Water Softeners: Does a water softener treat my drinking water?

Water softeners do not treat water for drinking purposes. A water softener is good for the home's plumbing and water-related appliances, but does little to improve the taste or quality of your drinking water. A water softener reduces hardness (calcium and magnesium) in tap water by adding salts and is usually installed at the point-of-entry of water to the house. However, it does not treat for countless other contaminants which can affect the taste and purity of your water.

Water Softeners: Will a water softener harm a Reverse Osmosis System?

Water softeners actually help extend the life of the your RO System. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium by adding sodium to water. Calcium and magnesium are two of the hardest minerals for an RO Membrane to remove. Sodium (added to the water by the softener) is much easier on the membrane. Ninety-eight percent of the sodium water softeners add are removed by the membrane.

Water Softeners: Will an RO System soften water?

Water is softened through the Reverse Osmosis process. However, hard water (above 7 grains of hardness) will shorten the life of the RO Membrane. The harder the water, the shorter the life of the Membrane. We recommend using a water softener if your area has hard water. The softener should take effect before the water enters the RO System.

Water Softeners: How do water softeners work with the RO System?

If your area has hard water we recommend running your water through a water softener before it enters the RO System. A water softener helps extend the life of the RO System. Water Softeners remove calcium and magnesium by adding sodium to water. Calcium and magnesium are two of the hardest minerals for an RO Membrane to remove. Sodium (added to the water by the softener) is much easier on the membrane. 98% of the sodium water softeners add are removed by the membrane.


If you don’t have a water softener the Reverse Osmosis process will soften water. However. hard water (above 7 grains of hardness) will shorten the life of the RO Membrane. The harder the water, the shorter the lifespan. We recommend using a water softener if your area has hard water. The softener should take effect before the water enters the RO System.