MYTH: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY WASH OUT SOAP USING SOFT WATER

Showering in soft water can make your skin feel 'slippery' and may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo are never truly rinsed away. In fact, by removing the hardness from your water, a softener removes the barrier to the moisturizing agents within soap and shampoo. With hard water, soap residue leaves skin dry, and hair dull. But with soft water, you get to experience your skin and hair how they were always meant to be experienced - shiny and full of life. Clean, soft water is the instant boost your body never knew it needed.

MYTH: SOFT WATER TASTES SALTY

Some believe that because a water softener uses salt to remove water hardness, that the water that comes from a water softener must also taste salty. This is markedly false. In fact, most do not realize how little sodium is in soft water. The average amount of sodium in a quart of water from a water softener is 75 to 100 mg. That's less sodium than a slice of white bread. Another solution? Add a Reverse Osmosis water filter for completely sodium-free drinking water.

MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND WATER

Hague's technological advances in water softeners began in 1960 and are more energy-efficient than most conventional water softeners on the market. With the use of patented technology such as directional flow screens, our systems are fast, use minimal salt and waste little water.

MYTH: SALT-FREE AND SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENERS ARE THE SAME

While many salt-free or saltless water systems do exist, they are almost always 'descalers,' not true water softeners. This means that they only break down the hardness from the water entering your home. They do not help prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and appliances, but all the other benefits of soft water are forfeited.

MYTH: BOTTLED WATER IS MORE CONVENIENT, CHEAPER, AND CLEANER THAN SOFT WATER

Bottled water may be convenient, but it is definitely not cheap. Buying bottled water can result in paying 240 to 10,000 times more per-liter than making the most of your tap water. Not to mention the negative effects on the environment by using and throwing away all those plastic bottles. Bottled water can sometimes be perceived as 'pure water' or 'purified water,' but in most cases, bottled water is no purer than tap water.

How to Know If Your Water Has Lead & What to Do About It

February 11, 2025

If you’ve received a letter saying there may be lead in your water service lines, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Lead in drinking water is a serious issue, but the good news is that you can test your water and take steps to fix it.

The first step is confirming whether your home’s water has lead. This can be done through a simple inspection of your service line or a water test. If lead is present, there are filtration options and long-term solutions to ensure your water is safe.

This guide will walk you through how to check for lead, what to do if it’s in your water, and how to get expert help.

How to Check If Your Water Has Lead

Signs Your Water May Contain Lead

Lead in water isn’t always visible, but there are a few warning signs to watch for:

Discolored water – Brown, yellow, or cloudy water can indicate lead or other contaminants.
Metallic taste – Water with lead may have a slightly bitter or metallic taste.
Old plumbing – Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.

Even if your water looks and tastes fine, testing is the only way to know for sure.

How to Inspect Your Water Service Line for Lead

One way to check for lead is by inspecting your home’s water service line—the pipe that brings water from the main supply into your house. Here’s how:

Find Your Water Line – Look under the kitchen sink, in the basement, or near your water meter.
Scratch the Pipe’s Surface – Use a key or coin to scratch a small section of the pipe.
If the pipe is shiny and silver, it may be lead.
If a magnet sticks to the pipe, it’s likely steel, not lead.
Check for Softness – Lead pipes are softer and can be dented with light pressure.

If your service line is lead or contains lead solder, your home’s water may be contaminated.

Water Testing Options: Home Kits vs. Professional Lab Testing

Testing your water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present. You have two options:

Home Test Kits – Available at hardware stores for around $20 to $50. These can detect lead, but they aren’t as accurate as lab tests.
Professional Water Testing – A certified lab provides detailed results, including the lead level in parts per billion (ppb). This usually costs $50 to $200, but it’s the most accurate way to check your water.

Understanding Test Results: What Lead Levels Are Dangerous?

0 ppb (parts per billion) – Ideal. No lead detected.
1-15 ppb – Some lead is present. Action should be taken.
Above 15 ppb – Considered unsafe. Immediate steps are needed to remove lead from your water.

If your test detects lead, don’t panic—but take action quickly. In the next section, we’ll cover what to do if lead is in your water.

What to Do If Lead is Found in Your Water

If your water test confirms lead, take action immediately to protect your household. Some solutions offer a quick fix, while others provide long-term safety.

Immediate Safety Measures

Until you install a permanent solution, follow these steps to reduce exposure:

Flush Your Pipes – Run cold water from each tap for at least 5 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps clear out lead that may have built up in the pipes overnight.
Use Cold Water for Cooking & Drinking – Hot water leaches lead from pipes more easily. Always start with cold water, even when boiling.
Use Bottled Water When Needed – If your lead levels are high, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula until a filtration system is installed.
Avoid Using Unfiltered Water for Baby Formula – Infants are especially vulnerable to lead exposure.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Solutions: What Works Best?

Not all lead removal methods are equally effective. Here’s how different options compare:

Solution	Effectiveness	Cost Estimate
Faucet or Pitcher Filter	Good for small-scale use, but doesn’t protect the whole house	$30–$100
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters	Removes 99% of lead, but only at specific faucets	$200–$600
Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems	Best long-term solution, protects all water sources	$1,000–$4,000
Lead Pipe Replacement	Permanent solution but costly	$2,000–$10,000

Water Filtration Options: Reverse Osmosis, Activated Carbon, Whole-Home Filters

If replacing pipes isn’t an immediate option, installing a high-quality water filtration system is the next best step:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters – Installed under the sink, these remove 99% of lead but only from the water used at that faucet.
Activated Carbon Filters – These can reduce lead but are not as effective as RO filters. Always check if the filter is NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified for lead removal.
Whole-Home Filtration Systems – The most comprehensive solution. These systems ensure all water—from taps to showers—is free from lead, providing long-term protection.

When to Consider Lead Pipe Replacement

If your home has lead pipes, replacing them is the best permanent solution. Here’s what to know:

Contact your local water provider to ask if they offer lead pipe replacement programs or financial assistance.
If replacing pipes isn’t possible right away, pair a whole-home filtration system with temporary fixes like faucet filters.

Taking action now ensures your water is safe and your family is protected from long-term lead exposure.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Lead in water is a serious issue, especially because it builds up in the body over time. The longer you’re exposed, the greater the risk of health problems.

Children and Infants – Lead exposure can affect brain development, cause learning disabilities, and lead to behavioral problems. Even low levels can have long-term effects.
Pregnant Women – Lead can pass through the placenta, increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental issues for the baby.
Adults – Long-term exposure can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, and neurological issues.

The good news? Lead exposure is preventable. Taking action now—whether through filtration or replacing pipes—ensures your water is safe for years to come.

Get Expert Help for Lead-Free Water

If your water has lead, the safest solution is professional water treatment. While DIY filters provide temporary relief, a whole-home system ensures long-term protection for your entire household.

Worried About Lead in Your Water? We Can Help!

Did you receive a letter stating there may be lead in your water service lines? Don’t take chances with your family’s health—get your water tested today.

At Puresoft Water Treatments, we provide:

✅ Professional water testing to detect lead contamination
✅ Custom water filtration solutions to remove lead effectively
✅ Whole-home treatment systems for long-term water safety

Clean, safe water starts here. Call today to schedule your test!

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Understanding VOCs and Heavy Metals in Central Indiana Tap Water

March 22, 2026

Learn how VOCs and heavy metals affect Central Indiana tap water. Discover their sources, health risks, and the best treatment systems for clean, safe water.

Preventing Scale Build-Up: Tips for Homeowners in Franklin, IN

March 19, 2026

Learn how Franklin, IN homeowners can prevent scale build-up, protect plumbing, and extend appliance life with effective water treatment solutions.

How to Choose Between Salt-Based and Salt-Free Water Softeners for Indiana Homes

March 15, 2026

Learn the difference between salt-based and salt-free water softeners for Indiana homes. Discover which system best fits your water quality, budget, and maintenance needs.

Protecting Your Well Water: Treatment Options for Indiana Homes

March 12, 2026

Introduction For many Indiana homeowners, private wells are the main source of household water. Unlike city water, well water isn’t treated or monitored by local utilities — meaning the responsibility for safety and quality falls entirely on the homeowner. While well water can taste fresh and natural, it can also contain iron, manganese, sulfur, bacteria, and even trace contaminants like nitrates or arsenic. Over time, these impurities can damage plumbing, stain fixtures, and impact health if left untreated. This guide explores the most effective treatment options for Indiana well water , helping you protect your home, your appliances, and your family. Understanding Well Water in Indiana Why Well Water Requires Special Attention Indiana’s geology includes layers of limestone, shale, and sand — materials that naturally leach minerals into groundwater. That’s why homes across Johnson, Morgan, and Brown counties often experience high hardness levels and metal content. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells don’t have chlorine disinfection or centralized filtration. That means: There’s no automatic testing or regulation . Water quality can change seasonally after rain or drought. Contaminants like bacteria or iron can enter through soil or aging well components. Routine testing and treatment are essential to ensure safety and performance. Common Issues Found in Indiana Wells Before discussing treatment systems, here are the most frequent problems homeowners in Franklin and surrounding areas encounter: Hard Water: High calcium and magnesium causing scale buildup. Iron and Manganese: Staining sinks, laundry, and fixtures. Sulfur Odor: “Rotten egg” smell from hydrogen sulfide gas. Bacteria or Coliform Contamination: Unsafe for consumption without disinfection. Sediment and Cloudiness: From sand or clay infiltration. Nitrates and VOCs: Often from agricultural runoff or nearby industrial areas. Understanding which of these affect your water is the first step to finding the right solution. Best Treatment Options for Indiana Well Water Every well is unique — but the following systems address the most common problems found across Indiana homes. 1. Water Softeners for Hardness and Iron Hard water is nearly universal in Indiana. A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, and small amounts of iron using an ion exchange process. This prevents scale buildup in pipes, improves soap efficiency, and protects water heaters and fixtures. Best for: Hardness levels above 7 grains per gallon (gpg) or visible scaling. Maintenance tip: Check salt levels regularly and schedule system servicing once a year. 2. Iron and Manganese Filtration Systems If you notice orange or black stains, your water likely contains dissolved metals. Filtration systems with oxidation media or air injection convert these metals into solid particles that are then trapped and flushed away. Best for: Moderate to high iron or manganese content. Example system types: Birm or Katalox Light filters Air-oxidizing iron filters Chlorine injection with carbon filtration for severe contamination 3. Activated Carbon Filtration for Odors and Chemicals Activated carbon filters are excellent for improving taste and removing chemical contaminants like chlorine, VOCs, or pesticides. While wells don’t typically have chlorine, carbon filters are ideal for eliminating musty or metallic tastes and sulfur smells. Best for: Odors, discoloration, or chemical runoff from agricultural areas. Maintenance tip: Replace carbon media every 6–12 months depending on use and water quality. 4. UV Disinfection Systems for Bacteria Even a small crack in your well casing can introduce bacteria or coliform organisms into the water supply. Ultraviolet (UV) systems disinfect water using light instead of chemicals, effectively neutralizing harmful microorganisms without altering taste. Best for: Homes with recurring bacteria problems or no chlorination. Important note: UV systems require clear water — pair with a sediment or carbon filter for best performance. 5. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems for Drinking Water For the purest water possible, reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, including nitrates, arsenic, and lead. RO units are typically installed under the kitchen sink or as part of a point-of-use system. Best for: Households concerned about chemical contaminants or heavy metals. Added benefit: Ideal for cooking and baby formula preparation. 6. Sediment Filters for Clarity and Equipment Protection Sediment filters trap sand, rust, and silt before they reach your home’s main plumbing. These filters are inexpensive and extend the life of other treatment systems by preventing clogging. Best for: Homes drawing from shallow wells or older wells prone to sediment infiltration. How to Protect and Maintain Your Well Water Even the best treatment systems need proper maintenance to stay effective. Follow these key steps to ensure consistent water quality year-round. Schedule Annual Testing The Indiana Department of Health recommends testing private wells at least once per year for bacteria, nitrates, and metals. Seasonal flooding or construction nearby can change your water composition quickly. Inspect and Clean the Well Cap Ensure the cap is sealed, secure, and free from debris. A compromised seal can allow insects or surface runoff to contaminate your water. Service Filtration Equipment Regularly Filters, softeners, and UV bulbs all have service intervals. Partnering with a local Franklin water treatment professional ensures these components are replaced and calibrated properly. Keep Records of Water Tests and Maintenance Tracking results over time helps identify trends and anticipate issues before they affect your home. Frequently Asked Questions