Best Water Softener for Bakersfield, CA — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Bakersfield, CA

Walk into any appliance repair shop in Bakersfield and ask the owner about water heater replacements. You'll hear the same story: Bakersfield homeowners replace water heaters every 6-8 years instead of the national average of 10-12 years. The culprit isn't manufacturing defects or poor installation — it's Bakersfield's relentless 12.3 grains per gallon (GPG) water hardness that transforms every drop of municipal water into a mineral delivery system.

To understand what 12.3 GPG means in practical terms, imagine each gallon of Bakersfield water carries the mineral equivalent of crushing 12.3 grains of rice into powder and stirring it in. That calcium and magnesium doesn't disappear when you turn on the tap — it accumulates inside your pipes, coats your water heater elements, and builds crystalline deposits throughout every water-using appliance in your home.

Bakersfield draws its municipal water supply primarily from the Kern River and local groundwater wells, both of which flow through calcium-rich geological formations in the southern San Joaquin Valley. At 12.3 GPG, Bakersfield's water is classified as "Very Hard" — a designation that puts it in the top 15% of hardest municipal water supplies in California. For the 380,000 residents served by California Water Service and the City of Bakersfield's water systems, this means every shower, every load of laundry, and every cup of coffee contributes to an ongoing mineral siege against household infrastructure.

The financial impact compounds daily. A typical Bakersfield household at 12.3 GPG hardness pays an estimated $1,200-$1,800 annually in what water quality experts call the "hard water tax" — extra soap and detergent, increased energy costs from scale-clogged appliances, premature replacement of dishwashers and washing machines, and the constant battle against white spotting on glassware and fixtures. This isn't a comfort issue or aesthetic preference; it's a measurable threat to home value and family budget in a city where housing costs already strain household finances.

2. What 12.3 GPG Does to Your Home

At Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG hardness level, calcium carbonate begins forming visible scale deposits within 30 days of continuous exposure. Inside your water heater, these minerals don't simply float harmlessly — they precipitate out of solution when heated, forming concrete-hard layers on heating elements and tank walls. Industry testing shows that water heaters operating in 12+ GPG conditions lose approximately 25-30% of their heating efficiency within the first 18 months of operation.

The crystallization process happens at the molecular level every time Bakersfield water is heated above 140°F or allowed to evaporate. Calcium and magnesium ions bond directly to metal surfaces, creating calcite formations that grow thicker with each heating cycle. A 40-gallon electric water heater serving a family of four in Bakersfield will accumulate 15-20 pounds of mineral scale over five years — enough solid buildup to reduce tank capacity by 8-10 gallons and force the heating elements to work 40% harder to maintain temperature.

Bakersfield's older neighborhoods, particularly those built before 1980 with galvanized steel plumbing, face accelerated pipe degradation at 12.3 GPG. The combination of hard minerals and chlorine treatment creates an electrochemical reaction that etches pipe walls from the inside out. Homeowners in areas like Rosedale, Panorama Bluffs, and the original Kern Island developments report measurable water pressure drops within 10-15 years — a timeline that coincides directly with mineral buildup reducing effective pipe diameter.

Appliance manufacturers recognize the destructive potential of Bakersfield's water hardness. Bosch, Whirlpool, and GE all void tankless water heater warranties if the unit operates above 7 GPG without a water softener — Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG exceeds this threshold by 75%. Dishwashers face similar challenges: at 12.3 GPG, the wash pump and spray arm nozzles accumulate enough mineral buildup to reduce cleaning effectiveness within 8-12 months, and the interior glass panels develop permanent etching that cannot be reversed.

The soap and detergent waste at 12.3 GPG creates a measurable monthly expense for Bakersfield households. Calcium and magnesium ions react with soap molecules to form insoluble curds instead of cleaning lather, forcing families to use 3-4 times the recommended amount of laundry detergent, dish soap, and body wash to achieve basic cleaning results. For a typical Bakersfield household, this translates to an additional $35-50 per month in soap, shampoo, and detergent purchases — costs that multiply year after year without softened water.

Personal care becomes noticeably more difficult in 12.3 GPG water. Calcium ions strip natural moisture from skin and leave mineral residue in hair follicles, creating the characteristic "squeaky" feeling that many Bakersfield residents mistake for cleanliness. Dermatologists in the Central Valley report higher rates of eczema and skin sensitivity in cities with water hardness above 10 GPG, as the mineral coating interferes with the skin's natural pH balance and protective barrier function.

Laundry emerges from 12.3 GPG wash cycles with embedded mineral deposits that make fabrics feel stiff, look dingy, and wear out faster. White clothing develops a grey cast within 6-8 wash cycles, and colored fabrics lose vibrancy as calcium and magnesium particles lodge between textile fibers. Even expensive detergents cannot fully compensate for the chemical interference caused by Bakersfield's extreme hardness levels.

The annual "hard water tax" for a Bakersfield household at 12.3 GPG combines multiple cost factors: approximately $600-800 in additional energy costs from scale-reduced appliance efficiency, $400-600 in extra soap and detergent purchases, and $200-400 in accelerated appliance depreciation. Conservative estimates place the total annual impact at $1,200-1,800 per household — money that disappears into mineral buildup instead of building family financial security.

3. Bakersfield's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the baseline challenge of 12.3 GPG hardness, Bakersfield residents also contend with chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates in their municipal water supply — each of which interacts with the extreme mineral content in its own problematic way. Understanding how these contaminants behave in very hard water is essential for choosing the right treatment approach for your home.

Chlorine in Bakersfield Water

Chlorine enters Bakersfield's water as a municipal disinfectant, added at treatment plants to eliminate bacteria and viruses during distribution through the city's aging pipe network. The California Water Service and City of Bakersfield typically maintain chlorine residuals between 0.5-2.0 mg/L to ensure safe delivery to homes throughout the service area, but this creates a secondary chemistry problem when combined with 12.3 GPG mineral content.

At Bakersfield's hardness level, chlorine accelerates the formation of disinfection byproducts (THMs and HAAs) as it reacts with organic matter in the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. These compounds create the sharp "swimming pool" taste and odor that many Bakersfield residents notice, particularly during summer months when treatment plants increase chlorination to combat higher bacterial loads in warmer source water.

Bakersfield homeowners typically detect chlorine through taste and smell, but the mineral interaction creates additional problems: chlorine chemically degrades rubber gaskets, O-rings, and flexible supply lines throughout home plumbing systems, and this degradation accelerates when chlorine-treated water leaves calcium deposits on rubber surfaces. The EPA maximum allowable chlorine level is 4.0 mg/L, and Bakersfield's levels remain well below this regulatory threshold while still creating noticeable aesthetic and equipment issues.

A salt-based water softener like the SoftPro Elite HE removes the calcium and magnesium that compound chlorine's effects, but does not eliminate chlorine itself. Bakersfield residents seeking complete chlorine removal should pair their softener with an activated carbon whole-house filter or point-of-use carbon filter at drinking water taps.

Fluoride in Bakersfield Water

Fluoride is intentionally added to Bakersfield's municipal water supply at approximately 0.7 mg/L as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay, following CDC and American Dental Association recommendations. This practice, known as water fluoridation, has been standard in Bakersfield since the 1960s and affects all customers served by the municipal treatment systems.

In 12.3 GPG hard water, fluoride ions can form calcium fluoride precipitates that create additional mineral buildup in appliances and fixtures, though this occurs at much lower concentrations than calcium carbonate scale. Some Bakersfield residents report a slightly "metallic" or "bitter" aftertaste in tap water, which can result from fluoride interaction with the high mineral content, particularly in homes with copper plumbing where fluoride can enhance metallic ion release.

Fluoride levels in Bakersfield remain well below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4.0 mg/L and the secondary aesthetic standard of 2.0 mg/L. Water softeners, including the SoftPro Elite HE, do not remove fluoride — the ion exchange resin is designed specifically for calcium and magnesium removal. Residents who prefer fluoride-free drinking water should consider a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap in addition to whole-house softening.

Nitrates in Bakersfield Water

Nitrates enter Bakersfield's groundwater supply through agricultural runoff from the intensive farming operations throughout Kern County, where nitrogen-based fertilizers are applied to crops year-round in the fertile San Joaquin Valley soil. The city's wells draw from aquifers that receive recharge water flowing through agricultural areas, particularly during irrigation season from March through October.

Nitrate levels in Bakersfield water typically range from 2-6 mg/L, well below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L, but the presence of nitrates in combination with 12.3 GPG hardness can contribute to increased corrosion rates in metal plumbing components. Homeowners occasionally notice seasonal variations in water taste during peak agricultural periods when groundwater nitrate concentrations fluctuate with farming cycles.

The health significance of nitrates centers on infants under 6 months and pregnant women, as elevated nitrate consumption can interfere with oxygen transport in the bloodstream. Critical accuracy point: Water softeners do NOT remove nitrates from water — the ion exchange process targets only calcium and magnesium ions. Bakersfield residents concerned about nitrate consumption should install a reverse osmosis system at drinking water taps, as this is the most effective residential treatment method for nitrate removal.

For most Bakersfield households, the primary focus should remain on addressing the 12.3 GPG hardness that causes daily appliance damage, with nitrate removal as a secondary consideration for families with specific health concerns.

4. Why Most Bakersfield Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walk through any big-box store in Bakersfield and you'll find water softeners marketed as "one-size-fits-all" solutions — but here's what I wish someone had told me after 15 years of investigating failed installations across California: buying a softener without understanding Bakersfield's specific 12.3 GPG demand leads to expensive mistakes that waste money and leave your home unprotected.

Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone

A 24,000-grain softener that works adequately in a city like Santa Barbara (3-4 GPG) will fail catastrophically in Bakersfield within days of installation. At 12.3 GPG, a family of four consumes 2,460 grains of hardness daily (4 people × 75 gallons × 12.3 GPG), exhausting that undersized unit's capacity in less than 10 days and forcing it into constant regeneration cycles that waste salt and water while delivering inconsistent results.

The cheapest upfront price often indicates the most expensive long-term ownership. Low-cost units typically use inferior resin that degrades faster under Bakersfield's mineral assault, require more frequent maintenance, and lack the efficiency features needed to handle 12.3 GPG without excessive salt consumption.

Mistake 2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Water softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium — period. They do NOT reliably remove chlorine, fluoride, or nitrates present in Bakersfield's water supply. Residents who assume one system addresses all contaminants end up frustrated when chlorine taste persists or when they discover nitrates remain untreated after spending thousands on softening equipment.

Bakersfield residents dealing with both 12.3 GPG hardness and taste/odor concerns need a two-stage approach: softening first to protect appliances and plumbing, followed by carbon filtration or reverse osmosis for drinking water quality.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The sizing formula for Bakersfield water is non-negotiable:
[Number of People] × 75 gallons/day × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand

For a 4-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.3 = 2,460 grains per day. Multiply by 7 days = 17,220 grains weekly capacity needed. Add a 20% buffer for high-usage days (laundry, guests, lawn watering) and you need approximately 20,664 grains minimum. Most Bakersfield homes require 32,000-48,000 grain systems to regenerate every 5-7 days — the optimal efficiency range.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At 12.3 GPG, your softener will regenerate 50-75 times per year compared to 20-30 times in soft water cities. An inefficient unit that uses 18-20 pounds of salt per regeneration costs $200-300 annually just in salt, while a high-efficiency model using 8-12 pounds per cycle cuts that expense in half. Over the 10-year service life, this compounds into $1,000-2,000 difference in Bakersfield's demanding conditions.

5. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Bakersfield's Water

After evaluating Bakersfield's water hardness of 12.3 GPG and the presence of chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Bakersfield homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This recommendation isn't based on marketing claims or manufacturer relationships — it's the logical engineering solution to the specific challenges documented in Bakersfield's municipal water data.

Feature: Salt-Based Ion Exchange

Salt-free systems do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization or electromagnetic fields. At Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG hardness level, these alternative methods cannot prevent scale buildup because they don't remove calcium and magnesium from the water. The SoftPro Elite HE uses proven cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions — the only residential technology that delivers genuinely soft water (under 1 GPG) at extreme hardness levels.

Feature: Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR)

At 12.3 GPG, resin exhausts faster than in moderate hardness cities like Fresno or Modesto. The SoftPro's DIR system monitors actual water usage and hardness consumption, regenerating only when the resin bed approaches depletion. This prevents hard water breakthrough (which damages appliances) and eliminates over-regeneration (which wastes salt and water). For Bakersfield households consuming 17,000+ grains weekly, DIR is operationally essential, not just a convenience feature.

Feature: NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Resin

Independent certification verifies that the ion exchange resin meets strict performance standards for hardness removal and materials safety testing. For Bakersfield residents already managing chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates in their water supply, knowing that the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides critical peace of mind and regulatory compliance.

Feature: Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000 grain configurations to match Bakersfield household demand precisely. For a typical 4-person home at 12.3 GPG (17,220 grains weekly), the 48,000-grain model provides optimal 6-7 day regeneration cycles with 20% capacity buffer for high-usage periods. Larger families or homes with pools, irrigation systems, or frequent guests should consider the 64,000-grain configuration.

Feature: High Salt Efficiency Rating

The SoftPro Elite HE achieves 4,000+ grains of hardness removal per pound of salt — approximately 40% more efficient than standard softeners. In Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG conditions requiring 50+ regenerations annually, this efficiency translates to 600-800 pounds of salt savings over 10 years, reducing both operating costs and environmental impact while maintaining consistent soft water delivery.

Feature: 10-Year Comprehensive Warranty

At 12.3 GPG hardness, ion exchange resin experiences heavy daily mineral loading that accelerates wear compared to soft water applications. The SoftPro's decade-long warranty coverage protects Bakersfield homeowners during the years of highest mineral stress, including resin replacement if capacity degrades below specified performance levels due to normal hardness exposure.

Feature: Compatible with Pre-Filtration Systems

The SoftPro Elite HE is engineered to work downstream of sediment filters and carbon systems, allowing Bakersfield residents to address chlorine taste and odor without compromising softening performance. The system's bypass valve and inlet/outlet connections accommodate whole-house filtration integration for comprehensive water treatment.

For Bakersfield households dealing with 12.3 GPG of documented water hardness and the compounding presence of chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

6. How to Size Your Softener for Bakersfield

Proper sizing for Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG water requires precise calculation — guessing leads to undersized systems that fail or oversized units that waste salt and water. Follow these steps to determine the correct grain capacity for your household:

Step 1: Count household members (include regular guests, college students home seasonally)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (industry standard for indoor water use)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand

Step 4: Multiply daily grains × 7 days = weekly grain demand

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days (laundry, lawn watering, guests)

Step 6: Match to SoftPro Elite HE grain capacity (32K / 48K / 64K / 80K)

Example calculation for 4-person Bakersfield household:
Step 1: 4 people
Step 2: 4 × 75 = 300 gallons daily
Step 3: 300 × 12.3 GPG = 3,690 grains daily
Step 4: 3,690 × 7 = 25,830 grains weekly
Step 5: 25,830 × 1.20 = 31,000 grains with buffer
Step 6: SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain model

This 48,000-grain system will regenerate every 6-7 days in Bakersfield conditions — the optimal efficiency range that maximizes resin life while minimizing salt consumption. Regenerating more frequently wastes salt; regenerating less frequently risks hard water breakthrough during peak demand periods.

7. Installation in Bakersfield: What to Know

Bakersfield does not require a municipal permit for residential water softener installation, but the city strongly recommends using a licensed plumber for systems serving homes built before 1980 due to potential galvanized pipe complications. Many Bakersfield neighborhoods, particularly in East Bakersfield and the Kern Island area, have older plumbing that requires careful integration with new softening equipment.

Proper placement is critical: the SoftPro Elite HE must be installed after the main water shutoff valve but before the water heater to protect all household appliances and fixtures. The system requires a dedicated electrical outlet (standard 110V household current), access to a drain for regeneration discharge, and sufficient clearance around the brine tank for salt loading and maintenance access.

Bakersfield's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-65 PSI throughout most residential areas, which falls within the SoftPro Elite HE's optimal operating range of 20-80 PSI. Homes in elevated areas like Panorama Bluffs or Rio Bravo may experience lower pressure and should verify adequate flow rates before installation.

Salt type selection matters significantly at 12.3 GPG hardness levels. Evaporated salt pellets provide the highest purity (99.8% sodium chloride) and produce minimal brine tank residue under heavy regeneration schedules. Solar salt crystals, while less expensive, can leave more insoluble matter in the brine tank and require more frequent cleaning in Bakersfield's demanding conditions.

At 12.3 GPG consumption rates, check salt levels monthly during the first year to establish your household's usage pattern. Most Bakersfield homes require 40-80 pounds of salt monthly, depending on family size and water usage habits. Keep salt level at least 3 inches above the water line in the brine tank to ensure proper regeneration.

8. Maintenance Schedule for Bakersfield Homeowners

Bakersfield's extreme 12.3 GPG hardness accelerates normal softener wear, making preventive maintenance more critical than in moderate hardness cities. Following this schedule protects your investment and ensures consistent soft water delivery:

Monthly Tasks

Check salt level — consumption is high at 12.3 GPG, typically 10-20 pounds per week for a 4-person household. Look for salt bridges (hardened crust above water line) that block regeneration cycles. Verify the bypass valve remains in service position and hasn't been accidentally switched during home maintenance.

Every 3 Months

Clean the brine tank to remove salt residue and insoluble particles that accumulate faster in high-hardness applications. Test post-softener water hardness using test strips — readings should remain under 1 GPG consistently. If hardness creeps above 3 GPG, investigate resin fouling or system malfunction immediately.

Annual Maintenance

Perform complete brine tank cleaning with tank sanitization using unscented household bleach. Conduct resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness exceeds 1 GPG despite proper salt levels and recent regeneration, the resin may require cleaning or replacement. Audit regeneration cycle timing and salt dosage to ensure optimal efficiency.

Every 5 Years

Professional resin replacement evaluation becomes critical in Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG conditions. High-hardness exposure degrades ion exchange capacity faster than in soft water cities. Monitor softened water quality closely — declining performance despite proper maintenance indicates resin exhaustion requiring professional service.

Bakersfield residents should establish baseline water hardness readings before softener installation and retest 30 days after startup to confirm the system delivers consistent results under local water conditions.

9. Frequently Asked Questions for Bakersfield Residents

9. Is Bakersfield's water at 12.3 GPG dangerous to drink?

Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG hardness is not dangerous to consume — calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that pose no health risks in drinking water. The EPA does not regulate water hardness as a health concern. However, the extreme mineral content causes significant appliance damage, increases household expenses, and creates aesthetic issues with soap performance and skin comfort. The health concerns in Bakersfield water relate more to chlorine taste and potential nitrate exposure for infants.

10. Will a water softener remove chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates from Bakersfield water?

Water softeners remove only calcium and magnesium through ion exchange — they do NOT remove chlorine, fluoride, or nitrates. Bakersfield residents seeking comprehensive contaminant removal need additional treatment: activated carbon filters for chlorine removal, and reverse osmosis systems for fluoride and nitrate reduction. The SoftPro Elite HE can be integrated with these complementary technologies for complete water treatment.

11. How much salt will I use per month in Bakersfield at 12.3 GPG?

A typical 4-person Bakersfield household at 12.3 GPG uses approximately 50-80 pounds of salt monthly, depending on actual water consumption and system efficiency. The SoftPro Elite HE's high efficiency (4,000+ grains per pound) reduces this to the lower end of the range. At current salt prices, expect $15-25 monthly salt costs — a fraction of the money saved on appliance protection and soap efficiency.

12. Does Bakersfield require a permit to install a water softener?

The City of Bakersfield does not require permits for residential water softener installations, but recommends professional installation for homes with older plumbing systems. Homeowners must ensure proper drain connection for regeneration discharge — typically to a laundry sink, utility drain, or approved standpipe. Check with your homeowners association if you live in a planned community, as some have aesthetic guidelines for equipment placement.

13. Why does soft water feel slippery in the shower?

The "slippery" sensation occurs because soft water allows soap to create proper lather instead of forming scum with calcium ions. Bakersfield residents accustomed to 12.3 GPG water often mistake the mineral coating for cleanliness. Genuinely soft water removes soap residue completely, leaving skin naturally smooth rather than artificially "tight" from mineral deposits. Most families adjust to the feeling within 2-3 weeks.

14. How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Bakersfield?

Immediate results include better soap lather, reduced spotting on dishes, and softer skin within 24-48 hours of installation. Appliance protection begins immediately, but existing scale in water heaters and pipes requires 3-6 months of soft water circulation to begin dissolving. Energy efficiency improvements become measurable after 6-12 months as heating elements shed accumulated scale deposits.

15. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Bakersfield's water without additional filtration?

The SoftPro Elite HE effectively addresses Bakersfield's 12.3 GPG hardness without additional equipment. However, residents concerned about chlorine taste, fluoride consumption, or nitrate levels should consider complementary treatment systems. The softener protects appliances and improves cleaning efficiency; carbon filtration or reverse osmosis addresses drinking water quality preferences. Most Bakersfield families find softening alone provides the most significant improvement to daily water use.

16. Cost Considerations for Bakersfield Installation

The total investment in water softening for Bakersfield homes includes equipment, installation, and ongoing operational costs — but the financial protection against 12.3 GPG damage makes the math compelling. A properly sized SoftPro Elite HE system costs $1,200-2,500 depending on grain capacity, with professional installation adding $300-600 for standard applications.

Annual operating costs in Bakersfield include salt ($180-300), electricity for regeneration cycles ($25-40), and occasional maintenance ($50-100). Total yearly expense ranges from $255-440, while the estimated annual "hard water tax" of appliance damage, energy waste, and soap consumption at 12.3 GPG exceeds $1,200-1,800 annually.

The financial break-even occurs within 12-18 months of installation, with subsequent years providing clear savings plus appliance protection. Home value considerations also matter — Bakersfield real estate agents report that existing water treatment systems add appeal for buyers familiar with local water challenges.

17. Final Verdict for Bakersfield

Bakersfield's documented hardness of 12.3 GPG demands professional-grade water treatment — this is not a optional comfort upgrade but essential infrastructure protection for your home investment. The combination of extreme mineral content plus chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates creates a layered challenge that requires targeted solutions rather than generic approaches.

The SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener emerges as the clear recommendation for Bakersfield households based on three critical factors: its proven ion exchange technology handles 12.3 GPG hardness levels that exhaust lesser systems, the demand-initiated regeneration optimizes salt efficiency under heavy mineral loading, and the 10-year warranty protects against premature failure in demanding conditions.

For Bakersfield residents ready to protect their appliances, reduce monthly expenses, and improve daily water quality, the time to act is now. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for your household size. The system pays for itself through appliance protection and efficiency gains while providing the peace of mind that comes with genuinely soft water in a city where hard water damage is inevitable without treatment.

Like the oil derricks that built this city's foundation, a quality water softener becomes the unseen infrastructure that protects everything above it — and in Bakersfield's challenging water conditions, that protection is not just valuable, it's essential.