Options for Improving Your Water: (Water Treatments)

Water Conditioning: Any water which has been treated by one or more processes (filtration, softening, absorption etc.) to improve the water's usefulness and aesthetic quality by reducing undesirable substances (iron, odor, hardness etc.).

Filtration: The process of separating unwanted solids ( iron, sand etc.) from water by means of various media beds layered in a tank before it's fed into the household supply lines. Filtration units clean themselves automatically through periodic backwashing, therefore, there are no filters to change.

Softening: Hardness (calcium and magnesium) is known to clog pipes and complicate soaps dissolving in water. Water softening is a technique that removes calcium and magnesium ions from water by the installation of a water softener before it's fed into the household supply lines. Water softeners regenerate automatically with efficient use of either sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Absorption: Problematic water(odor etc.) that is treated by penetrating into a substance that is layered in a filter (most often carbon) that absorbs odor. Absorption filters do not require backwashing and have to be serviced periodically by the homeowner to refresh the media.

Which method is appropriate for you?

The type of process you use (softening, filtration or absorption) is usually dictated by your water chemistry and anticipated water usage. A water quality consultant at A&B Water can help you interpret your water test to determine which filter(s) would be appropriate to eliminate undesirable substances in your water and the appropriate sequence for installation.