Best Water Softener for Columbia, MO — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Columbia, MO

Every morning, 125,000 Columbia residents wake up to water that's silently damaging their homes at a rate of 11.2 grains per gallon. That number — 11.2 GPG — represents one of the highest municipal water hardness levels in Missouri, and it's costing Boone County homeowners thousands of dollars annually in hidden expenses they never see coming.

To understand what 11.2 GPG means for your Columbia home, think of your plumbing system like the cardiovascular system of a middle-aged person with high cholesterol. Every day, calcium and magnesium minerals flow through your pipes like plaque through arteries, gradually coating every surface they touch. At 11.2 grains per gallon, Columbia's water carries 192 milligrams of dissolved rock per liter — enough mineral content to leave measurable scale deposits on heating elements within weeks of installation.

Columbia draws its water primarily from the Missouri River and local groundwater wells, both of which pass through limestone and dolomite geological formations that have been dissolving calcium and magnesium into the water supply for millions of years. The city's water treatment plant on Range Line Street processes this mineral-heavy source water but cannot economically remove the hardness minerals without dramatically increasing water costs for residents. The result is water that meets all EPA safety standards but delivers a daily mineral load that classifies as "Very Hard" — the second-highest category on the water hardness scale.

For Columbia homeowners, 11.2 GPG hardness translates into accelerated appliance failure, doubled soap consumption, and a hidden "hard water tax" that compounds monthly. The typical Columbia household spends an extra $1,200–1,800 annually on energy, cleaning products, and premature appliance replacement due to mineral scale alone. When you factor in the reduced home value from stained fixtures, damaged surfaces, and inefficient systems, the true cost of untreated hard water in Columbia approaches $3,000–4,500 per year for the average family.

2. What 11.2 GPG Does to Your Home

At Columbia's 11.2 GPG hardness level, calcium carbonate scale doesn't just form — it attacks your home's infrastructure with the persistence of Missouri River flooding. Inside your water heater, dissolved calcium and magnesium precipitate out of solution every time the heating element cycles on, creating a concrete-like coating that grows thicker with each heating cycle. Columbia homeowners typically see 12–18% water heater efficiency loss within the first year of operation, and complete heating element failure within 24–30 months when hardness goes untreated.

The scale formation process accelerates exponentially at 11.2 GPG because the mineral saturation point is reached so quickly. When water temperatures exceed 140°F inside your tank, calcium bicarbonate converts to calcium carbonate at a rate proportional to the mineral concentration. In Columbia's case, that means scale deposits form nearly three times faster than they would in Kansas City's moderately hard water, and eight times faster than in St. Louis's treated municipal supply.

Throughout Columbia homes built before 1990, galvanized steel pipes are particularly vulnerable to the mineral assault. At 11.2 GPG, these pipes develop measurable diameter reduction within 3–5 years, compared to 8–12 years in moderately hard water cities. The calcium deposits don't just coat the interior walls — they create an increasingly rough surface that catches more minerals, accelerating the narrowing process until water flow becomes noticeably restricted.

Columbia's hard water creates a soap scum chemistry problem that costs families hundreds annually. Calcium and magnesium ions react with soap fatty acids to form insoluble precipitates instead of cleaning lather. At 11.2 GPG, Columbia households require 3–4 times more detergent, body soap, and shampoo to achieve the same cleaning results as families in soft water areas. For a typical Columbia family of four, this translates to an extra $180–250 per year in cleaning product costs alone.

The mineral load affects major appliances with mathematical predictability. Dishwashers in Columbia typically last 6–7 years instead of the manufacturer-estimated 10–12 years, while washing machines average 8–9 years versus the expected 12–15 years. Tankless water heaters are especially vulnerable — at 11.2 GPG, most manufacturers require annual descaling service or they void the warranty entirely. The heat exchanger coils in these units can become completely blocked within 18 months of Columbia installation without proper water treatment.

For Columbia residents, the skin and hair effects of 11.2 GPG water are immediately noticeable after traveling to soft water areas. Calcium ions strip natural moisture from skin and create a mineral coating on hair shafts that makes shampoo and conditioner significantly less effective. Local dermatologists report higher rates of eczema and contact dermatitis in Columbia compared to Missouri cities with softer water supplies. The mineral deposits also create that characteristic "squeaky" feeling on clean skin — which is actually residual calcium preventing the natural oils from returning to the skin surface.

The annual hard water cost for Columbia households at 11.2 GPG breaks down approximately as follows: $280–350 in extra energy costs, $180–250 in additional soap and detergent, $400–600 in accelerated appliance depreciation, and $150–200 in additional maintenance and cleaning supplies. This creates a total "hard water tax" of $1,010–1,400 annually for the average Columbia home — before factoring in major appliance replacement costs.

3. Columbia's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond Columbia's aggressive 11.2 GPG hardness baseline, residents are also contending with chloramine, iron, and sediment — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own way. This layered contamination profile means that Columbia homeowners face more complex water treatment challenges than cities dealing with hardness alone.

Chloramine in Columbia's Water Supply

Columbia Water & Light switched from chlorine to chloramine disinfection in 2008 as a more stable method for preventing bacterial regrowth in the city's extensive distribution system. Chloramine is a compound of chlorine and ammonia that provides longer-lasting disinfection as water travels from the Range Line treatment plant to homes throughout Boone County. Unlike chlorine, which dissipates relatively quickly, chloramine maintains its disinfecting strength for days or weeks in the distribution system.

At 11.2 GPG hardness, chloramine becomes more problematic because the mineral scale in pipes and water heaters provides surface area where chloramine can concentrate and react. Columbia residents often notice a distinctive "medicinal" or "band-aid" odor in their tap water, especially from hot water taps where chloramine has been concentrated by heating and evaporation. This odor is strongest in older Columbia neighborhoods where mineral buildup in the distribution lines creates more surface area for chloramine reactions.

Columbia's chloramine levels typically range from 1.5–3.0 mg/L, well below the EPA maximum allowable level of 4.0 mg/L. However, chloramine cannot be removed by standard activated carbon filters — it requires catalytic carbon media specifically designed for chloramine reduction. The SoftPro Elite HE water softener does not remove chloramine, so Columbia households concerned about taste and odor should consider a whole-house catalytic carbon filter in addition to softening.

Iron Contamination in Columbia Water

Columbia's groundwater wells contribute dissolved iron to the municipal supply, typically measuring 0.2–0.5 mg/L — approaching the EPA's secondary standard of 0.3 mg/L. This iron exists primarily in the ferrous (dissolved) form when it leaves the treatment plant, making it invisible and tasteless in cold water. However, when iron-containing water is heated or exposed to air, ferrous iron oxidizes to ferric iron, creating the characteristic orange-red staining Columbia residents see on fixtures, in toilets, and on laundry.

The interaction between iron and Columbia's 11.2 GPG hardness creates compounded staining problems. Iron bonds with calcium carbonate deposits, creating orange-tinged scale that is significantly harder to remove than either iron stains or calcium scale alone. In Columbia water heaters, this iron-calcium compound can create thick, rust-colored deposits that insulate heating elements and create hot spots that lead to premature tank failure.

Iron above 0.3 mg/L can foul water softener resin by coating the exchange sites with iron particles. For Columbia homes with iron levels at or above this threshold, an iron removal pre-filter using birm or greensand media should be installed upstream of the SoftPro Elite HE to prevent resin contamination and extend system life.

Sediment and Turbidity Issues

Columbia's aging water distribution system, installed primarily in the 1960s–1980s, contributes particulate matter to the treated water supply through pipe corrosion and periodic main breaks. The city experiences 15–25 water main breaks annually, each of which can introduce sediment into the local distribution network. Additionally, Columbia's Missouri River intake is subject to seasonal turbidity spikes during spring flooding and heavy rainfall events.

Sediment particles provide nucleation sites where calcium and magnesium can precipitate out of solution more rapidly. At 11.2 GPG, even small amounts of particulate matter accelerate scale formation throughout the plumbing system. The suspended particles also cause premature wear on water softener components, particularly the control valve and resin bed, by creating abrasive action during the regeneration cycles.

The SoftPro Elite HE includes a self-cleaning sediment pre-filter specifically designed to address this issue before particles reach the softening resin. For Columbia homes, this pre-filtration stage is operationally essential, not just a convenience feature, given the interaction between local sediment and the city's very hard water.

4. Why Most Columbia Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

After reviewing dozens of failed water softener installations across Boone County, a clear pattern emerges: Columbia homeowners consistently underestimate what it takes to handle 11.2 GPG water hardness. The mistakes that work fine in soft water cities become expensive failures when applied to Columbia's very hard water conditions.

Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone

An undersized water softener cannot handle Columbia's continuous 11.2 GPG demand, regardless of the brand name or initial savings. Resin exhaustion happens three times faster at 11.2 GPG compared to moderately hard water, meaning a 24,000-grain unit that serves a family adequately in Jefferson City will be completely overwhelmed by the same household's needs in Columbia. The result is hard water breakthrough within 2–3 days of regeneration, leading to continued scale buildup and frustrated homeowners who assume their "new" softener is defective.

Mistake 2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Water softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium minerals — they do NOT reliably remove chloramine, iron, or sediment from Columbia's water supply. Columbia residents dealing with both 11.2 GPG hardness and the city's chloramine disinfection need a two-stage treatment approach. A softener handles the hardness minerals, while a separate catalytic carbon filter addresses the chloramine taste and odor issues. Expecting one system to solve both problems leads to disappointment and incomplete water treatment.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The sizing formula for Columbia water is non-negotiable: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 11.2 GPG = daily grain demand. For a typical Columbia family of four: 4 × 75 × 11.2 = 3,360 grains consumed daily. Multiply by seven days and add a 20% buffer for high-usage periods, and you need a minimum 28,200-grain weekly capacity. This points directly to a 32,000-grain minimum system, with 48,000 grains being the optimal choice for consistent performance and reasonable regeneration frequency.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At Columbia's 11.2 GPG hardness level, a water softener regenerates 2–3 times more frequently than it would in a moderately hard water city. An inefficient softener that uses 12–15 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle becomes expensive quickly when it's regenerating twice weekly. Over a 10-year period in Columbia, the difference between a high-efficiency unit (6–8 pounds per cycle) and a standard unit (12–15 pounds per cycle) amounts to $800–1,200 in salt costs alone.

5. What to Do Next: Columbia Water Assessment

Before investing in any water treatment system, Columbia homeowners should conduct a baseline water test to confirm their specific hardness level and iron concentration. While city water averages 11.2 GPG, individual homes may vary from 10.5–12.8 GPG depending on location within the distribution system and the age of service lines. Iron levels also fluctuate seasonally and by neighborhood, making professional testing essential for proper system sizing.

Schedule testing between Tuesday and Thursday, mid-morning, after the water has been sitting in your pipes overnight. This captures the "worst case" scenario of mineral concentration and iron oxidation that your softener will need to handle daily. Columbia residents should test for hardness, iron, manganese, and total dissolved solids at minimum. If you notice chloramine odor or taste issues, request chloramine measurement as well.

6. Homeowner Checklist: Before You Buy

Columbia's 11.2 GPG water hardness and complex contaminant profile require careful system selection. Use this checklist to avoid the common mistakes that cost Columbia homeowners thousands in system replacements and ongoing problems:

• Confirm grain capacity meets or exceeds 32,000 grains for households up to 4 people, 48,000+ grains for larger families
• Verify iron handling — if your test shows iron above 0.3 mg/L, plan for pre-filtration before the softener
• Check regeneration efficiency — demand-initiated regeneration is essential at 11.2 GPG to prevent salt waste
• Plan for chloramine treatment if taste and odor are concerns — softening alone will not address this
• Confirm installation space for both softener and potential pre-filter systems
• Budget for quality salt — evaporated pellets are strongly recommended at Columbia's hardness level

7. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Columbia's Water

After evaluating Columbia's water hardness of 11.2 GPG and the presence of chloramine, iron, and sediment in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Columbia homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't a marketing conclusion — it's an engineering match between system capabilities and Columbia's specific water chemistry challenges.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange Performance

Salt-free "conditioning" systems do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization. At Columbia's 11.2 GPG level, salt-free technology cannot prevent scale formation reliably. The SoftPro Elite HE uses true cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions — the only proven method that delivers genuinely soft water (under 1 GPG) at this hardness level. For Columbia homes, this distinction between "conditioning" and actual softening is operationally critical.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration System

At 11.2 GPG, softener resin exhausts faster than in moderate hardness cities — typically every 3–5 days for Columbia households. The SoftPro's demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) monitors actual water usage and resin capacity, regenerating only when the resin is approaching depletion. This prevents hard water breakthrough (under-regeneration) and eliminates salt and water waste (over-regeneration). For Columbia families consuming 3,000+ grains daily, DIR is operationally essential, not merely convenient.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

Third-party certification verifies that the resin meets strict performance and materials safety standards under high-hardness operating conditions. For Columbia residents already managing chloramine, iron, and sediment in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides critical peace of mind. The certification also validates the system's capacity claims — important when sizing for 11.2 GPG daily demand.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000 grain capacities to match Columbia household sizes precisely. For the calculation we completed earlier — a 4-person Columbia household needing 28,200 grains weekly — the 48,000-grain model provides optimal performance with regeneration every 6–7 days. Larger Columbia families or homes with high water usage can step up to 64,000 or 80,000 grains without changing the basic system design or installation requirements.

Iron and Sediment Compatibility

The SoftPro Elite HE is specifically engineered to work downstream of iron removal and sediment filtration systems. For Columbia homes where testing reveals iron above 0.3 mg/L, a birm or greensand pre-filter can be installed ahead of the softener without voiding warranties or creating operational conflicts. The system's self-cleaning sediment pre-filter handles Columbia's routine particulate load, while more aggressive iron treatment can be addressed upstream when needed.

Ten-Year System Warranty

At Columbia's 11.2 GPG hardness level, softener resin processes heavy mineral loads daily — approximately 2.5 times the workload of systems in moderately hard water cities. The SoftPro's 10-year warranty provides Columbia homeowners with protection during the years of highest mineral stress, when component wear rates are accelerated by the constant high-hardness operation. This warranty coverage becomes especially valuable given Columbia's above-average resin usage rates.

For Columbia households dealing with 11.2 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chloramine, iron, and sediment, the SoftPro Elite HE represents infrastructure protection rather than comfort enhancement. The system's engineering specifications align directly with Columbia's water chemistry challenges, making it the logical choice for long-term home protection in Boone County's very hard water environment.

8. Recommended Setup for Columbia Homes

Columbia's multi-contaminant water profile typically requires a two-stage treatment approach for complete household water quality. The optimal configuration places a whole-house catalytic carbon filter ahead of the SoftPro Elite HE softener, addressing chloramine taste and odor before hardness removal. For homes with iron above 0.3 mg/L, add an iron removal filter as the first stage, followed by carbon filtration, then softening.

Install the SoftPro Elite HE after the main water shutoff but before the water heater to protect all household plumbing and appliances. Columbia's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45–65 PSI, which falls within the SoftPro's optimal operating range of 25–80 PSI. The system requires a drain connection within 15 feet for regeneration discharge — Columbia's municipal sewer system accepts this discharge without special permitting.

9. How to Size Your Softener for Columbia

Proper sizing for Columbia's 11.2 GPG water requires precise calculation — guessing leads to either inadequate capacity or unnecessary expense. Follow this step-by-step process to determine the correct SoftPro Elite HE model for your Columbia household:

Step 1: Count household members (include regular overnight guests)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (Columbia average)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 11.2 GPG = daily grain demand

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

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days and system longevity

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

Example calculation for a 4-person Columbia household: 4 people × 75 gallons × 11.2 GPG = 3,360 grains daily. Weekly demand: 3,360 × 7 = 23,520 grains. With 20% buffer: 23,520 × 1.2 = 28,224 grains. Recommendation: 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE for optimal 6–7 day regeneration cycles.

10. Installation in Columbia: What to Know

Columbia requires a licensed plumber for water softener installation only if you're modifying the main service line or installing new drain connections. Most SoftPro Elite HE installations use existing plumbing configurations and can be completed by qualified homeowners or handymen. However, Columbia's building department recommends professional installation to ensure proper drain line sizing and backflow prevention compliance.

The system should be positioned after your main shutoff valve but before the water heater, typically in the basement, garage, or utility room. Columbia homes built before 1980 may have galvanized steel supply lines that require inspection before softener installation — the improved flow characteristics of soft water can reveal existing leaks that were previously sealed by mineral deposits.

For Columbia's 11.2 GPG hardness level, use evaporated salt pellets exclusively — avoid rock salt or solar crystals which leave more brine tank residue at high regeneration frequencies. Evaporated pellets provide 99.8% purity and minimize the cleaning requirements that become burdensome when regenerating twice weekly. Columbia residents should maintain 40–60 pounds of salt inventory to avoid emergency shortages during high-usage periods.

Check salt levels every 2–3 weeks initially, then adjust monitoring frequency based on your household's consumption pattern. At 11.2 GPG, Columbia families typically consume 12–18 pounds of salt monthly, compared to 6–8 pounds for families in moderately hard water areas.

11. Maintenance Schedule for Columbia Homeowners

Columbia's very hard water at 11.2 GPG requires more frequent maintenance attention than systems operating in moderate hardness conditions. The higher mineral throughput and increased regeneration frequency create accelerated wear patterns that proactive maintenance can prevent from becoming expensive repairs.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Check salt level every 3 weeks — consumption is high at 11.2 GPG, averaging 12–18 pounds monthly for typical Columbia households. Look for salt bridges (hard crust formation above the water line) that can prevent proper brine mixing and cause regeneration failure.

Inspect bypass valve position — confirm the system is in "service" mode, not "bypass." Columbia's aggressive hardness will cause immediate scale formation if the softener is accidentally bypassed.

Test post-softener water hardness using test strips — readings should remain under 1 GPG consistently. Any increase above 1 GPG indicates approaching resin exhaustion or system malfunction.

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

Clean brine tank interior — remove any sediment or salt residue that accumulates faster in high-regeneration systems. Columbia's iron content can create orange-tinted deposits that should be cleaned to prevent bacterial growth.

Inspect sediment pre-filter (if equipped) — Columbia's particulate load requires more frequent attention than systems in cities with cleaner source water.

Verify regeneration timing — confirm the system is regenerating every 5–7 days as calculated for your household size. More frequent regeneration may indicate iron fouling or resin degradation.

Annual Maintenance Requirements

Complete brine tank cleaning and disinfection — use unscented household bleach diluted to manufacturer specifications. Columbia's chloramine-treated water creates different bacterial environments than chlorine-treated supplies.

Resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness creeps above 1 GPG despite proper salt levels and regeneration timing, the resin may need cleaning or replacement. At 11.2 GPG, Columbia systems work harder and age faster than moderate-hardness installations.

Iron fouling inspection — remove the top distributor tube and visually inspect resin for orange discoloration. If iron fouling is present, use NSF-approved resin cleaner designed for residential softeners.

Professional system audit — Columbia residents should schedule annual service with a qualified technician to verify regeneration programming, salt efficiency, and overall system performance under high-hardness operating conditions.

12. 30-Day Action Plan for Columbia Residents

Taking action on Columbia's 11.2 GPG hard water problem requires a structured approach to avoid costly mistakes and ensure proper system selection. This timeline balances thorough evaluation with reasonable urgency, given the daily damage occurring in untreated Columbia homes.

Days 1–7: Assessment Phase — Schedule professional water testing with a certified lab. Columbia residents should test for hardness, iron, manganese, chloramine, and total dissolved solids. Collect samples mid-morning after overnight stagnation to capture peak mineral concentration.

Days 8–14: Research and Sizing — Calculate exact grain capacity needs using the Columbia-specific formula. Research installation requirements for your home's plumbing configuration. Obtain quotes from qualified installers if you're not installing personally.

Days 15–21: System Selection — Based on test results and sizing calculations, select the appropriate SoftPro Elite HE model. Plan any necessary pre-filtration for iron or additional carbon filtration for chloramine concerns.

Days 22–30: Installation and Commissioning — Install system, establish salt inventory, program regeneration schedule, and conduct initial performance testing. Document baseline measurements for ongoing monitoring.

13. Is Columbia's water at 11.2 GPG dangerous to drink?

Columbia's 11.2 GPG hard water meets all EPA safety standards and poses no acute health risks for healthy individuals. The calcium and magnesium minerals causing the hardness are actually beneficial nutrients that many Americans don't consume in adequate quantities through diet alone. However, the hardness level does create significant property damage, appliance efficiency loss, and increased household costs that justify treatment from an economic perspective rather than a health perspective.

14. Will a water softener remove chloramine from Columbia's water?

No, the SoftPro Elite HE water softener will not remove chloramine from Columbia's municipal water supply. Water softeners are designed specifically to remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange. Chloramine removal requires catalytic carbon filtration — a completely different treatment process. Columbia residents concerned about chloramine taste and odor should install a whole-house catalytic carbon filter in addition to, not instead of, water softening.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Columbia at 11.2 GPG?

Columbia households typically consume 12–18 pounds of salt monthly at 11.2 GPG hardness, compared to 6–8 pounds for families in moderately hard water cities. The exact amount depends on household size and water usage, but Columbia's very hard water requires regeneration every 3–5 days for most families. Using high-purity evaporated salt pellets is essential at this regeneration frequency to minimize brine tank maintenance and ensure consistent performance.

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

Columbia does not require a specific permit for water softener installation if you're connecting to existing plumbing lines and drain connections. However, if installation involves new electrical work, plumbing modifications, or drain line installation, those components may require permits through Columbia's Building Development Services department. Most SoftPro Elite HE installations use existing infrastructure and fall under routine maintenance rather than construction permitting.

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

The "slippery" sensation Columbia residents notice after installing a water softener is actually the natural feel of clean skin without calcium mineral coating. In 11.2 GPG hard water, calcium ions create a microscopic film on skin that gives a "squeaky clean" sensation but actually prevents natural skin oils from returning to the surface. Soft water allows soap to rinse completely clean and permits natural skin moisture to return — creating the slippery feeling that indicates truly clean, uncoated skin.

Final Verdict for Columbia Homeowners

Columbia's water hardness of 11.2 GPG demands professional-grade treatment — this is not a situation where "any softener will do." The city's very hard water classification, combined with iron, chloramine, and sediment contamination, creates a complex treatment challenge that requires proper system sizing and engineering to address effectively.

The chloramine, iron, and sediment in Columbia's supply compound the hardness problem by creating additional surface area for scale formation, accelerating corrosion processes, and requiring more frequent system maintenance. Homeowners who attempt to solve Columbia's water problems with undersized systems or salt-free alternatives consistently face continued scale buildup, premature appliance failure, and ongoing frustration.

The SoftPro Elite HE emerges as the optimal choice for Columbia homes because of its demand-initiated regeneration efficiency at high hardness levels, its compatibility with necessary pre-filtration systems, and its grain capacity options that match Columbia's calculated household demands. The system's 10-year warranty provides essential protection for the heavy-duty operation required in Columbia's mineral-aggressive environment.

For Columbia residents ready to stop the daily mineral assault on their homes, the next step is straightforward: check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for your household size. The investment pays for itself through energy savings, reduced soap costs, and extended appliance life — typically within 18–24 months for Columbia households dealing with 11.2 GPG hardness.

Just like the Missouri Tigers defend their home field at Faurot Field against every challenger, Columbia homeowners need a water treatment system tough enough to handle whatever the Missouri River geology throws at their plumbing day after day.