Home Water Filtration vs. Home Water Softening
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: |
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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

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.

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.