Best Water Softener for Phoenix, AZ — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Extreme Water Crisis Destroying Phoenix Homes Right Now

Every single day, Phoenix homeowners are unknowingly accelerating the destruction of their most expensive appliances. The culprit isn't age, usage, or manufacturer defects — it's the city's brutally hard water measuring 12.3 grains per gallon (GPG), a level that falls squarely in the "extremely hard" category according to the Water Quality Association.

To understand what 12.3 GPG means for your home, imagine your water as liquid sandpaper flowing through every pipe, faucet, and appliance 24 hours a day. Each gallon contains enough dissolved calcium and magnesium to coat heating elements, clog spray arms, and crystallize inside your water heater tank at an alarming rate. Phoenix draws its water primarily from the Colorado River through the Central Arizona Project and Salt River system — both sources naturally high in dissolved minerals from traveling through limestone and gypsum deposits across hundreds of miles.

Phoenix's 12.3 GPG classification as "extremely hard" puts local homeowners in the top 15% nationwide for mineral concentration damage. This isn't a minor inconvenience — it's a financial emergency happening in slow motion. Valley residents routinely replace water heaters 3-4 years ahead of schedule, watch dishwashers fail from scale buildup, and spend double the national average on soap and detergent just to achieve basic cleaning results.

The emotional and financial stakes are real: a single water heater replacement costs $1,200-2,800 in Phoenix, dishwashers average $800-1,500, and washing machines run $600-1,200. When extremely hard water cuts appliance lifespan by 30-50%, the cumulative cost over a decade easily reaches $8,000-12,000 per household. Your home's value and your family's daily comfort hang in the balance every time you turn on a faucet.

2. What 12.3 GPG Does to Your Home

At Phoenix's extreme hardness level of 12.3 GPG, calcium carbonate scale doesn't just coat your appliances — it transforms them into expensive scrap metal. Inside your water heater, dissolved minerals precipitate out when heated, forming concrete-hard deposits on heating elements and tank walls. A typical 40-gallon electric water heater in Phoenix loses 35-45% of its heating efficiency within 18-24 months, turning a $40 monthly electric bill into $70-80.

The calcite crystallization process accelerates dramatically above 10 GPG. When water temperature rises above 140°F inside your water heater, calcium and magnesium ions bond instantly to metal surfaces, creating concentric rings of scale that narrow the tank's effective capacity. Phoenix homeowners frequently discover their "40-gallon" water heater actually holds closer to 25-30 gallons of usable hot water due to mineral buildup consuming interior space.

Older galvanized steel pipes in Phoenix homes built before 1980 face the most severe damage from 12.3 GPG water. Scale deposits form thick, chalky rings that reduce water flow by 15-25% within five years. Copper pipes fare better initially but still develop significant mineral coating that creates turbulence, increases pressure, and stresses pipe joints throughout the Valley's intense thermal cycling from summer heat.

Appliance manufacturers understand Phoenix's water challenges so well that many void warranties on tankless water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines unless a water softener is professionally installed. At 12.3 GPG, your dishwasher's spray arms clog every 6-8 months, washing machine pumps work 40% harder, and coffee makers require descaling every 3-4 weeks just to function.

The soap chemistry becomes equally problematic at this hardness level. Calcium and magnesium ions react with fatty acids in soap to form insoluble precipitate — the grey scum coating your shower walls and making laundry feel stiff and scratchy. Phoenix families use 3-4 times more laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo compared to soft-water cities, adding $300-500 annually in cleaning product costs.

Skin and hair suffer measurably at 12.3 GPG exposure. Calcium ions strip natural oils from skin, leaving a mineral film that blocks moisturizer absorption and exacerbates eczema, particularly during Phoenix's low-humidity months. Hair becomes dull, brittle, and difficult to manage as mineral deposits coat each strand and prevent conditioner from penetrating.

For a typical Phoenix household, the annual "hard water tax" — combining energy loss, soap waste, appliance depreciation, and cleaning product overconsumption — totals approximately $1,800-2,400 per year at 12.3 GPG. This represents money directly removed from your household budget to compensate for water that damages everything it touches.

3. Phoenix's Specific Contaminant Profile

Phoenix's water profile presents a layered challenge: beyond the 12.3 GPG hardness baseline, residents are also contending with chloramine, fluoride, and sediment — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own way.

Chloramine in Phoenix Water

Unlike simple chlorine, chloramine is a more stable disinfectant compound that Phoenix Water Services uses year-round to maintain water safety across the city's extensive distribution system. Chloramine enters Phoenix water at the treatment plant where ammonia is added to chlorine, creating monochloramine that resists breakdown during the long journey from treatment facilities to Valley neighborhoods.

At 12.3 GPG hardness, chloramine interactions become more problematic because scale deposits inside pipes create surface area where chloramine can concentrate and react. Phoenix residents often notice a distinctive "band-aid" or medicinal odor, especially in summer when ground temperatures exceed 100°F and accelerate chemical reactions. The taste becomes more pronounced when combined with mineral content, creating a sharp, chemical finish that makes tap water unpalatable.

The EPA maximum residual disinfectant level for chloramine is 4.0 mg/L, and Phoenix typically maintains levels between 1.8-3.2 mg/L throughout the distribution system. While these levels meet safety standards, chloramine can react with lead in pre-1986 plumbing and is toxic to fish, making it problematic for Phoenix residents with aquariums or backyard ponds.

Standard activated carbon filters cannot effectively remove chloramine — only catalytic carbon specifically designed for chloramine reduction works reliably. The SoftPro Elite HE water softener addresses hardness but does not remove chloramine, so Phoenix homeowners typically need a whole-house catalytic carbon filter as a companion system for complete water treatment.

Fluoride in Phoenix Water

Phoenix intentionally adds fluoride to the municipal water supply at approximately 0.7 mg/L, following CDC recommendations for dental health. This fluoride addition occurs at the treatment plant using fluorosilicic acid, and levels remain stable throughout the distribution system regardless of seasonal variations.

Fluoride does not interact negatively with Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness — both minerals coexist without chemical reactions or precipitation. However, Phoenix residents should understand that water softeners do not remove fluoride through the ion exchange process. The SoftPro Elite HE exchanges calcium and magnesium for sodium but leaves fluoride molecules unchanged in the treated water.

The EPA maximum contaminant level for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L (health-based) and 2.0 mg/L (secondary aesthetic standard). Phoenix's controlled addition of 0.7 mg/L remains well below both thresholds, though residents with specific fluoride concerns may want a reverse osmosis system at their drinking water tap in addition to whole-house softening.

Sediment in Phoenix Water

Sediment in Phoenix water originates from multiple sources: aging distribution pipes, periodic main breaks, and particles from the Colorado River system during seasonal runoff events. The Valley's rapid development has stressed older infrastructure, and sediment levels can spike temporarily after utility work or monsoon-related system disturbances.

At 12.3 GPG hardness, sediment becomes a compounding problem because particles provide nucleation sites where calcium and magnesium can crystallize more rapidly. Suspended particles also damage and clog water softener resin over time, reducing the system's effectiveness and shortening its operational lifespan.

Phoenix residents typically notice sediment as cloudy water immediately after turning on faucets, particularly in older neighborhoods with galvanized steel distribution lines. The EPA secondary standard for turbidity is 4.0 NTUs, and Phoenix generally maintains levels well below 1.0 NTU, though individual homes may experience higher levels due to internal plumbing conditions.

The SoftPro Elite HE includes a self-cleaning sediment pre-filter specifically designed to capture particles before they reach the ion exchange resin. This feature is operationally essential for Phoenix homes where both sediment and extreme hardness stress water treatment equipment simultaneously.

4. Why Most Phoenix Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walk through any big-box store in Phoenix and you'll find water softeners marketed as "perfect for Arizona homes" — yet most fail within 2-3 years because they're fundamentally undersized for 12.3 GPG demand. The biggest mistake Phoenix homeowners make is buying based on price alone, assuming all softeners work equally well regardless of local water conditions.

An undersized 24,000-grain unit that works adequately in Tucson or Flagstaff will experience complete resin exhaustion every 2-3 days in Phoenix. At 12.3 GPG, a family of four consumes roughly 3,690 grains of hardness daily. That 24K unit reaches capacity in just 6.5 days under perfect conditions — but real-world usage patterns, shower timing, and laundry loads often push exhaustion to day 4 or 5, leaving your family with hard water breakthrough between regeneration cycles.

The second critical mistake is confusing water softeners with water filters. Phoenix residents dealing with chloramine, fluoride, and sediment alongside extreme hardness often expect a single softener to solve every water problem. Softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium exclusively — they do not reliably remove chloramine, fluoride, or fine sediment. Phoenix households with both 12.3 GPG hardness and multiple contaminants need a properly sequenced two-stage treatment approach.

Mistake three is ignoring grain capacity math entirely. Here's the formula every Phoenix homeowner must understand: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand. For a four-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.3 = 2,460 grains per day. Multiply by seven days = 17,220 grains weekly. Add a 20% buffer for high-usage periods = 20,664 grains minimum weekly capacity. This calculation reveals why 32,000-grain units are the practical minimum for Phoenix families, with 48,000-grain systems providing optimal regeneration efficiency.

The fourth mistake costs Phoenix homeowners hundreds of dollars annually: overlooking salt efficiency ratings. At 12.3 GPG, softeners regenerate 2-3 times more frequently than in moderate hardness cities. An inefficient unit using 15 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle will consume 180-240 pounds monthly in Phoenix conditions. High-efficiency models like the SoftPro Elite HE use 8-10 pounds per cycle, reducing monthly consumption to 96-150 pounds. Over ten years, this efficiency difference saves $800-1,200 in salt costs alone.

5. What Phoenix Homeowners Need to Do Next

Before shopping for any water treatment system, test your home's specific water conditions using a comprehensive test kit that measures hardness, chloramine, sediment, and pH. Phoenix's water quality can vary significantly between neighborhoods, especially in areas served by different distribution zones or homes with private wells in outlying areas.

Check your current appliances for early warning signs of 12.3 GPG damage: white chalky deposits around faucet aerators, reduced water pressure in showerheads, longer heating times for your water heater, and soap scum buildup in tubs and showers. These symptoms indicate mineral scale is already forming throughout your plumbing system.

Calculate your household's actual water usage by reading your meter daily for one week. Phoenix residents often use more water than the national 75-gallon average due to swimming pools, landscape irrigation, and evaporative cooling systems. Accurate usage data ensures proper softener sizing for your specific consumption patterns.

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

After evaluating Phoenix's water hardness of 12.3 GPG and the presence of chloramine, fluoride, and sediment in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Phoenix homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener.

This recommendation isn't based on marketing claims or generic features — it's anchored to Phoenix's specific water chemistry and the operational demands of extremely hard water treatment. The SoftPro Elite HE addresses every challenge that 12.3 GPG water presents to Valley homes while providing the reliability Phoenix's climate and usage patterns require.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for True Hardness Removal

Salt-free systems marketed throughout Phoenix do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change calcium and magnesium crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization. At 12.3 GPG, this approach fails completely because the mineral concentration overwhelms any crystallization modification. Phoenix homeowners who install salt-free systems continue experiencing scale buildup, appliance damage, and soap waste because the minerals remain in the water.

The SoftPro Elite HE uses genuine cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. This process delivers genuinely soft water measuring less than 1 GPG — the only approach that prevents scale formation and protects appliances at Phoenix's extreme hardness level. The chemistry is proven, measurable, and effective regardless of seasonal variations or usage spikes.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration for Phoenix Efficiency

At 12.3 GPG, ion exchange resin exhausts much faster than in moderate hardness cities like Denver or Seattle. Timer-based regeneration systems regenerate on fixed schedules regardless of actual usage, leading to hard water breakthrough during high-demand periods or salt waste during low-usage times.

The SoftPro Elite HE's demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) monitors actual water usage and remaining resin capacity, regenerating only when the resin is genuinely depleted. For Phoenix households consuming 2,400+ grains of hardness daily, this precision prevents the hard water breakthrough that damages appliances and ensures consistent soft water delivery during peak usage periods like morning showers or evening laundry loads.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Performance

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 certification verifies that the SoftPro Elite HE's resin and components meet strict performance and materials safety standards. For Phoenix residents already managing chloramine, fluoride, and sediment in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants or byproducts is operationally critical.

This certification also guarantees consistent calcium and magnesium removal efficiency across the full range of hardness levels, including Phoenix's extreme 12.3 GPG concentration. Non-certified systems often experience performance degradation at high hardness levels, leading to incomplete softening and continued scale formation.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options for Phoenix Households

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000 grain capacity models, allowing precise sizing for Phoenix's water conditions. Using the sizing formula for a typical four-person Phoenix household: 4 × 75 gallons × 12.3 GPG × 7 days × 1.2 buffer = 24,600 grains weekly minimum capacity.

The 32,000-grain model provides adequate capacity with regeneration every 5-6 days, while the 48,000-grain model regenerates weekly for optimal salt and water efficiency. Larger households or homes with pools, guest houses, or high water usage should consider the 64,000 or 80,000-grain models to maintain consistent soft water delivery without frequent regeneration cycles.

Ten-Year Warranty Protection

At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level, water softener resin experiences heavy daily mineral loading that accelerates normal wear patterns. The SoftPro Elite HE's ten-year warranty provides Phoenix homeowners with comprehensive protection during the years of highest operational stress, covering both resin replacement and control valve service.

This warranty coverage is particularly valuable in Phoenix where extreme hardness, temperature fluctuations from 115°F summer days to 40°F winter nights, and high mineral concentrations create demanding operating conditions that stress water treatment equipment beyond typical residential use patterns.

Sediment Pre-Filter Integration

The SoftPro Elite HE includes a self-cleaning sediment pre-filter specifically designed to capture particles before they reach the ion exchange resin tank. In Phoenix where aging distribution infrastructure and periodic construction activities introduce sediment into the water supply, this pre-filtration prevents resin fouling and extends system operational life.

This integrated approach eliminates the need for a separate sediment filter while ensuring that both particulate matter and dissolved minerals are addressed in proper sequence for complete water treatment.

For Phoenix households dealing with 12.3 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chloramine, fluoride, and sediment, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is essential infrastructure protection for your home.

7. Homeowner Checklist Before Buying Any Softener

Verify your home's actual water hardness with an independent test kit, not just city averages. Phoenix's 12.3 GPG represents a citywide average, but individual neighborhoods can range from 10.8 to 14.1 GPG depending on distribution zone and seasonal variations.

Measure your household's actual daily water consumption for one full week. Phoenix families often exceed the standard 75-gallon-per-person estimate due to pools, evaporative coolers, and landscape irrigation connected to domestic water lines.

Identify the location of your main water line, shut-off valve, and nearest drain for regeneration discharge. Phoenix homes built before 1985 may have galvanized steel plumbing that requires professional assessment before softener installation.

Budget for companion filtration if needed. The SoftPro Elite HE handles hardness and sediment but Phoenix homeowners concerned about chloramine taste and odor should budget an additional $800-1,200 for whole-house catalytic carbon filtration.

8. How to Size Your Softener for Phoenix

Proper softener sizing for Phoenix's 12.3 GPG water requires precise calculation, not guesswork or sales recommendations. Follow this step-by-step process to determine the correct grain capacity for your household.

Step 1: Count all household members, including regular guests, college students who return seasonally, or extended family who stay for Phoenix's winter months.

Step 2: Multiply household size by 75 gallons per person per day. (Phoenix residents may use 80-90 gallons due to climate factors, but 75 provides a conservative baseline.)

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

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

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

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

Example calculation for a 4-person Phoenix household: 4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily. 300 gallons × 12.3 GPG = 3,690 grains daily. 3,690 × 7 days = 25,830 grains weekly. 25,830 × 1.2 buffer = 30,996 grains minimum capacity. **The 32,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE model provides adequate capacity, while the 48,000-grain model offers weekly regeneration for optimal efficiency.**

Regenerating every 5-7 days maximizes salt efficiency and ensures consistent soft water delivery. More frequent regeneration wastes salt and water; less frequent regeneration risks hard water breakthrough during peak usage periods.

9. Installation in Phoenix: What to Know

Phoenix does not require a licensed plumber for residential water softener installation, but the city does require proper permitting for any plumbing modifications that connect to the main water line. Many Phoenix homeowners successfully install softeners themselves, though professional installation ensures proper sizing, placement, and warranty coverage.

Optimal placement is immediately after your main shutoff valve but before the water heater, with bypass valves allowing system isolation for maintenance. Phoenix homes typically have main water lines entering through the garage, utility room, or side yard access. The softener requires 110V electrical power for the control valve and adequate space for salt loading and regeneration drain line routing.

Regeneration discharge requires a floor drain, utility sink, or exterior drainage that complies with Phoenix water conservation ordinances. The SoftPro Elite HE discharges approximately 50-75 gallons during each regeneration cycle, and this high-sodium water should not drain directly onto landscaping or pool areas.

Phoenix's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-65 PSI, well within the SoftPro Elite HE's operating range of 25-80 PSI. Homes in elevated areas like North Phoenix foothills or newer developments with pressure-reducing valves should verify adequate pressure for proper regeneration flow rates.

At 12.3 GPG consumption rates, use only high-purity evaporated salt pellets to minimize brine tank residue and maintain regeneration efficiency. Solar crystals or rock salt contain impurities that accumulate faster at Phoenix's high regeneration frequency, leading to brine tank cleaning problems and reduced system performance.

Salt level monitoring becomes critical at Phoenix's hardness level — check monthly and maintain 6-8 inches of salt above the water level in the brine tank. A 4-person household typically consumes 40-60 pounds of salt monthly at 12.3 GPG, requiring regular salt additions to prevent regeneration failure.

10. Maintenance Schedule for Phoenix Homeowners

Phoenix's extreme hardness and climate conditions require more frequent maintenance than softener manufacturers typically recommend for moderate hardness cities. Follow this schedule to ensure reliable operation and maximum system lifespan.

Monthly Tasks: Check salt level and consumption rate — at 12.3 GPG, salt usage is high and consistent. Inspect for salt bridges, which form when humidity creates a hard crust above the water line, blocking proper regeneration. Verify bypass valve remains in the service position, as vibration from Phoenix's frequent construction and heavy truck traffic can shift valve positions.

Every 3 Months: Clean brine tank interior to remove accumulated sediment and salt residue. Test post-softener water hardness using test strips to confirm output remains under 1 GPG. Clean the sediment pre-filter if your area experiences higher particulate levels during monsoon season or nearby construction activities.

Every 6 Months: Inspect regeneration drain line for mineral buildup or blockages. Phoenix's hard water can create scale even in the discharge plumbing. Check electrical connections and control valve settings, as extreme temperature variations can affect electronic components over time.

Annually: Complete brine tank disassembly and thorough cleaning. Perform resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness creeps above 1 GPG despite proper salt levels, resin may need cleaning or replacement. Audit regeneration cycle timing and salt dosage to ensure optimal efficiency as household usage patterns change.

Every 5 Years: Professional resin replacement evaluation. At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG loading, resin degrades faster than in moderate hardness cities. Assess overall system performance and consider upgrades if household size or usage patterns have changed significantly.

Phoenix residents should establish baseline hardness readings before installation and retest monthly for the first six months to confirm the system maintains consistent performance under local operating conditions.

11. Recommended Setup for Phoenix Homes

For complete water treatment in Phoenix, most homeowners need a two-stage approach: the SoftPro Elite HE for hardness removal plus supplementary filtration for chloramine and taste improvement. Install the sediment pre-filter first, followed by the softener, then catalytic carbon filtration for chloramine removal.

Recommended grain capacity: 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE for families of 3-5 people, 64,000-grain for larger households or high water usage. This sizing provides weekly regeneration cycles that balance efficiency with reliable soft water delivery.

Essential accessories for Phoenix conditions: High-purity evaporated salt pellets, digital hardness test kit for monthly monitoring, and bypass valve installation for system maintenance without water service interruption.

12. Frequently Asked Questions for Phoenix Residents

13. Is Phoenix's water at 12.3 GPG dangerous to drink?

No, Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level is not dangerous to drink and actually provides beneficial calcium and magnesium minerals. The health risks from extremely hard water are indirect — increased soap and detergent usage, skin irritation from mineral deposits, and potential cardiovascular benefits from mineral intake that some studies suggest. The primary concerns are economic and aesthetic: appliance damage, increased cleaning costs, and water taste and feel issues.

14. Will a water softener remove chloramine from Phoenix water?

No, the SoftPro Elite HE water softener does not remove chloramine through the ion exchange process. Softeners specifically target calcium and magnesium hardness minerals. Phoenix homeowners concerned about chloramine taste, odor, or potential reactions with plumbing should install a whole-house catalytic carbon filter in addition to the softener. Standard activated carbon is not effective against chloramine — only catalytic carbon designed for chloramine reduction works reliably.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Phoenix at 12.3 GPG?

A typical 4-person Phoenix household will consume 40-60 pounds of salt monthly with a properly sized SoftPro Elite HE system. This calculation assumes 300 gallons daily usage, 12.3 GPG hardness, and high-efficiency regeneration. Larger families, homes with pools, or higher water usage can expect 60-80 pounds monthly. At current Phoenix salt prices of $6-8 per 40-pound bag, monthly salt costs range from $6-12 for most households.

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

Phoenix does not require specific permits for water softener installation, but any plumbing connections to the main water line must comply with city plumbing codes. Professional installation typically includes proper permitting and inspection. DIY installations should verify compliance with Phoenix's cross-connection control ordinances and ensure regeneration discharge meets city wastewater requirements. Contact Phoenix Water Services at 602-262-6251 for specific guidance on your installation.

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

Soft water feels slippery because it allows soap to create genuine lather instead of reacting with calcium and magnesium to form sticky scum. Phoenix residents accustomed to 12.3 GPG water are used to the "squeaky clean" feeling created by mineral deposits and soap residue on their skin. True soft water allows natural skin oils to remain while removing soap completely, creating a smooth, clean sensation that many initially perceive as slippery. Most Phoenix residents prefer this feeling within 2-3 weeks of installation.

Conclusion: Final Verdict for Phoenix

Phoenix's extreme hardness of 12.3 GPG demands professional-grade treatment, not compromise solutions or budget shortcuts. The mineral concentration in Valley water actively damages every appliance, pipe, and fixture in your home while costing your family hundreds of dollars annually in wasted soap, energy, and premature replacements.

Chloramine, fluoride, and sediment compound the hardness problem by creating taste issues, potential plumbing reactions, and accelerated equipment wear that budget softeners simply cannot address reliably. Phoenix homeowners need proven technology that handles extreme conditions year after year without performance degradation or frequent service calls.

The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other options because its demand-initiated regeneration, NSF-certified resin, and integrated sediment pre-filtration directly address every challenge Phoenix water presents. The 48,000-grain capacity provides optimal weekly regeneration for most Valley households while the 10-year warranty protects your investment during the demanding operational years ahead.

Phoenix residents ready to protect their homes and eliminate the daily frustration of extremely hard water should check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for proper household sizing. Like the desert blooms that transform the Sonoran landscape after winter rains, your home's water quality can change dramatically with the right treatment system in place.