Best Water Softener for Mobile, AL — 14 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Mobile, AL

Every month, Mobile homeowners unknowingly pay an invisible tax that costs them $47 in wasted soap, damaged appliances, and rising energy bills. This isn't a utility fee or municipal charge — it's the hidden cost of living with 6.8 grains per gallon (GPG) of water hardness flowing through every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in your Mobile home.

Mobile's water at 6.8 GPG is classified as moderately hard, meaning dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals are silently building scale inside your pipes like sediment accumulating in Mobile Bay. To understand what 6.8 GPG means, imagine each gallon of your tap water carrying the equivalent of a level teaspoon of dissolved limestone. Over a year, a typical Mobile household processes roughly 109,500 gallons — that's 109,500 teaspoons of mineral deposits coating your water heater elements, clogging your dishwasher spray arms, and forming the white crusty buildup you scrub off your showerheads.

The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System draws water from the Tombigbee River and several deep aquifers beneath Baldwin and Mobile counties. As this water percolates through limestone and dolomite rock formations — the same geological layers that give our region its distinctive coastal plain topography — it dissolves calcium and magnesium minerals naturally. By the time it reaches your home in Mobile, each gallon contains 6.8 grains of these hardness minerals.

For Mobile residents, this mineral concentration sits in the problematic middle ground where damage accumulates steadily but gradually. Unlike extremely hard water cities where scale builds visibly within months, Mobile's 6.8 GPG creates a slow burn — your water heater loses efficiency by 8-12% annually, your dishwasher's interior develops irreversible etching, and your family uses 2.5 times more soap and shampoo than necessary. These costs compound month after month, ultimately affecting your home's value, your family's comfort, and your monthly budget in ways most Mobile homeowners never connect to their tap water.

2. What 6.8 GPG Does to Your Home

At 6.8 GPG, calcium carbonate begins coating your water heater elements like barnacles forming on pier pilings in Mobile Bay. This scale acts as insulation, forcing your water heater to work 8-12% harder each year just to maintain the same temperature. For a typical Mobile home with a 40-gallon electric water heater, this translates to an extra $89-$134 annually in electricity costs — and that's before considering the shortened appliance lifespan.

Inside your pipes, the calcite crystallization process accelerates whenever water is heated or evaporates. At Mobile's 6.8 GPG level, these calcium and magnesium ions bond to pipe surfaces, gradually forming concentric rings that narrow water flow. Galvanized steel pipes — common in older Mobile neighborhoods like Oakleigh and Toulminville — are especially vulnerable. You'll start noticing measurably reduced water pressure within 7-9 years, requiring costly replumbing that could have been prevented.

Your major appliances face a shortened lifespan timeline that Mobile homeowners rarely anticipate. Dishwashers typically last 9-11 years nationally, but at 6.8 GPG, expect 6-8 years before spray arms clog irreversibly and heating elements fail. Washing machines lose efficiency gradually — clothes emerge dingy and stiff as mineral deposits coat fabric fibers. Coffee makers and ice makers develop internal scale that affects taste and performance within 18-24 months of daily use.

The soap and detergent waste at 6.8 GPG is mathematically predictable and financially significant. Calcium and magnesium ions react with soap molecules to form sticky scum instead of cleaning lather, requiring Mobile families to use 2.5 times more soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent than homes with soft water. For an average Mobile household spending $720 annually on cleaning products, this hardness tax adds approximately $288 in wasted soap — money that's literally going down the drain.

Mobile residents frequently notice the skin and hair effects of 6.8 GPG hardness, especially during humid summer months when the minerals feel more concentrated. Calcium ions strip natural moisture from skin, leaving a tight, dry sensation after showering. Hair becomes dull and difficult to manage as mineral deposits coat each strand, preventing conditioners from penetrating effectively. Children with sensitive skin or mild eczema often experience increased irritation in moderately hard water zones like Mobile.

Your laundry tells the story of Mobile's water hardness through grey, stiff fabrics that wear out faster than they should. White clothing develops a dingy cast as mineral deposits build up in fabric fibers during each wash cycle. Towels lose their absorbency and softness within months. The white spotting on glassware and fixtures isn't just cosmetic — at 6.8 GPG, these mineral deposits etch permanently into surfaces, reducing the resale value of your home's bathrooms and kitchen.

The annual hard water tax for a Mobile household at 6.8 GPG totals approximately $1,247 when you factor in extra energy costs, wasted soap and detergents, and accelerated appliance depreciation. This calculation assumes a four-person household with typical water usage — the hidden cost of living with moderately hard water that most Mobile homeowners never recognize as preventable.

3. Mobile's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the 6.8 GPG hardness baseline, Mobile residents are also contending with chlorine, iron, and sediment — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own way. Understanding these layered challenges explains why Mobile homeowners need more than just basic softening to achieve truly clean, problem-free water throughout their homes.

Chlorine in Mobile's Water Supply

The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System adds chlorine as a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria and viruses during the treatment process. This chlorine enters your home's water supply as a necessary public health measure, but it creates its own set of problems when combined with 6.8 GPG hardness. Chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter to form disinfection byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which give Mobile's tap water its characteristic swimming pool taste and odor.

At 6.8 GPG hardness, scale deposits provide more surface area for chlorine to react and concentrate, intensifying the chemical taste. Mobile residents typically notice stronger chlorine odors during summer months when treatment plants use higher concentrations to combat bacteria growth in warmer water. The chlorine also degrades rubber seals and gaskets in appliances over time, a process accelerated by the mineral scale that holds chlorine against these surfaces longer.

The EPA maximum contaminant level for chlorine is 4.0 mg/L, and Mobile's levels typically range from 0.5-2.0 mg/L — well below the safety threshold but high enough to affect taste and household plumbing. A standard water softener like the SoftPro Elite HE removes hardness minerals but does not address chlorine. Mobile homeowners seeking complete water treatment should consider pairing their softener with an activated carbon whole-house filter to remove chlorine taste and odor.

Iron in Mobile's Water

Iron enters Mobile's water supply naturally from the iron-rich sediments of the Tombigbee River and the underground aquifers that serve parts of Mobile County. At typical concentrations, this iron exists primarily as ferrous iron — dissolved, invisible, and tasteless until it contacts oxygen and oxidizes into the familiar red-orange staining you see on fixtures and laundry.

The interaction between iron and Mobile's 6.8 GPG hardness creates compounded staining problems that frustrate homeowners. Iron bonds chemically to calcium deposits, creating rust-stained scale that's much harder to remove than either problem alone. Mobile residents notice orange streaking on toilet bowls, bathtubs, and sidewalks where sprinklers hit concrete. White laundry develops permanent yellow or orange stains that no amount of bleach can reverse.

The EPA secondary maximum contaminant level for iron is 0.3 mg/L, based on aesthetic concerns rather than health risks. However, iron concentrations above 0.3 mg/L will foul the resin in a water softener, reducing its effectiveness and requiring more frequent regeneration. Mobile homeowners with iron levels above this threshold should install an iron pre-filter upstream of the SoftPro Elite HE to protect the softening resin and achieve optimal performance.

Sediment in Mobile's Water

Suspended particles enter Mobile's water system from aging distribution pipes, periodic main breaks, and the natural turbidity of surface water drawn from the Tombigbee River. This sediment consists mainly of clay, silt, and iron particles that make water appear cloudy or leave gritty deposits in fixtures and appliances.

At 6.8 GPG hardness, sediment particles provide nucleation sites where calcium and magnesium can crystallize more rapidly, accelerating scale formation throughout your plumbing system. The combination creates a double burden: physical particles that clog screens and aerators, plus mineral scale that cements these particles in place. Mobile homeowners often notice sediment most after heavy rains when runoff increases turbidity in the source water, or after utility work disrupts settled material in distribution lines.

The EPA turbidity standard for treated water is 0.3 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units), and Mobile's water typically meets this standard at the treatment plant. However, sediment can accumulate during distribution, especially in older neighborhoods with galvanized steel pipes. The SoftPro Elite HE includes a self-cleaning sediment pre-filter specifically designed to capture particles before they reach the softening resin, protecting the system's performance and extending its service life in cities like Mobile where both sediment and hardness are present.

4. Why Most Mobile Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walking through the big box stores on Airport Boulevard or browsing online, Mobile homeowners consistently make four costly mistakes when choosing a water softener. These errors stem from not understanding how Mobile's specific 6.8 GPG hardness level affects softener performance and sizing requirements.

Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone

An undersized unit cannot handle the continuous 6.8 GPG demand of a Mobile household, leading to hard water breakthrough within days of installation. Resin exhaustion happens faster at moderate hardness levels — a 24,000-grain unit that works adequately in a soft-water city will fail a Mobile family during peak usage periods like weekend laundry marathons or holiday visits. The cheapest softener often becomes the most expensive when you factor in salt waste, frequent regeneration, and eventual system replacement.

Mistake 2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Water softeners use ion exchange technology to remove calcium and magnesium — nothing else. They do NOT reliably remove chlorine, iron, or sediment that Mobile residents also deal with. Mobile homeowners with both 6.8 GPG hardness and these additional contaminants need a comprehensive approach, not a single-purpose solution. Expecting a softener to solve chlorine taste or iron staining leads to disappointment and wasted money.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The sizing formula for Mobile's 6.8 GPG water is non-negotiable mathematics, not a sales suggestion. Here's how it works: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 6.8 GPG = daily grain demand. For a four-person Mobile household: 4 × 75 × 6.8 = 2,040 grains per day. Multiply by seven days to get 14,280 grains per week, then add a 20% buffer for high-usage periods = 17,136 grains minimum capacity. Anything smaller forces daily or every-other-day regeneration, wasting salt and water while providing inconsistent soft water.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At 6.8 GPG, a softener regenerates every 5-7 days under normal conditions — much more frequently than homes with naturally soft water. An inefficient unit might use 8-12 pounds of salt per regeneration, while a high-efficiency model uses 6-8 pounds for the same grain capacity. Over ten years in Mobile, this difference compounds to $400-600 in unnecessary salt costs, plus the inconvenience of more frequent salt deliveries.

5. What to Do Next: Immediate Action Steps for Mobile Homeowners

Before investing in any water treatment system, Mobile homeowners should take these three immediate steps to understand their specific water profile.

First, test your water hardness using an accurate test kit or digital meter — don't rely on the general 6.8 GPG city average, as hardness can vary by neighborhood and season. Second, evaluate your current appliances for existing scale damage by checking your water heater's efficiency and examining your dishwasher's interior for white mineral buildup. Third, calculate your household's actual daily water usage by reading your meter for one week and dividing by seven — this gives you the precise sizing data needed for proper softener selection.

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

After evaluating Mobile's water hardness of 6.8 GPG and the presence of chlorine, iron, and sediment in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Mobile homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't marketing preference — it's the logical solution that directly addresses every challenge raised by Mobile's specific water chemistry and infrastructure.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for True Softening

Salt-free systems do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization. At 6.8 GPG, this approach cannot prevent scale formation in water heaters, pipes, or appliances. The SoftPro Elite HE uses genuine cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions — the only method proven to deliver consistently soft water at Mobile's moderate hardness level. This isn't a conditioning or treatment approach; it's complete mineral removal.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) Technology

At 6.8 GPG, softener resin exhausts faster than in naturally soft-water cities, making regeneration timing critical for Mobile households. DIR technology monitors actual water usage and resin capacity, triggering regeneration only when the resin bed is genuinely depleted. This prevents hard water breakthrough during high-usage periods while avoiding wasteful over-regeneration during low-usage times. For Mobile families dealing with variable seasonal water use and humidity-driven consumption changes, DIR is operationally essential.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Performance

Third-party certification verifies that the resin meets strict performance and materials safety standards under controlled testing conditions. For Mobile residents already managing chlorine, iron, and sediment in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides important peace of mind. The certification also validates the system's ability to consistently reduce hardness to less than 1 GPG — the standard for truly soft water.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000-grain capacity models to match Mobile households of different sizes. For a typical four-person Mobile household at 6.8 GPG, the 48,000-grain model provides optimal performance with regeneration every 5-6 days. Larger families or homes with high water usage can step up to the 64,000 or 80,000-grain units for longer intervals between regeneration cycles.

Iron and Sediment Pre-Filtration Compatibility

The SoftPro Elite HE is specifically designed to work downstream of iron removal and sediment filtration systems — critical for Mobile homeowners dealing with multiple water quality issues. The system includes connection points for pre-treatment and won't void the warranty when properly paired with upstream iron filters or sediment systems. This flexibility allows Mobile residents to address their layered water challenges systematically rather than hoping one system solves everything.

Self-Cleaning Sediment Pre-Filter

Before hardness minerals reach the main resin tank, the integrated sediment pre-filter captures particles and debris that could damage or clog the softening resin. In Mobile, where aging distribution pipes and periodic main breaks can introduce sediment spikes, this pre-filtration extends resin life and maintains consistent performance. The filter automatically backwashes during regeneration cycles, requiring no separate maintenance schedule.

Ten-Year Comprehensive Warranty

At 6.8 GPG, softener resin experiences heavy daily ion exchange cycles — approximately 2,040 grains worth of calcium and magnesium removal every single day. A ten-year warranty provides Mobile homeowners with protection during the years of highest mineral processing stress, covering both parts and performance. This warranty length reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the system's ability to handle moderate hardness levels consistently over time.

For Mobile households dealing with 6.8 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chlorine, iron, and sediment, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home. The system directly addresses hardness while accommodating the pre-treatment needed for Mobile's additional contaminants.

7. Homeowner Checklist: What Mobile Residents Need Before Installation

Mobile homeowners should complete this preparation checklist before purchasing any water softener to ensure proper sizing and installation success.

✓ Test current water hardness with an accurate kit — verify it matches the 6.8 GPG average
✓ Calculate exact daily water usage from your last three monthly bills
✓ Locate main water shut-off valve and identify installation space requirements
✓ Check local Mobile permitting requirements for water treatment installation
✓ If iron staining is present, test iron concentration to determine pre-filter needs
✓ Identify drain location for regeneration discharge (within 20 feet preferred)
✓ Measure water pressure to confirm compatibility (15-80 PSI optimal range)

8. How to Size Your Softener for Mobile

Proper sizing for Mobile's 6.8 GPG water follows a precise mathematical formula that eliminates guesswork and prevents costly under-sizing. Every step in this calculation is critical for achieving reliable soft water throughout your home.

Step 1: Count your household members (include regular guests or family who visit monthly)

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

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 6.8 GPG = daily grain demand

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

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

Step 6: Match result to SoftPro Elite HE grain capacity tier

Here's the math worked out for a four-person Mobile household: 4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily. 300 gallons × 6.8 GPG = 2,040 grains daily. 2,040 × 7 days = 14,280 grains weekly. Add 20% buffer: 14,280 × 1.2 = 17,136 grains minimum capacity.

For this Mobile household, the SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain model provides optimal performance with regeneration every 5-6 days. The 32,000-grain model would regenerate too frequently (every 3-4 days), while the 64,000-grain model would regenerate less often but represents overkill for a four-person home.

9. Installation in Mobile: What to Know

Mobile, Alabama does not require a licensed plumber for residential water softener installation, but the city does require permits for new plumbing connections in some neighborhoods. Check with Mobile's Building Permits office on Government Street before installation, especially in historic districts like Oakleigh or areas with deed restrictions.

Installation placement follows standard plumbing principles: install after your main water shutoff valve but before your water heater. The softener needs to treat all water entering your home's hot water system while maintaining bypass capability for emergencies. Mobile's typical municipal water pressure ranges from 45-65 PSI, which falls perfectly within the SoftPro Elite HE's optimal operating range of 25-80 PSI.

The drain line requirement is crucial for Mobile installations — regeneration cycles discharge concentrated brine that must go to a floor drain, utility sink, or dedicated standpipe. Plan for a drain connection within 20 feet of the softener location to avoid excessive drain line runs that could cause backpressure problems.

For Mobile's 6.8 GPG hardness level, use evaporated salt pellets rather than solar crystals or rock salt. Evaporated pellets dissolve more completely and leave less brine tank residue at moderate hardness levels where regeneration happens every 5-7 days. The higher purity prevents brine line clogging and extends the time between brine tank cleanings from monthly to quarterly.

Check salt levels weekly during your first month of operation to establish your household's consumption pattern at 6.8 GPG. Most Mobile families use 40-60 pounds of salt monthly depending on water usage and regeneration frequency.

10. Recommended Setup for Mobile Homeowners

Based on Mobile's specific water profile of 6.8 GPG hardness plus chlorine, iron, and sediment, the optimal whole-house treatment train consists of three components in sequence.

First, install a 5-micron sediment pre-filter to capture particles before they reach downstream equipment. Second, place the SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain softener to remove calcium and magnesium hardness. Third, add an activated carbon post-filter to remove chlorine taste and odor from the now-softened water. This sequence addresses Mobile's layered water challenges systematically while protecting each system component from fouling.

Mobile homeowners with visible iron staining should add an iron removal filter between the sediment filter and softener. This prevents iron from fouling the softening resin while ensuring the downstream carbon filter receives clean, soft water for optimal chlorine removal.

11. Maintenance Schedule for Mobile Homeowners

At 6.8 GPG hardness, Mobile homeowners need a structured maintenance schedule calibrated to moderate mineral processing demands. This schedule prevents problems before they affect performance and extends system life significantly beyond homes that skip regular maintenance.

Monthly Tasks

Check salt level in the brine tank — consumption is moderate at 6.8 GPG, typically 40-60 pounds monthly for a four-person household. Look for salt bridges, which form a hard crust above the water line and prevent proper regeneration. Confirm the bypass valve remains in the service position unless you're performing maintenance.

Quarterly Tasks

Clean the brine tank by removing loose salt and wiping down interior surfaces with a damp cloth. Test post-softener water hardness with a test strip to confirm output below 1 GPG. If Mobile's iron levels affect your home, inspect the sediment pre-filter for orange discoloration and replace if needed.

Annual Tasks

Perform a complete brine tank cleaning by dissolving any salt buildup and checking for proper water levels. Conduct a resin bed performance check — if post-softener hardness creeps above 1 GPG despite proper salt levels, the resin may need cleaning or replacement. Audit regeneration cycle timing to ensure it still matches your household's actual water usage patterns.

Five-Year Evaluation

At 6.8 GPG, assess resin replacement needs based on output quality rather than arbitrary timelines. High-hardness cities degrade resin faster than soft-water areas, but moderate hardness like Mobile's allows 8-12 years of resin life with proper maintenance. Test both input and output hardness to calculate system efficiency and determine if resin cleaning or replacement is cost-effective.

12. 30-Day Action Plan for Mobile Water Treatment

Mobile homeowners ready to address their 6.8 GPG hardness should follow this systematic 30-day implementation plan to ensure proper system selection and installation.

Week 1: Test current water hardness, iron, and chlorine levels using professional test kit. Calculate exact sizing requirements using the formula from Section 8. Research local contractors if you prefer professional installation over DIY.

Week 2: Order the appropriately sized SoftPro Elite HE system and any needed pre-treatment components. Obtain installation permits if required by your Mobile neighborhood. Purchase evaporated salt pellets and basic maintenance supplies.

Week 3: Schedule installation or begin DIY setup. Test baseline water quality before system startup. Verify proper drain connections and electrical requirements.

Week 4: Complete system commissioning and initial regeneration cycle. Test output water quality to confirm hardness below 1 GPG. Establish maintenance schedule and salt delivery routine.

13. Frequently Asked Questions for Mobile Residents

Is Mobile's water at 6.8 GPG dangerous to drink?

Mobile's 6.8 GPG hardness level poses no health risks — calcium and magnesium are essential minerals your body needs. The EPA classifies hardness as a secondary (aesthetic) standard rather than a health standard. The problems are mechanical: scale buildup in appliances, soap waste, and plumbing efficiency loss. Mobile's water meets all federal safety standards for drinking water quality.

Will a water softener remove iron and chlorine from Mobile's water?

Water softeners remove only calcium and magnesium hardness minerals — they do not reliably remove iron or chlorine. Mobile homeowners dealing with iron staining need a separate iron filter upstream of the softener. Chlorine taste and odor require an activated carbon filter, typically installed after the softener. The SoftPro Elite HE is designed to work with these companion systems.

How much salt will I use per month in Mobile at 6.8 GPG?

A four-person Mobile household typically uses 45-55 pounds of salt monthly at 6.8 GPG hardness. This assumes normal water usage of 300 gallons daily and regeneration every 5-6 days. Larger families or higher water usage will increase salt consumption proportionally. Using evaporated salt pellets rather than crystals reduces waste and extends time between brine tank cleanings.

Does Mobile require a permit to install a water softener?

Mobile, Alabama does not require specific permits for water softener installation in most residential areas. However, some historic districts and neighborhoods with deed restrictions may have additional requirements. Contact Mobile's Building Permits office at 251-208-7740 to verify requirements for your specific address before installation.

Why does soft water feel slippery in the shower?

The slippery sensation is actually your skin's natural oils without calcium interference — it's what clean skin feels like. At 6.8 GPG, Mobile's hard water combines with soap to form sticky mineral films that mask your skin's natural texture. Soft water allows soap to rinse completely, leaving skin truly clean rather than coated with mineral residue. Most Mobile residents adjust to this cleaner feeling within two weeks.

How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Mobile?

Mobile homeowners notice immediate changes in soap lathering and skin feel, but appliance protection benefits accumulate over months. Existing scale in your water heater and pipes won't disappear instantly — it stops growing and may gradually diminish. New scale formation stops immediately. Laundry softness and reduced spotting appear within the first wash cycle after installation.

Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Mobile's water without additional filters?

The SoftPro Elite HE will effectively soften Mobile's 6.8 GPG hardness, but Mobile homeowners typically achieve better overall water quality with companion treatment for iron and chlorine. The softener includes sediment pre-filtration but cannot address taste, odor, or staining from other contaminants. A complete Mobile water treatment system pairs the SoftPro with targeted pre- and post-filtration based on your specific test results.

14. Final Verdict for Mobile

Mobile's water hardness of 6.8 GPG demands professional-grade treatment that matches the city's moderate but persistent mineral concentration. This isn't extreme hardness that creates emergency-level scale buildup, but it's well beyond the threshold where soap works efficiently, appliances maintain their design lifespan, and energy costs remain optimal.

The presence of chlorine, iron, and sediment compounds Mobile's hardness problem in specific ways that require comprehensive rather than piecemeal solutions. The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other softeners for Mobile applications because of its demand-initiated regeneration that matches 6.8 GPG consumption patterns, its compatibility with the pre-treatment Mobile's iron and sediment require, and its ten-year warranty that covers the moderate-hardness operational stress Mobile households create.

For Mobile residents tired of scrubbing white spots off glassware, replacing water heaters ahead of schedule, and using twice as much soap as necessary, the mathematics are straightforward: a properly sized SoftPro Elite HE pays for itself through eliminated waste and protected appliances within 36 months. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for a Mobile household — the 48,000-grain model handles most four-person homes optimally.

Living in the Port City means dealing with humidity that makes hard water feel even more concentrated on skin and hair, but it doesn't mean accepting the hidden monthly tax of 6.8 GPG mineral deposits flowing through your home's most expensive infrastructure.