Even with city water, there are several reasons why a whole-house system is beneficial in our region. While municipalities treat water, they primarily focus on meeting minimum safety standards. This often leaves residual chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals in the water. Additionally, Southwest Florida's water sources can contain:

• Hard water minerals: Calcium and magnesium, leading to scale buildup on appliances and fixtures.

• Sediment and sand: Especially after storms or during infrastructure work.

• Disinfection byproducts: Resulting from the interaction of chlorine with organic matter.

  Therefore, a whole-house system provides an extra layer of protection, improving water quality for drinking, bathing, and appliance longevity. It removes these unwanted elements, giving you cleaner, better-tasting water throughout your home.

The ideal system depends on your specific needs and water quality, but common setups in our area include:

• Sediment filters: These remove sand, silt, and other particles, protecting your plumbing and other filters.

• Carbon filters: These reduce chlorine, chloramines, and organic compounds, improving taste and odor.

• Water softeners: Essential for combating hard water, preventing scale buildup and improving soap efficiency.

• Reverse osmosis (RO) systems: While often used for point-of-use (under-sink) drinking water, whole-house RO systems are available for very high purity water.

Often, a combination of these is used. For many homes, a sediment pre-filter, followed by a carbon filter and a water softener, is a very effective setup. It is always best to have a water test performed, to insure the correct system is installed.

Maintenance frequency depends on the system and water quality, but here's a general guideline:

• Filter changes: Sediment and carbon filters typically need replacement every 6-12 months.

• Water softener maintenance: Regularly check salt levels and clean the brine tank. (Monthly)

• RO system maintenance: Filter and membrane replacements are required, typically every 1-3 years.

It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and schedule regular inspections by a qualified technician. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents system failures. In Southwest Florida, with high mineral content in the water, staying on top of maintenance is very important.

A properly sized and installed system should have minimal impact on water pressure. However, several factors can affect it:

• System size: An undersized system can restrict flow.

• Filter condition: Clogged filters reduce water pressure.

• Plumbing conditions: Existing plumbing issues can exacerbate pressure problems.

A professional plumber can assess your home's plumbing and recommend a system that maintains adequate water pressure. Additionally, ensuring that the filter cartridges are changed at the proper intervals will help to maintain the water pressure within your home.