Question 1

Does boiling tap water make it pure?

Accepted Answer

Boiling kills harmful bacteria but does not remove salts, heavy metals, or toxic chemicals from industrial and agricultural pollution. Many contaminants are actually concentrated when the water is boiled because the purer water vapor is evaporated away.

Question 2

What about minerals: do RO appliances remove them, and if so, are they needed for health?

Accepted Answer

Inorganic minerals in water differ from organic forms found in food. Some inorganic minerals (sodium, nitrates, sulphates, toxic metals) are harmful. Less than 15% of minerals in water will actually be absorbed compared to over 80% from food sources. An 8-ounce glass of milk contains more calcium and magnesium than five gallons of water.

Question 3

How does Reverse Osmosis work?

Accepted Answer

Water is forced against a synthetic membrane using city water pressure. Only molecules of water dissolve in the unique membrane material and diffuse through it, forming pure water on the opposite side. Impurities do not dissolve in the membrane and are flushed away.

Question 4

Who invented or developed Reverse Osmosis?

Accepted Answer

UCLA scientist Sourirajin realized the potential of RO in the early 1950s. After the U.S. Office of Saline Water invested 33 million dollars in research, the process of Reverse Osmosis became a viable technology and is considered the latest and most advanced of water treatment techniques.

Question 5

What do water softeners do?

Accepted Answer

They remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange, replacing them with sodium. The resulting water is better for bathing and laundering, but it was not improved for drinking. A separate drinking water system (like RO) is recommended alongside softeners.

Question 6

What should I use Reverse Osmosis drinking water for?

Accepted Answer

Uses include drinking water, plants, cooking, baby formulas, juices, spot-free car rinse, aquariums, coffee and tea, batteries, ice cubes, complexion care, low-sodium diets, photography, weight loss, steam irons, cleaning solutions, windshield washer fluid, humidifiers, and radiators.

Question 7

How does RO drinking water compare with bottled water?

Accepted Answer

The very best bottled waters are actually made with a scaled-up version of the Reverse Osmosis drinking water appliances. Most bottled waters lack national quality standards; some brands have been tested and found to contain contaminant levels exceeding EPA regulations.

Question 8

How good is the water from vending machines?

Accepted Answer

Quality varies greatly. Better machines use RO-similar systems but may not remove organic chemicals thoroughly. Unless you know what the vending water treatment is and how well it is maintained, you cannot always be assured of contaminant-free water.

Question 9

Why don't municipal water treatment plants use giant RO systems?

Accepted Answer

The initial cost would be prohibitive and water bills would become exorbitant. Less than 2% of municipal water serves human consumption; treating all water to RO standards would be wasteful. Additionally, purified water would pick up contaminants from distribution pipes on the way to your home.

Question 10

How does RO drinking water taste?

Accepted Answer

RO reduces mineral salt content and enriches oxygen through the membrane, producing natural aeration. The result is simply delicious, refreshing, and clean.

Question 11

Do RO systems remove fluoride? Is fluoride necessary for preventing cavities?

Accepted Answer

RO removes over 90% of fluoride. The long-term effects of fluoride are debated, and several European countries have banned fluoridation. Alternatives like fluoride tablets provide safer, more precise dosing for dental health.

Question 12

Will ice made with RO water be different?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cloudiness in ice comes from excess dissolved solids; soft cubes result from mineral salts preventing perfect crystal formation. RO ice will look great and stand up much longer in your drinks: clearer, harder, and longer-lasting cubes.

Question 13

How do you make the best ice?

Accepted Answer

Start with low-TDS water (RO water), use large cube molds to release dissolved oxygen, and discard cubes frequently to prevent absorption of freezer odors. Crescent-shaped cubes usually turn out to be the clearest.

Question 14

What is the best water softener for Southern California hard water?

Accepted Answer

Southern California water is moderately to very hard (10-25 grains per gallon depending on your district). A properly sized ion-exchange water softener paired with a reverse osmosis drinking water system provides the best whole-home solution. Water Techniques designs custom systems based on your home size, water usage, and specific hardness levels.

Question 15

How much does a whole house water filtration system cost?

Accepted Answer

Whole-house water filtration system costs vary based on home size, water quality issues, and the level of treatment required. Basic systems start in the low thousands, while comprehensive home systems with softening, filtration, and reverse osmosis can be a larger investment. Water Techniques provides free consultations and customized proposals based on your specific water quality and property needs.

Question 16

Can water softeners remove PFAS?

Accepted Answer

Standard water softeners do not remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS removal requires specialized treatment, typically a high-quality reverse osmosis system or granular activated carbon filtration. PFAS contamination is a known concern in parts of Southern California, and Water Techniques can test your water and recommend the right treatment system for PFAS reduction.

Question 17

Is Southern California tap water safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Southern California municipal water meets EPA and California regulatory standards. However, "safe" and "optimal" are different. Southern California water is typically hard (high in calcium and magnesium), may contain chloramine disinfectant, and some areas have documented PFAS contamination above recommended levels. A point-of-use reverse osmosis system can significantly improve taste and reduce contaminants beyond what municipal treatment provides.

Question 18

How often should I replace my reverse osmosis filters?

Accepted Answer

Pre-filters and post-filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on usage and water quality. The RO membrane itself typically lasts 2 to 5 years. Water Techniques offers scheduled maintenance programs that handle all filter replacements and system checks so you never have to worry about it.

Question 19

What does a water softener do?

Accepted Answer

A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) from your water supply through ion exchange. Soft water prevents scale buildup in pipes and appliances, makes soap lather more effectively, reduces spots on glass and fixtures, and helps clothes and hair feel softer. In Southern California, where water hardness ranges from 10-25+ grains per gallon, softeners are especially beneficial.

Question 20

Is hard water or soft water better for your home?

Accepted Answer

For household use, soft water is significantly better. Hard water causes scale buildup in water heaters (reducing efficiency by up to 30%), damages luxury fixtures and glass shower doors, shortens appliance lifespan, and leaves residue on skin and hair. Soft water throughout your home protects your investment and reduces cleaning time. For drinking water, a separate RO system provides the best results.

Question 21

Do I need a water softener if I have city water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most Southern California areas. City water treatment removes bacteria and pathogens but does not address hardness minerals. Most Southern California municipal water sources test at 10-25+ grains per gallon of hardness, well above the 3.5 GPG threshold where softening is recommended. A water softener protects your plumbing, appliances, fixtures, and daily comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Your Water

Ready to Elevate
Your Home?

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Your Water

Ready to ElevateYour Home?

Ready to Elevate
Your Home?