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.

What to Know About Fluoride, Chlorine & Other Additives in Plainfield Tap Water

December 28, 2025

Introduction

When you pour a glass of water from the tap in Plainfield, Indiana, it may look clear and taste fine—but there’s more in it than meets the eye. Like most municipal systems, Plainfield’s water supply contains additives such as fluoride and chlorine. These additives serve important public health purposes, but they also raise questions for homeowners who want to understand exactly what’s in their drinking water.

This article breaks down what these additives are, why they’re used, and what options exist if you want to reduce or remove them at home.

Understanding Tap Water Additives

Municipal water systems use a combination of additives to ensure safe delivery to homes. While generally regulated and safe, these additives can affect taste, odor, and household use.

Fluoride

Purpose: Added to promote dental health by strengthening tooth enamel.
Benefits: Reduces cavities, especially in children.
Concerns: Some residents prefer to limit fluoride intake, citing potential overexposure through multiple sources.

Chlorine

Purpose: Acts as a disinfectant to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in water.
Benefits: Keeps water safe during transport through pipes.
Concerns: Can cause a bleach-like taste or odor, and may dry out skin or hair.

Chloramines

Purpose: A combination of chlorine and ammonia, sometimes used as a longer-lasting disinfectant.
Benefits: More stable than chlorine alone.
Concerns: Can be difficult to remove and may contribute to plumbing issues in certain systems.

Other additives or naturally occurring elements

Iron and manganese: Often naturally present in Indiana water supplies, leading to staining and taste issues.
Sediment and minerals: May appear due to local groundwater conditions or pipe corrosion.

How Additives Affect Plainfield Homes

While additives keep water safe, they can create challenges for everyday household use.

Taste and odor issues: Chlorine can give water a chemical taste, while iron can create a metallic flavor.
Skin and hair dryness: Chlorine strips natural oils, leading to irritation for some people.
Staining and buildup: Iron and manganese cause red or black stains on fixtures and laundry.
Appliance wear: Minerals and chemical interactions can shorten the life of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.

For Plainfield residents, the question isn’t just about safety—it’s also about comfort, convenience, and long-term home maintenance.

What You Can Do About Additives in Your Water

Plainfield homeowners who want greater control over their water quality can take practical steps to reduce or eliminate unwanted additives.

Step 1: Test your water

Start with a professional water test. This provides a full picture of chlorine, fluoride, iron, hardness, and other key factors.

Step 2: Decide on your goals

If your priority is taste, focus on chlorine and sediment reduction.
If you’re concerned about overall health, consider filtration systems that address fluoride or chloramines.
If you want appliance protection, look at whole-house solutions.

Step 3: Choose the right treatment

Carbon filters: Effective for chlorine, chloramines, and improving taste.
Reverse osmosis systems: Excellent for fluoride and other dissolved contaminants, often used at the kitchen sink.
Whole-house filtration: Provides protection for every faucet, appliance, and shower.
Water softeners: Address hardness and reduce scale buildup from minerals.

Step 4: Maintain your system

No matter which system you choose, filters need to be replaced and equipment serviced regularly to keep water quality consistent.

FAQs About Fluoride, Chlorine, and Tap Water Additives

Is fluoride in Plainfield water safe?
Yes. Fluoride is added at levels regulated by the EPA and health authorities. However, some families choose additional filtration for personal preference.
Why does my water sometimes smell like bleach?
That smell is usually chlorine, especially noticeable when water is hot. A carbon filter can greatly reduce it.
Can I remove fluoride from my tap water?
Yes, but standard filters won’t work. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for reducing fluoride.
What’s the difference between chlorine and chloramine in water?
Chlorine disinfects quickly but dissipates faster, while chloramine lasts longer in the system. Both are used for safety, but chloramine is harder to remove.
Do Plainfield homes really need extra filtration?
Not for safety, since the water meets regulations. But for better taste, softer skin, and protection of plumbing and appliances, filtration is often worth it.

Conclusion

Plainfield tap water is treated with additives like fluoride and chlorine to ensure it’s safe for public use. While these additives serve important functions, they also impact taste, comfort, and household efficiency. By testing your water and choosing the right filtration system, you can enjoy water that not only meets safety standards but also feels and tastes better every day.

For families in Plainfield, the right water treatment solution means healthier water, longer-lasting appliances, and greater peace of mind.

< Older Post