your appliances. Of course you also get the added benefits of softer skin, shinier hair, cleaner dishes… We recommend and stock the North Star brand of water softeners. These modern units are virtually trouble free and require very little maintenance other than occasionally adding salt. While we often think Southern California has the hardest water anywhere it is not nearly as hard as other places in the US. The hardness does vary from area to area so bring in a sample for a free test and we will tell you just how hard your water actually is.

Filtration: Basically, water is passed through a medium in order to trap whatever you want eliminated (taste, odor, sediment) from the water. We can help you with anything from a large whole house filter with electric controls or small point of use unit and anything in between. There are many to choose from with varying capabilities and price points. Many filters have specific uses; tankless water heaters, ice makers, drinking water etc. We stock and recommend the Aqua Pure line of water filters. We also carry several other replacement filters if you need one for your system.

Reverse Osmosis: This water is considered to be the same quality as bottled water with the convenience of having it in your home. RO water is excellent for ice cubes, baby formulas, auto batteries, steam irons, humidifiers, and the good taste will help you drink more water. A RO system typically consists of the following stages:

-prefilter: larger particles such as silt, rust, and scale, are removed. This extends the life of your system and allows the membrane to attack smaller particles. This filter should be changed yearly.

-membrane: this is the center of the system and it allows hydrogen and oxygen to pass through its microscopic pores. Dissolved solids are now removed from the water and flushed to the drain. The membrane generally needs to be changed every 2-3 years.

-storage tank: RO systems require the use of a tank because the water needs to be stored as it is purified. Various systems will “percolate” at different rates, but 10 gal/day is usually plenty for most households.

-post filter: When water is called for it flows from the tank through this filter for a final polishing. Activated carbon removes any remaining tastes and odors, delivering to you only the freshest, cleanest water possible. This filter should be changed yearly.

We recommend and stock the Liquatec reverse osmosis systems and carry a full line of parts and dispensers as well. Bring in a sample of your RO water and we will test it for you to see if your membrane needs to be changed.

Whatever your water needs might be, give us a call or stop by our store and see what we can offer because, there is no substitute for experience.