One question we are frequently asked is, “Do water filters soften water?” Many people use the terms “water filters” and “water softeners” interchangeably, mistakenly assuming water filters soften water. However, they do not. There are key differences between what water filters do and what water softeners do. Learning more about these differences is important to determine which type of water treatment solution is best for your Las Vegas home.
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What Is a Water Filter?
A water filter is a portable or permanent device that filters water and removes impurities from it, such as:
- Chlorine
- Metals
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungicide
- Sediment
- Particulates
- VOCs
- Microplastics
What Does a Water Filter Do?
A water filter is designed to remove contaminants and improve its smell and taste. Water filters eliminate the need to buy bottled water, saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars on safe, clear, clean water for drinking and cooking.
How Water Filters Work
Water filters work by passing water through various types of cartridges that remove impurities from the water. The number of stages and filters used will vary depending on the type of water filter. Systems with at least three stages are usually recommended to have the best-filtered water.
Portable Water Filters vs. Whole Home Water Filtration Systems
There are several different types of water filters, but they are not all created equally. Portable water filters, like pictures and countertop models, are designed to provide basic filtration and can remove chlorine and improve the odor and taste of water.
The filters are also much smaller and do not last as long, meaning they must be replaced more frequently. The cost per gallon of filtered water usually tends to be much higher than that of a whole-home water filtration system.
Conversely, whole-home water filtration systems provide the most efficient and effective water filtration. They remove the most contaminants from the water and ensure every fixture and faucet in the home has filtered water. The cost per gallon of filtered water is also much less compared to portable filters.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems
Another option when you only want filtered water for drinking and cooking is under-counter water filtration systems. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration systems are the most popular under-counter model. These systems do much more than filter water. They also purify it by removing up to 99% of harmful substances from your drinking water. So, not only is your water filtered, but it is also purified.
Learn more about water-saving Reverse Osmosis Systems.
What Is Water Softening?
In Las Vegas, city water and well water have some of the highest levels of magnesium and calcium, making the water some of the hardest in the nation. While the city does treat the water, it does not remove these minerals from your drinking water.
So, your fixtures, pipes, and appliances can get ruined with scale buildup, white stains, and mineral deposits. Water softening is the process of removing these minerals from the water to protect your home’s plumbing, fixtures, and appliances.
What Does a Water Softener Do?
Water softening systems help remove magnesium and calcium from city and well water. Some water softeners will also remove very small amounts of iron, sediment, and dirt, but nothing as noticeable as with a water filter.
The Ion Exchange Process in Modern Water Softeners
Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove magnesium, calcium, and other minerals from water. During the process, these ions are attracted to resin beads inside the softener and replaced with potassium or sodium ions.
Once the resin beads are depleted, the softener performs a regeneration cycle to remove the minerals and recharge them using a concentrate brine solution. Some softeners will not provide softened water while the regeneration process runs. Others, like our Quad 80 Water Conditioning System, continue providing softened water even while the regeneration runs.
Is a Water Filter or Water Softener Better?
Deciding whether a water filter or water softener is better depends on the quality of the water coming into your home. If you are concerned about chlorine and other contaminants, you will want a water filter. On the other hand, if you are worried about hard water, a water softener is better.
Do I Need Both a Water Filtration System and a Water Softener?
Most people need both water filtration systems and water softeners for Las Vegas homes. The city’s water is very hard and can damage your home’s plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. Even though city water in Vegas is considered safe to drink, most people still want a water filter to improve the quality, taste, and smell of their drinking and cooking water.
Free Reverse Osmosis System With Purchase of a Quad 80 Water Conditioning System
Water conditioning provides homes in Las Vegas with a complete water filtration and softening solution. At Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas, we supply a free Reverse Osmosis System when you purchase our Quad 80 Water Conditioning System. Our Reverse Osmosis system filters and purifies water, producing the best-quality water for your home.
The Best Whole Home Reverse Osmosis Systems for Las Vegas Homes
While water conditioning systems deliver the best-quality water for Las Vegas homes, they do remove many beneficial minerals that are good for the body. Our Alkaline Water Reverse Osmosis systems use special technology to remineralize the water, raising the pH levels and restoring the beneficial healing and detoxifying effects.
Call Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas for All of Your Water Treatment Needs
It is easy to find the perfect water treatment solution for your home with help from Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas. Our family-owned and operated business can help customize a water treatment solution to address Vegas’ hard water and provide you with the best-tasting filtered water.
Our systems are built here locally in Las Vegas, and we offer direct manufacturer pricing, saving you money. We also offer a full 10-year warranty, no lemon policy, and free installation with an existing loop. Contact us today to request a free customized water treatment solution for your home, or visit our showroom in person.
Discover the Rain Water difference today.
Sources:
Ion Exchange in Water Treatment. (2022).
Kershner, K. (2023). How Reverse Osmosis Works.
Water Quality FAQs. (2024).
Tags: Choosing the Right Water Filtration System, Water Filtration Systems in Las Vegas