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.

Lead, Nitrates, and Other Heavy Metals: What Central Indiana Homeowners Should Test For

November 2, 2025

Introduction

You pour a glass of water from the tap and assume it’s safe — after all, it’s clear and tastes fine. But many contaminants that threaten water quality are invisible and tasteless.

For homeowners across Central Indiana, lead, nitrates, and heavy metals are among the most concerning contaminants. These pollutants can affect your health, your family’s safety, and even your plumbing system.

This article explores what these contaminants are, why testing matters, and what steps Central Indiana homeowners should take to ensure their water is safe.

Understanding Lead, Nitrates, and Heavy Metals in Water

Before testing, it’s important to understand where these contaminants come from and why they’re a concern.

Lead in Water

Source: Usually enters water through lead pipes, service lines, or solder in older homes.
Risks: Especially harmful to children, causing developmental delays and behavioral issues. No safe level of lead is considered acceptable.

Nitrates in Water

Source: Often come from agricultural runoff, fertilizers, septic systems, or animal waste leaching into groundwater.
Risks: High levels can cause “blue baby syndrome” in infants and may impact adult health when consumed over time.

Other Heavy Metals

Copper: Can leach from plumbing; in excess may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Arsenic: Found naturally in groundwater in some areas; associated with long-term health effects.
Chromium-6: Industrial contaminant linked to cancer risks in prolonged exposure.

Why Water Testing Is Critical in Central Indiana

Even if your home is connected to city water, contaminants can still enter through aging pipes or local infrastructure. Rural homes with wells face even higher risk since private wells are not regulated by municipal standards.

Testing helps you:

Detect invisible contaminants before they harm health
Choose the right filtration system (different contaminants require different solutions)
Monitor your water after plumbing updates or local construction
Gain peace of mind knowing your water is safe for drinking and cooking

Step-by-Step Guide to Water Testing and Treatment

Here’s a simple process for Central Indiana homeowners to follow.

Schedule a Professional Water Test
Request a comprehensive test that checks for lead, nitrates, heavy metals, hardness, and other potential contaminants.
Review Your Results Carefully
Look for levels above EPA or state-recommended limits. Even low levels of lead may be cause for concern.
Choose an Appropriate Solution
Lead: Point-of-entry filters with certified lead removal media, or reverse osmosis for drinking water.
Nitrates: Specialized nitrate removal filters or reverse osmosis systems.
Arsenic and Chromium: Advanced filtration like adsorption media or RO.
Install and Maintain Your System
Ensure professional installation and follow maintenance schedules to keep filters effective.
Retest Regularly
Test annually or after major plumbing work, flooding, or local infrastructure changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lead still a problem if my house is newer?
Homes built after 1986 are less likely to have lead pipes, but lead can still be present in solder, fixtures, or municipal lines.

Can boiling water remove lead or nitrates?
No. Boiling does not remove these contaminants and can actually concentrate nitrates.

How often should I test my water?
At least once a year for private wells, and every few years for city water, or whenever you notice changes in taste, odor, or clarity.

Are home water test kits accurate?
They can be helpful for initial screening, but lab testing provides more accurate and detailed results.

What is the fastest way to remove lead from drinking water?
Certified point-of-use filters or reverse osmosis systems can reduce lead levels immediately once installed.

Conclusion

Lead, nitrates, and other heavy metals are silent threats to water quality in Central Indiana homes. The only way to know for sure what’s in your water is to test it — and the right solution can be tailored to your specific results.

By investing in water testing and the appropriate filtration or treatment system, you protect your family’s health, extend the life of your plumbing, and enjoy greater peace of mind every time you turn on the tap.

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