MYTH: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY WASH OUT SOAP USING SOFT WATER

Showering in soft water can make your skin feel 'slippery' and may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo are never truly rinsed away. In fact, by removing the hardness from your water, a softener removes the barrier to the moisturizing agents within soap and shampoo. With hard water, soap residue leaves skin dry, and hair dull. But with soft water, you get to experience your skin and hair how they were always meant to be experienced - shiny and full of life. Clean, soft water is the instant boost your body never knew it needed.

MYTH: SOFT WATER TASTES SALTY

Some believe that because a water softener uses salt to remove water hardness, that the water that comes from a water softener must also taste salty. This is markedly false. In fact, most do not realize how little sodium is in soft water. The average amount of sodium in a quart of water from a water softener is 75 to 100 mg. That's less sodium than a slice of white bread. Another solution? Add a Reverse Osmosis water filter for completely sodium-free drinking water.

MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND WATER

Hague's technological advances in water softeners began in 1960 and are more energy-efficient than most conventional water softeners on the market. With the use of patented technology such as directional flow screens, our systems are fast, use minimal salt and waste little water.

MYTH: SALT-FREE AND SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENERS ARE THE SAME

While many salt-free or saltless water systems do exist, they are almost always 'descalers,' not true water softeners. This means that they only break down the hardness from the water entering your home. They do not help prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and appliances, but all the other benefits of soft water are forfeited.

MYTH: BOTTLED WATER IS MORE CONVENIENT, CHEAPER, AND CLEANER THAN SOFT WATER

Bottled water may be convenient, but it is definitely not cheap. Buying bottled water can result in paying 240 to 10,000 times more per-liter than making the most of your tap water. Not to mention the negative effects on the environment by using and throwing away all those plastic bottles. Bottled water can sometimes be perceived as 'pure water' or 'purified water,' but in most cases, bottled water is no purer than tap water.

What Contaminants Do Water Filters Remove?

April 1, 2025

When you turn on your tap, the water might look clean—but that doesn’t mean it’s pure. Hidden beneath the surface can be chlorine, lead, rust, bacteria, and even traces of medication. Water filters are designed to capture these contaminants, giving your family cleaner, safer, better-tasting water. This guide explains what different filters remove, what they don’t, and how to choose the right one for your home.

Why Water Contaminants Are a Concern

Water can collect unwanted materials from multiple sources—aging pipes, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and natural mineral deposits. Over time, these contaminants can affect everything from your health to your appliances. Protecting your water supply isn’t just about taste—it’s about long-term well-being and peace of mind.

Chemical Contaminants Removed by Water Filters

Chemical contaminants are often invisible but potentially harmful.

Lead: Common in older plumbing systems; linked to developmental and neurological damage. Reverse osmosis and carbon filters can effectively remove lead.
Chlorine: Used for disinfection but leaves water tasting and smelling unpleasant. Activated carbon filters quickly absorb chlorine and its by-products.
Fluoride: Helpful in moderation but excessive levels can pose risks. Reverse osmosis systems can reduce fluoride content to safer levels.

Each of these chemicals can change how your water tastes and how safe it is to drink, which is why chemical filtration is such a critical step.

Biological Contaminants

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can sneak into your water supply through untreated groundwater or compromised municipal systems.

Bacteria and Viruses: Systems with UV purification or reverse osmosis eliminate harmful pathogens like E. coli and norovirus.
Protozoa and Cysts: Organisms like Giardia and Cryptosporidium cause severe stomach issues. Fine-micron filters trap these before they reach your tap.

These biological filters protect your home from the illnesses that contaminated water can cause.

Physical Contaminants and Sediment

Even if your water is chemically balanced, it can still carry visible particles. Sediment filters capture:

Dirt and Sand: Often from natural wells or construction disturbances.
Rust and Scale: Released from aging pipes, discoloring water and damaging fixtures.

A sediment filter helps keep your water clear and your plumbing running efficiently.

Emerging Contaminants You Should Know About

Modern life introduces new challenges to our water supply.

Pharmaceuticals: Traces of medication can pass through wastewater systems. Advanced carbon or reverse osmosis filters help reduce these residues.
Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles from packaging and textiles are increasingly common. Reverse osmosis systems and ultrafine filters help capture them before they reach your glass.

These pollutants may not be on every water report yet, but forward-thinking homeowners are filtering them out now to stay ahead of future risks.

Choosing the Right Water Filter

No single filter fits every home—it depends on what’s in your water.
Start with a water test or review your city’s annual water quality report. Then match your concerns to the right technology:

If your water smells or tastes bad, choose an activated carbon filter.
If you have scale buildup, go for a water softener.
If you want comprehensive protection, install a reverse osmosis system.

Regular maintenance—changing filters and cleaning systems—is just as important as the filter itself to maintain consistent performance.

Conclusion

Clean water isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. By understanding which contaminants different filters remove, you can make informed decisions that protect your home, health, and peace of mind. Whether you’re targeting chlorine taste, lead exposure, or the newest threats like microplastics, the right filtration system ensures every glass of water you pour is truly safe.

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Why Do Some Whole-Home Water Filters Cost More?

June 7, 2026

Introduction Two whole-home water filtration systems can look similar at first glance yet come with completely different price tags. One system may seem relatively affordable, while another costs significantly more before installation is even included. That difference often confuses homeowners who are trying to compare options. The reality is that whole-home water filters are designed for very different water conditions, property sizes, and treatment goals. Some systems only target basic sediment issues, while others are built to handle chlorine, iron, sulfur, heavy mineral content, or multiple contaminants at the same time. Pricing usually reflects how much treatment work the system is expected to perform. For homeowners researching filtration options, understanding what actually drives those costs makes it easier to compare systems based on long-term value instead of just the lowest upfront number. Not All Whole-Home Filters Solve the Same Problems One of the biggest reasons for price differences is that water quality problems vary widely between homes. Some households mainly want to improve taste and odor. Others are dealing with staining, sediment, well water contaminants, or chemical exposure concerns. The more complex the water issue becomes, the more advanced the filtration system usually needs to be. Basic Sediment Filtration Entry-level systems often focus mainly on sediment removal. These filters are commonly used to reduce: Dirt Sand Rust particles Debris from aging pipes Sediment systems are generally less expensive because they use simpler filtration media and fewer treatment stages. Carbon Filtration Systems Carbon filtration systems usually cost more because they target additional contaminants such as: