If you don't enjoy drinking the tap water from your home, even when it's cold or stored in a water bottle, it could be due to the hard water you have at home. The obvious solution is to use a water softener system, but an all-inclusive system that includes adequate amounts of sodium can quickly become expensive to maintain. Therefore, it is a good idea to use a smaller scale system that allows you to pick and choose which water source you want to treat. This option also allows you to slowly become used to the new taste of your improved water.

#1-Understand Your Hard Water

A water softener system is necessary for most people who live in an area with water that is high in magnesium and calcium. When present in large amounts, you may notice that your water has an unusual taste and even clean dishes or laundry may look cloudy. Water softeners typically work by exchanging sodium for the existing minerals and as a result, you should consider your on-going costs when making your decision.

#2-Remember That It Doesn't Have To Be An All Or Nothing Situation

Fortunately, now there are water softeners that allow you to only soften specific water sources, so if one person in your household is not bothered by the hard water, you do not have to soften water in their bathroom. You can similarly elect to not soften water that is used in cooking. By limiting the use of water softeners and by extension, sodium, you can save money in the future.

#3-Now, Think Small, Like Individual Water Softeners In Water Bottles And Pitchers

It is not unusual for the primary complaint about hard water to relate to its taste. The high levels of magnesium and calcium can distort the water, so even if you do not make any other changes, it is a good idea to invest in a water pitcher and water bottles with a miniature softener system in place.

A reusable water bottle resembles other water bottles, except it has a small filter built in. A water pitcher that softens water does the same thing and you should plan to replace the filters occasionally. In addition, it is important to note that a water pitcher that uses a softener will usually be able to hold less water than similar units and gravity allows the water to be filtered.

In conclusion, by understanding your hard water and choosing to limit treated water to easily accessed water sources, you can look forward to both saving money and enjoying water again. Due to the lower costs associated with softening only certain types or sources of water, you can save money and slowly become used to softened water.

To learn more about water softener systems, contact a company like Dupage Water Conditioning.