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

Picture this: your dishwasher dies at year three, your water heater struggles to heat properly, and your monthly soap budget rivals your grocery bill. Welcome to life with Bakersfield's 12.8 grains per gallon (GPG) water hardness — a level so extreme that it places your city in the top 5% of hardest water in California.

To understand what 12.8 GPG means for your home, think of your plumbing system like a high-performance engine. Every gallon of Bakersfield water carries 12.8 grains of dissolved calcium and magnesium — that's like forcing your engine to run on fuel mixed with fine sand. Over months and years, these minerals accumulate on every surface they touch, building concrete-hard scale deposits that choke pipes, coat heating elements, and destroy appliances from the inside out.

Bakersfield's water originates from the Kern River and groundwater wells throughout the San Joaquin Valley, picking up massive mineral loads as it filters through limestone and gypsum deposits. At 12.8 GPG, your water is classified as "extremely hard" — the most severe category on the hardness scale. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a daily assault on every water-using system in your home.

The financial stakes are real for Bakersfield homeowners. Extremely hard water at 12.8 GPG can reduce appliance lifespans by 30-50% and increase energy costs by 25-40% due to scale buildup. For a typical Bakersfield household, this translates to $2,000-4,000 in additional costs annually — money that disappears into premature replacements, repairs, and wasted energy you'll never recover.

2. What 12.8 GPG Does to Your Home

At Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG hardness level, calcium carbonate doesn't just coat your water heater's heating elements — it forms armor-thick deposits that can reduce efficiency by 35-45% within the first two years. Unlike moderately hard water that builds scale gradually, extremely hard water at 12.8 GPG creates rapid mineral accumulation that transforms efficient appliances into energy-wasting failures.

Inside your water heater tank, dissolved calcium and magnesium precipitate out whenever water temperature rises above 140°F. The crystallization process at 12.8 GPG is relentless — scale forms concentric rings that narrow pipe diameters and create insulating barriers between heating elements and water. A standard 40-gallon electric water heater in Bakersfield typically loses 30-40% of its heating efficiency within 18-24 months, forcing the system to work harder and consume significantly more electricity to deliver the same hot water output.

Bakersfield's older neighborhoods with galvanized steel plumbing face accelerated pipe degradation at 12.8 GPG. The calcite crystallization process bonds calcium deposits directly to iron pipe walls, creating rough surfaces that trap additional minerals and narrow water flow. In extreme cases, 3/4-inch pipes can narrow to 1/2-inch effective diameter within 5-7 years, reducing water pressure throughout the home and creating costly plumbing emergencies.

Your dishwasher, washing machine, coffee maker, and tankless water heater all suffer measurable lifespan reductions at 12.8 GPG hardness. Dishwashers typically last 6-7 years instead of 9-10, while washing machines experience pump and valve failures 3-4 years earlier than normal. Tankless water heater manufacturers, including Rinnai and Navien, often void warranties entirely when systems operate above 7 GPG without a water softener — making Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG water a guaranteed warranty killer.

The soap and detergent waste at 12.8 GPG becomes financially painful for Bakersfield households. Calcium and magnesium ions react chemically with soap molecules to form insoluble scum instead of cleaning lather — requiring 3-4 times more soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent to achieve basic cleaning results. A typical Bakersfield family of four spends an additional $400-600 annually on soap products alone, simply compensating for the minerals that prevent normal lather formation.

Bakersfield residents consistently report dry, itchy skin and brittle hair due to calcium ions that strip natural moisture and coat hair shafts with mineral deposits. At 12.8 GPG, the mineral concentration is severe enough to exacerbate eczema and sensitive skin conditions, particularly in children. Dermatologists in Kern County frequently recommend water softening as a first-line treatment for unexplained skin irritation.

Laundry becomes a visible reminder of Bakersfield's water problem. Mineral deposits leave white and gray fabrics dingy, stiff, and scratchy as calcium builds up in fabric fibers. White clothing turns gray within months, and the mineral coating makes fabrics feel rough against skin. Glassware and dishes emerge from the dishwasher spotted with white mineral films, and scale etching on interior dishwasher glass becomes irreversible within 12-18 months at 12.8 GPG.

The total annual "hard water tax" for a Bakersfield household at 12.8 GPG averages $2,800-3,500 when you calculate energy waste, soap costs, appliance depreciation, and premature replacements combined. This figure represents money that vanishes into mineral damage — costs that could be eliminated entirely with proper water treatment.

3. Bakersfield's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the crushing 12.8 GPG hardness baseline, Bakersfield residents also contend with arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own problematic way. Understanding how these contaminants behave in extremely hard water is essential for choosing the right treatment approach for your home.

Arsenic in Bakersfield Water

Arsenic enters Bakersfield's water supply naturally from geological formations throughout the San Joaquin Valley, where volcanic rock and sedimentary deposits leach inorganic arsenic into groundwater aquifers. The presence of high mineral content at 12.8 GPG doesn't directly increase arsenic levels, but it does complicate treatment options for homeowners concerned about long-term exposure.

Bakersfield residents typically cannot detect arsenic through taste or odor — it's completely invisible in normal household use. The EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic is 10 parts per billion (ppb), established due to links with bladder, lung, and skin cancer risks from long-term consumption. Bakersfield's municipal water generally tests below this federal limit, but individual wells and some distribution areas can show elevated readings.

Critical fact for Bakersfield homeowners: traditional water softeners do NOT remove arsenic. The ion exchange resin that removes calcium and magnesium at 12.8 GPG has no effect on dissolved arsenic compounds. If arsenic is a concern in your specific area, you'll need a dedicated reverse osmosis system at your drinking water tap in addition to whole-house water softening.

Nitrates in Bakersfield Water

Nitrates in Bakersfield's water originate primarily from agricultural runoff and fertilizer use throughout Kern County's intensive farming operations. The San Joaquin Valley's agricultural intensity means nitrate contamination is an ongoing concern, particularly in groundwater wells that supply parts of Bakersfield's water system.

At 12.8 GPG hardness, nitrates don't chemically interact with calcium and magnesium, but they do present a parallel contamination challenge. The EPA's MCL for nitrates is 10 mg/L (measured as nitrogen), with health risks focused on infants under six months and pregnant women. Nitrate levels above this threshold can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants, a serious condition affecting oxygen transport in blood.

Another critical limitation: water softeners cannot remove nitrates from Bakersfield's water supply. The ion exchange process targets hardness minerals exclusively. If your specific area shows elevated nitrates, a reverse osmosis system at the drinking water tap is the most effective removal method, installed separately from your whole-house softening system.

Fluoride in Bakersfield Water

Fluoride in Bakersfield's water is intentionally added by the municipal treatment system at approximately 0.7 mg/L, following CDC recommendations for dental health. This is a controlled addition, not a natural contaminant, but some Bakersfield residents prefer to remove fluoride from their drinking water for personal reasons.

The EPA's MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L for health protection, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L to prevent dental fluorosis. Bakersfield's controlled fluoridation keeps levels well below these thresholds, but the mineral-heavy water at 12.8 GPG can sometimes create taste interactions that make fluoride more noticeable to sensitive palates.

Like arsenic and nitrates, water softeners do not remove fluoride from Bakersfield's water. The ion exchange resin specifically targets hardness minerals and has no effect on fluoride compounds. Residents who want fluoride removal for drinking water need a certified reverse osmosis system at the tap, separate from whole-house water softening treatment.

4. Why Most Bakersfield Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walk into any big-box store in Bakersfield, and you'll find water softeners sized for "average" American water — systems that will fail catastrophically when facing your city's 12.8 GPG assault. Here's what I wish someone had told every Bakersfield homeowner before they made expensive mistakes.

Mistake #1 — Buying on Price Alone: That $400 "bargain" softener works fine in Phoenix (7.8 GPG) or Fresno (8.2 GPG), but it's completely overwhelmed by Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG mineral load. An undersized 24,000-grain unit that regenerates every other day in moderate hardness will exhaust its resin capacity in 18-24 hours in Bakersfield. You'll get hard water breakthrough constantly, defeating the entire purpose of softening while wasting salt and water on failed regeneration cycles.

Mistake #2 — Confusing Softeners with Filters: Bakersfield residents often assume one system handles everything, but water softeners use ion exchange to remove only calcium and magnesium. They do NOT remove arsenic, nitrates, or fluoride from Bakersfield's water supply. If you're concerned about these contaminants, you need a two-stage approach: whole-house softening for hardness protection, plus point-of-use reverse osmosis for drinking water contaminant removal.

Mistake #3 — Ignoring Grain Capacity Math: Here's the formula Bakersfield homeowners must use: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 12.8 GPG = daily grain demand. For a 4-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.8 = 3,840 grains consumed daily. Multiply by 7 days = 26,880 grains weekly. Add a 20% buffer for high-usage days = 32,256 grains minimum capacity. This means 32,000-grain systems are borderline inadequate — you need 48,000+ grains for reliable performance in Bakersfield.

Mistake #4 — Overlooking Salt Efficiency: At 12.8 GPG, your softener regenerates 2-3 times more often than systems in moderately hard cities. An inefficient unit can consume 80-120 pounds of salt monthly in Bakersfield, versus 40-60 pounds for a high-efficiency model treating the same water volume. Over 10 years, this compounds into $1,500-2,500 in additional salt costs — money that could have bought a premium system from the start.

5. What to Do Next

Before shopping for any water softener in Bakersfield, test your specific hardness level and confirm which contaminants affect your address. Municipal averages don't always reflect individual household readings, and some areas of Bakersfield test even higher than 12.8 GPG during peak demand periods.

Order a comprehensive water test kit that measures hardness, iron, nitrates, arsenic, and pH. Test both your cold water (kitchen tap) and hot water (bathroom faucet) to identify any additional mineral pickup from your home's plumbing system. Document these baseline numbers — you'll need them for proper system sizing and to verify performance after installation.

Calculate your household's daily water usage by checking your last three water bills and dividing by the number of days. Bakersfield households average 250-350 gallons daily, but larger families or homes with pools, landscaping, or water features can exceed 500 gallons. Accurate usage data prevents undersizing mistakes that lead to system failure.

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

After evaluating Bakersfield's water hardness of 12.8 GPG and the presence of arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Bakersfield homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange Designed for Extreme Hardness

Salt-free "conditioner" systems do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization. At Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG level, salt-free technology simply cannot prevent scale formation. The mineral load is too heavy, and crystal conditioning fails under extreme hardness conditions. The SoftPro Elite HE uses true cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium — the only proven method that delivers genuinely soft water at 12.8 GPG.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) Technology

At 12.8 GPG, resin beds exhaust 60-80% faster than in moderately hard cities, making regeneration timing absolutely critical. Traditional timer-based systems either under-regenerate (allowing hard water breakthrough) or over-regenerate (wasting salt and water on unnecessary cycles). The SoftPro's DIR technology monitors actual resin capacity and regenerates only when minerals are truly depleted — preventing both failures while minimizing operating costs in Bakersfield's extreme conditions.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Resin

Certification verifies that resin beads meet strict performance standards and don't leach contaminants during the ion exchange process. For Bakersfield residents already managing arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride concerns, knowing that the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides essential peace of mind. Non-certified resins can release manufacturing residues or break down under extreme hardness stress, adding problems instead of solving them.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000-grain capacity models, allowing precise sizing for Bakersfield households at 12.8 GPG. Using our earlier calculation: a 4-person household needs 32,256 grains weekly minimum. The 48,000-grain model provides optimal performance with 5-6 day regeneration cycles, while the 64,000-grain model suits larger families or homes with high water usage. Proper sizing eliminates the frequent regeneration cycles that destroy system efficiency in extremely hard water.

10-Year Comprehensive Warranty

At 12.8 GPG, ion exchange resin experiences heavy daily mineral loading that can accelerate wear in lower-quality systems. The SoftPro Elite HE's 10-year warranty covers resin replacement, control valve repairs, and tank integrity — providing Bakersfield homeowners with protection during the years of highest hardness stress. This warranty coverage is particularly valuable in extreme hardness conditions where cheaper systems typically fail within 3-5 years.

Pre-Filter Integration Capability

The SoftPro Elite HE is engineered to work downstream of specialized pre-filtration systems, essential for Bakersfield homes dealing with both extreme hardness and contaminant concerns. If your specific area shows elevated iron, sediment, or requires arsenic/nitrate treatment, the system accepts pre-treated water without voiding warranty coverage. This integration flexibility allows Bakersfield homeowners to build comprehensive treatment systems that address both hardness and water quality simultaneously.

For Bakersfield households dealing with 12.8 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

7. Homeowner Checklist

Before purchasing any water softener for your Bakersfield home, verify these four critical requirements to avoid expensive mistakes:

✓ Confirm Your Exact Hardness Level: Municipal averages don't reflect individual readings. Some Bakersfield neighborhoods test 14-16 GPG during summer peak demand. Order a professional test kit and measure hardness at your specific address.

✓ Calculate True Grain Capacity Needs: Use the formula: [household members] × 75 gallons × 12.8 GPG × 7 days + 20% buffer. Don't rely on manufacturer "rule of thumb" sizing that assumes moderate hardness levels.

✓ Verify Salt Efficiency Ratings: At 12.8 GPG, inefficient systems waste 40-60 pounds of salt monthly versus high-efficiency models. Demand third-party efficiency certifications, not marketing claims.

✓ Confirm Contaminant Treatment Needs: If your area shows arsenic, nitrates, or other contaminants, plan for separate point-of-use treatment. Water softeners remove hardness only — don't expect them to handle Bakersfield's full contaminant profile.

8. How to Size Your Softener for Bakersfield

Proper sizing for Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG water requires precise calculations — guessing leads to system failure and wasted money. Follow this step-by-step process to determine your household's exact grain capacity requirements.

Step 1: Count all household members, including children and frequent guests who shower and use water regularly.

Step 2: Multiply household size by 75 gallons per person daily (standard water usage estimate for California households).

Step 3: Multiply daily gallons × 12.8 GPG to calculate daily grain demand.

Step 4: Multiply daily grains × 7 = weekly grain consumption.

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days (guests, extra laundry, seasonal variations).

Step 6: Match your calculated weekly demand to SoftPro Elite HE grain capacity options.

Example calculation for a 4-person Bakersfield household:

4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily
300 gallons × 12.8 GPG = 3,840 grains daily
3,840 grains × 7 days = 26,880 grains weekly
26,880 + 20% buffer = 32,256 grains minimum capacity

Recommendation: 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE for optimal 5-6 day regeneration cycles. This sizing prevents frequent regeneration while maintaining peak efficiency in Bakersfield's extreme hardness conditions.

9. Recommended Setup for Bakersfield

For most Bakersfield homes dealing with 12.8 GPG hardness plus arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride, the optimal setup combines whole-house softening with point-of-use drinking water treatment.

Primary System: SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain water softener for whole-house hardness removal. Install after the main water shutoff valve but before the water heater to protect all household plumbing and appliances.

Drinking Water Treatment: NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink to remove arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride from drinking and cooking water. The RO system works downstream of the softener, using pre-softened water for optimal membrane life.

Salt Selection: Use only high-purity evaporated salt pellets for 12.8 GPG conditions. Solar salt crystals contain impurities that create brine tank residue and reduce system efficiency at extreme hardness levels.

This two-stage approach addresses Bakersfield's complete water profile: hardness removal protects your home's infrastructure, while targeted contaminant removal ensures safe drinking water.

10. Installation in Bakersfield: What to Know

Bakersfield requires licensed plumber installation for water softeners connected to the main water supply, though homeowners can legally install pre-plumbed systems in some configurations. Check with Kern County building department for current permit requirements before starting any installation project.

Proper placement is critical for system performance: install after the main shutoff valve and pressure regulator, but before the water heater and any branch lines. The softener must treat all water entering your home's distribution system to prevent scale formation in downstream pipes and appliances.

Plan for regeneration drain requirements during installation. The SoftPro Elite HE discharges 25-40 gallons of brine during each regeneration cycle — this must drain to an appropriate location such as a laundry sink, floor drain, or dedicated standpipe. California regulations prohibit draining brine into septic systems or directly onto landscaping.

Bakersfield's municipal water pressure typically ranges 45-65 PSI, which suits the SoftPro Elite HE's operating requirements perfectly. If your home experiences pressure above 80 PSI, install a pressure reducing valve upstream of the softener to prevent damage to the control valve and resin tank.

Salt type selection matters significantly at 12.8 GPG: Use only evaporated salt pellets for maximum purity and minimal brine tank residue. Solar crystals contain dirt and impurities that create sludge buildup, reducing system efficiency and requiring frequent tank cleaning. At extreme hardness levels, salt quality directly impacts system performance and longevity.

Check salt levels monthly at Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG consumption rate. The system typically uses 60-80 pounds of salt monthly, depending on household size and usage patterns. Maintain salt level at least 6 inches above the water line in the brine tank to ensure proper regeneration.

11. Maintenance Schedule for Bakersfield Homeowners

Bakersfield's extreme 12.8 GPG hardness accelerates system wear and requires more frequent maintenance than moderate hardness conditions. Follow this schedule to maximize system life and maintain peak performance.

Monthly Tasks:

Check salt level — consumption averages 60-80 pounds monthly at 12.8 GPG, significantly higher than moderate hardness cities. Inspect for salt bridges, which are crusted formations above the water line that block proper brine formation during regeneration. Confirm the bypass valve remains in service position — accidental switching to bypass allows hard water throughout your home.

Every 3 Months:

Clean the brine tank to remove accumulated sediment and salt residue that builds faster in extreme hardness conditions. Test post-softener water hardness with test strips — readings should stay under 1 GPG consistently. If hardness creeps above 1 GPG, investigate resin fouling or system capacity issues immediately.

Annual Maintenance:

Perform complete brine tank cleaning with bleach solution to eliminate bacteria growth in the warm, salty environment. Check resin bed performance by testing hardness at multiple household taps — inconsistent readings indicate resin channeling or degradation. At 12.8 GPG loading, resin can show performance decline after 5-7 years versus 8-10 years in moderate hardness.

Every 5 Years:

Evaluate resin replacement needs through professional testing — Bakersfield's extreme mineral loading degrades resin faster than soft-water cities. If post-softener hardness exceeds 3-4 GPG even after regeneration, resin replacement restores full system capacity. Consider professional system inspection to verify all components meet manufacturer specifications.

Pro Tip for Bakersfield residents: Order a baseline water test kit, establish hardness readings before installation, and retest 30 days post-installation to document system performance. Keep these records for warranty claims and future maintenance decisions.

12. 30-Day Action Plan

Ready to eliminate Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG water hardness from your home? Follow this month-by-month timeline to ensure proper system selection, installation, and performance verification.

Week 1: Order professional water testing for hardness, iron, arsenic, nitrates, and pH at your specific address. Calculate your household's grain capacity needs using actual water usage data from recent utility bills.

Week 2: Research qualified installers and obtain 2-3 installation quotes. Verify installer licensing and experience with extreme hardness conditions. Confirm permit requirements with Kern County building department.

Week 3: Purchase SoftPro Elite HE system sized for your calculated grain requirements. Order appropriate salt supply and any required pre-filtration components. Schedule installation during low-usage periods.

Week 4: Complete installation and system startup. Test post-softener hardness immediately and again after 7 days. Document baseline performance readings for future maintenance reference.

13. Is Bakersfield's water at 12.8 GPG dangerous to drink?

Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG hardness level is not dangerous for consumption — calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that pose no health risks at these concentrations. The EPA does not regulate water hardness as a health concern, and many regions worldwide have naturally hard water with no adverse health effects.

However, the compounding contaminants in Bakersfield's supply warrant attention. Arsenic has established health risks at elevated levels, while nitrates can affect infants and pregnant women. The hardness itself won't harm you, but the overall water profile suggests comprehensive treatment for both mineral removal and contaminant reduction.

14. Will a water softener remove arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride from Bakersfield water?

No — traditional ion exchange water softeners remove only calcium and magnesium hardness minerals. They do not remove arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, or most other dissolved contaminants found in Bakersfield's water supply.

For comprehensive treatment, Bakersfield homeowners need a two-stage approach: whole-house water softening to eliminate 12.8 GPG hardness, plus a dedicated reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap to remove arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride from drinking and cooking water. Attempting to solve both problems with one system leads to inadequate treatment of both hardness and contaminants.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Bakersfield at 12.8 GPG?

A properly sized SoftPro Elite HE system serving a 4-person Bakersfield household will consume approximately 60-80 pounds of salt monthly at 12.8 GPG hardness. This is 2-3 times higher than households in moderately hard water cities due to more frequent regeneration cycles required by extreme mineral loading.

Annual salt costs average $180-240 for high-efficiency systems using bulk evaporated salt pellets. Inefficient softeners can double this consumption, making salt efficiency a critical factor in long-term operating costs. At Bakersfield's hardness level, salt efficiency differences compound into hundreds of dollars annually.

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

Bakersfield typically requires permits for water softener installations that connect directly to the main water supply and involve electrical connections. Permit requirements vary by installation complexity and whether structural modifications are needed for equipment placement.

Check with Kern County Building Department for current permit requirements before installation. Most professional installers handle permit applications as part of their service, but DIY installations require homeowner permit applications. Unpermitted installations can create problems during home sales or insurance claims.

17. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Bakersfield's water without a separate filter?

The SoftPro Elite HE will completely eliminate Bakersfield's 12.8 GPG hardness problem, protecting your home's plumbing and appliances from scale damage. However, it will not remove arsenic, nitrates, or fluoride from your water supply — these contaminants require separate treatment technology.

For drinking water safety, add a point-of-use reverse osmosis system at your kitchen sink. This combination provides complete water treatment: the SoftPro handles infrastructure protection throughout your home, while RO ensures contaminant-free drinking water. Attempting to use only one system leaves either hardness or contaminants untreated.

Final Verdict for Bakersfield

Bakersfield's hardness of 12.8 GPG demands professional-grade treatment — this is not a "nice to have" upgrade, but essential infrastructure protection for your home. The extreme mineral loading will destroy appliances, waste thousands in energy and soap costs, and create ongoing plumbing problems without proper ion exchange softening.

Arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride compound the hardness problem by requiring additional drinking water treatment beyond standard softening. The most effective approach combines whole-house mineral removal with point-of-use contaminant reduction, addressing Bakersfield's complete water profile systematically.

The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other systems because of its demand-initiated regeneration that prevents waste at 12.8 GPG, certified resin that maintains performance under extreme conditions, and flexible sizing options that match Bakersfield's specific household demands. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for a Bakersfield household — your appliances, energy bills, and daily comfort depend on eliminating these minerals now.

Unlike the coastal fog that rolls through San Francisco, Bakersfield's relentless Central Valley sun can't evaporate the mineral problems flowing through every pipe in your home — but the right water softener can.