If you live in California, you might be concerned about your water quality at home. Many people prefer to use bottled or filtered water instead of tap water for drinking, cooking, and washing because it improves their quality of life.
Even though California has strict public water regulatory standards, many residents believe their tap water could still be improved. Water treatment plants meet health guidelines, but they don’t remove every trace of minerals, chemicals, or byproducts. Some of these substances can affect the taste and scent of your water—and in some cases, they may impact your health.
While California’s tap water is generally safe, it can still contain remnants of industrial and agricultural runoff, lead, heavy metals, minerals, and sediment, plus the chlorine and chloramine that treatment centers use to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms.
If you live near the Sacramento and Feather Rivers, your tap water could contain trace levels of copper, mercury, and pesticides like lindane, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos. Installing a residential water filtration system can significantly reduce your exposure to these contaminants and make your water taste fresher. It’s a straightforward solution with long-term benefits for your health, plumbing, and peace of mind.
What Are the Benefits of Home Water Filtration?
Having access to clean water is essential to your well-being, and home-filtered water can be reliably clean, fresh-tasting, and cost-effective. Here’s why installing a home water filtration system can be a smart choice.
Your Water Will Taste Better
Filters that remove chlorine, fluoride, silt, and other impurities give your water a pure taste that’s preferable to the taste of unfiltered tap water. As a result, the food you cook and the beverages you make may also have a better flavor.
Your Health May Improve
Many people report improvements in digestion, skin, and overall wellness when switching to filtered water—especially when contaminants like chlorine, lead, or heavy metals are present. While results vary, clean water supports better hydration, digestion, and skin health.
You May Save Money
Filtered tap water is typically a less expensive alternative to bottled water. Experts note that bottled water can cost between $1 and $5 per gallon, while home-filtered water can cost $0.25 or less per gallon. In the long run, you could save hundreds of dollars annually by using filtered water.
You’ll Experience Less Hassle
Home filtration systems give you access to fresh, great-tasting water whenever you turn on the tap. You won’t need to source or haul around bottles of water, and you can benefit by having clean water available anytime for cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
You’ll Support the Environment
Buying bottled water harms the environment by depleting natural resources, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to plastic pollution, and harming marine life. Installing a home water filtration system is a mindful choice that cuts down on waste and reduces your carbon footprint while providing clean water whenever you need it.
You’ll Protect Your Plumbing System
California tap water often has a high calcium and magnesium content, which can lead to scale buildup in your plumbing system. Water filtration systems can help prevent hard water from damaging your pipes, fixtures, and appliances; extend their lifespan; and improve water flow. They can also make your tubs, sinks, tiles, and fixtures easier to clean so that they look better longer.
What Types of Home Water Filtration Systems Are Available?
Investing in water filtration can make life better for your entire household, and there are many options to choose from. An expert plumber can help you find the filtration solution that best suits your needs. Below, we’ll cover the different types of water treatment systems you might want to install and discuss how they clean your water.
Types of home water filtration systems include:
Whole-House Water Filtration Systems
Whole-house water filtration systems are installed by professional plumbers at the point where the water main connects to your home so that all your taps, including your kitchen faucet, showers, and washing machine, deliver filtered water. They frequently combine a variety of complementary filtration methods to remove as many contaminants as possible.
Point-of-Use/Under-Sink Water Filtration Systems
Point-of-use water filtration systems are a localized solution that filters water at your kitchen sink. They are designed to serve people who prioritize having cleaner water available for drinking and cooking.
Well Water Filtration Systems
Well water filtration systems can remove sediment, iron, manganese, and other minerals and use UV disinfection to kill microorganisms in your water supply. These systems are especially important for rural homes that rely on private well water.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to remove impurities from your water. High-quality RO systems can eliminate up to 99% of contaminants, including fluoride, heavy metals, chlorine, nitrates, and other dissolved solids.
Activated Carbon Filtering
Activated carbon filters can absorb and remove chlorine, chloramines, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your water. They can improve the taste and scent of your water and make it gentler on your skin.
UV Filtering
UV filters kill bacteria and other microorganisms by exposing your water to ultraviolet light. While they don’t technically filter out particles or remove chemical impurities, they effectively disinfect your water.
How Do I Choose the Right Water Filtration System for My Home?
Choosing the right water filtration system for your California home involves considering several factors:
Have I Tested My Water?
Before investing in a water filtration system, have a professional water test conducted to identify specific contaminants. You can use a home testing kit to assess your water quality, but sending your water to a certified lab may provide more accurate and detailed results.
Where Does My Water Come From?
The source of your water can influence its quality. City water and well water may have unique contaminant profiles that respond best to particular treatment systems.
How Do I Use Water at Home?
Whole-house water filtration systems can be ideal for hard water or chlorine removal, while point-of-use systems may be sufficient if you only want to improve your drinking water. Consider your water quality and how you use water in your home before making your choice.
What Are My Priorities?
When you’re choosing a water filtration system, consider how much effort it will take to maintain it. Some systems are relatively hands-off, while others require frequent filter changes. A filtration system that suits your lifestyle will best meet your needs.
Enjoy Fresh, Clear Water Anytime With a Home Water Filtration System
Huft Home Services believes in providing Sacramento, CA residents like you with safe, clean water that enhances your day-to-day life. Our licensed plumbers can help you select the water filtration solution that suits your needs best.
We’ll ensure your system performs reliably, so you always have fresh, pure water when you need it. Our team can also install a new water heater, provide emergency plumbing services, and address any home plumbing needs you may have.
To learn more about how our team can improve your water quality, contact us today!
