Hard water has a high mineral content, as opposed to soft water. Hard water has a lot of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone and chalk, which are largely made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates.

The minerals in hard water can interfere with soaps and detergents, diminishing their ability to lather and clean effectively. Additionally, these minerals can accumulate on various surfaces, potentially causing damage to your plumbing, fixtures, and equipment.

A water softener will replace the harmful minerals in your water with sodium, which will not hinder the work of soaps and detergents or build up on surfaces.

Softened water generally does not taste salty. The amount of sodium added is minimal and considered negligible for the human body.

With softened water, your soap will lather more effectively and clean more thoroughly. You'll notice minimal to no white mineral buildup on your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Using less detergent for laundry will help your clothes last longer and eliminate spots caused by minerals in the water. Additionally, softened water will reduce long-term wear and tear on your pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.

Reverse osmosis is a process that forces water through a membrane at high pressure to produce highly purified water. Most bottled purified water available in the United States is made using reverse osmosis. This type of water is excellent for drinking, cooking, and various other uses.

Yes, industrial-grade reverse osmosis systems can sometimes produce water with slightly fewer impurities compared to home systems, though the difference is often minimal. Both types of systems essentially produce the same quality of water. Additionally, since home reverse osmosis water isn't stored in plastic bottles or jugs, it doesn't have the plastic taste that can sometimes be present in bottled water.

You'll consistently have pure and great-tasting water for drinking and cooking. The system is often connected to your refrigerator's ice maker, ensuring that your ice cubes chill your drinks without introducing any undesirable flavors.