Home Water Filtration vs. Home Water Softening

Last Updated on: May 3, 2022

woman drinking hydrogen infused water

What’s the difference between home water filtration and home water softening? And which filtration system is right for you?

WHAT IS WATER SOFTENER?

A water softener is needed when you have hard water. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content. These minerals often include calcium, magnesium, and lime. Hard water can cause dry itchy skin, lower the life of your water appliances, and cause mineral buildup on your taps and other water appliances. (1)

HARD WATER ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Did you know … Ancient seabeds covering most of the U.S. have resulted in high levels of limestone in the water. Because of this, 85% of the United States has hard water. The cities with the hardest water include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, San Antonio, and Tampa. (2)

WHAT DOES A HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM DO?

A good home water filtration system should remove:

Heavy metals: lead, copper, iron, arsenic, etc.
Pesticides
Sediments and particles
Chlorine and chloramine

A good filtration system should also leave your water fresher and tasting better. But which filtration system is right for you?

WHICH DO YOU NEED?

You need a water softener if:	You need a water filter if:
You suffer from dry, irritated skin. There is residue left behind after washing (cloudy spots on your dishes, glasses, etc.). Your kettle has a buildup of white flakes from the water. You have mineral buildup on your taps and other plumbing features. Your laundry detergent is not fully lifting away dirt and stains, or it is not fully dissolving. Your appliances are being affected. Appliances that use water, like the dishwasher and washing machine, eventually have their water supply and drain lines blocked by mineral deposits. These mineral deposits also affect the internal machine components (e.g., accumulating on the spinning dishwasher arms).	You live in an area where chemical contamination in your water is a concern. Your water tastes or smells “off.” You live in an area that uses well water. You live in an area where there are high levels of iron or sulfur in the water. You live in a rural area where unwanted minerals, pesticides, or animal contaminants can seep into the water. Your house was built before 1986. This was the year that lead water pipes were banned. Lead-based pipes can seep toxins into your water that lead to several health issues.

You need a water softener if:

You need a water filter if:

You suffer from dry, irritated skin.
There is residue left behind after washing (cloudy spots on your dishes, glasses, etc.).
Your kettle has a buildup of white flakes from the water.
You have mineral buildup on your taps and other plumbing features.
Your laundry detergent is not fully lifting away dirt and stains, or it is not fully dissolving.
Your appliances are being affected. Appliances that use water, like the dishwasher and washing machine, eventually have their water supply and drain lines blocked by mineral deposits. These mineral deposits also affect the internal machine components (e.g., accumulating on the spinning dishwasher arms).

You live in an area where chemical contamination in your water is a concern.
Your water tastes or smells “off.”
You live in an area that uses well water.
You live in an area where there are high levels of iron or sulfur in the water.
You live in a rural area where unwanted minerals, pesticides, or animal contaminants can seep into the water.
Your house was built before 1986. This was the year that lead water pipes were banned. Lead-based pipes can seep toxins into your water that lead to several health issues.

WHOLE HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

Synergy Home Filter™

The Synergy Home Filter™ is designed to protect your entire home. This system offers five stages of robust filtration. Designed to last up to seven years, this system removes toxins and contaminants from your home water. Here are just a few of the contaminants this system protects you from:

Algae
Atrazine
Bacteria
Beryllium
Bisphenol
Cadmium
Chlorine & Chloramines
Corium
Cycloate
Esters
Glycols
Heavy Metals (Mercury, Lead, Iron, Arsenic)
Herbicides
Hydrocarbons
Inorganic Contaminants
Manganese
Microbial Contaminants
Mold
Nitrates
Oil
PCBs
Pesticides
Pharmaceutical Contaminants
Poliovirus
Rotavirus
Scale
Selenium
Sodium Fluoride
Solvents
Styrene
Triclosan
Tricyclazole

Man changing filter on a home water filtration system — *The Synergy Home Filter™ offers five stages of robust filtration.*

SMALLER FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Echo Water™ Machine Filters

There are two important components to the Echo Machines: the Cleaning Cartridge and the Echo Filter. The Cleaning Cartridge is a small, one-time-use cartridge that releases cleansing citric acid throughout the Echo Machines. The citric acid removes any unwanted particles, taste, or buildup.

The second component is the Echo Filter. Designed to last 1,000 gallons or 4,000 liters, the Echo Filter removes 90% or more of soluble metal, including: mercury, lead, nickel, copper, chromium, and arsenic. The Echo Filter also removes:

Pesticides
Chlorine
Chloramines
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungus
Algae

The Cleaning Cartridge and the filter can be used for the Echo 7 Machine™, Echo H2 Machine™, Echo 9 Machine™, Echo 9 Ultra Machine™ and the Echo Ultimate™.

Fluoride Filter

The Fluoride Filter uses high-grade NSF-Certified filtration for heavy metals, arsenic, chlorine, lead, and all types of fluoride added to drinking water in the USA. This type of water is recommended for people who use city water.

Sulfur and Heavy Metals Filter

The Sulfur and Heavy Metals Filter is recommended for those whose water source is well water. This filter is designed to remove iron, sulfur, and hydrogen sulfide (what gives the water a rotten egg smell) from water.

woman drinking h2 water — *The Fluoride Filter is recommended for people who use city water.*

FILTERS FOR HARD WATER

Hard Water Filter

The Hard Water Filter is specifically designed to soften hard water. By decreasing the total dissolved solids (TDS) in your water, this filter is able to negate the negative effects of hard water.

For more information about soft water filters and home water filtration systems, check out the Synergy Science™ Website.