Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is iron a problem in my water?
A: Iron or rust in water can be found in five different forms. The two most common types are clear water iron and particle iron. These will cause staining in your tubs and sinks, in your laundy and even your hair. The other three types are iron bacteria, organic iron, and collodial iron. These will cause reddish stains and may have a sulphur (rotten egg) odor or have a tea colored appearance in the water. 

Q: What is hard water?
A: Hard water is probably the most common water problem found in the home. Hard water spots your glasses and dishes, makes laundry dull, and causes soap scum and scale to build-up making cleaning a chore. The most common hardness causing minerals are Calcium and Magnesium that is dissolved in a water supply.

According to the Water Quality Association, hard water is water that contains dissolved hardness minerals above 1 GPG (grains per gallon). Relative levels of hardness have been established:

• Soft Water - less than 1 gpg
• Slightly hard - 1 to 3.5 gpg
• Moderately hard - 3.5 to 7 gpg
• Hard - 7 to 10.5 gpg
• Very Hard - 10.5 and higher gpg

Using an ion exchange water softener is the most common form of treatment.

Q: Is hard water a problem?
A: Just a few grains of mineral such as calcium or magnesium in your water is considered hard. Hard water can cost the homeowner more in energy and cleaning products per year than the cost of a water conditioner. Hard water will leave spots on glasses and dishware, discolor your laundry, and may cause dry skin. It may also cause water heater burnout and clogged pipes.

Q: How much soap should I use with softened water?
A: Using too much soap is a hard habit to break. When first using softened water for household cleaning, a good way to adjust to the difference in cleaning efficiency is to use as little soap as possible. Try using a quarter cup rather than the cup or more that may have been necessary prior to the installation of a water softener. If necessary, gradually increase the quantity used to produce the desired results.

Q: What is the difference between softening water and filtering water?
A: You don't have to be a hydrologist to understand the basic principles behind water filtration and water softening. Here's an abridged version of what happens when you filter or soften water.

Filtering water involves separating mineral particles, like particulates, iron, hydrogen sulfide or other organic matter, from H2O. By passing water through a "filter bed," or "media bed," these granular particles are trapped - and clean water passes through the bed.

Softening water involves something called "ion exchange" to remove dissolved minerals - like calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese - that can't be trapped in a filter bed. Softeners use fresh resin beads with sodium attached to the resin. As water enters the tank, dissolved calcium and magnesium are attracted to the resin. The resin passes up the sodium in exchange for the dissolved chemicals and the water is then rid of these impurities.

Filtering or softening, which do you need?

Whether you use a filter or a softener depends on whether the contaminates in your water are particles or dissolved minerals. Culligan® Water Filters remove the substances from your water that can cause staining, foul odors, and the need for excessive cleanup. Household chores become easier because your water is working with you, not against you.

To find out what's ailing your water, contact us for a free water analysis.

Q: If I have city water, do I need a water filter?
A: The city does in fact provide you with safe drinking water, however hardness, dissolved oxygen or slightly lower pH, and chlorine may all be present in your water affecting the taste and quality of your water.

Q: Why drink bottled water if tap water is fine?
A: While public systems continue to produce water which meets all minimum health requirements, the water produced is often highly chlorintated, or simply does not look, taste, or smell good. People consume only about 1% of the water used in this country and many people feel that high quality drinking water is not a luxury, but a necessity for good health!