Water Treatment: Why It Matters and How Culligan Can Help

Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, water is essential to your daily life—from drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning. But despite meeting federal safety standards, tap water in many parts of the U.S. may still contain contaminants or characteristics that affect its taste, safety, and performance in your home. Understanding what’s in your water—and how to treat it—can help you protect your health, extend the life of your appliances, and enjoy greater peace of mind.

That’s where Culligan comes in.

Water sources vary by region and can include surface water (like lakes and rivers), groundwater (from wells and aquifers), or a mix of both. Depending on where you live, your tap water may contain naturally occurring minerals, treatment chemicals, or even industrial byproducts. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners face across the country:

Hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium. It’s especially common in areas with limestone-rich geology. Signs of hard water include:

Water softeners can help by removing these hardness minerals through ion exchange or other filtration methods, improving both comfort and appliance performance.

Most municipal water systems use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect water and eliminate pathogens. While effective, these chemicals can react with organic matter in the water and form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as:

Even when present within legal limits, DBPs can contribute to unpleasant taste and odor—and long-term exposure may carry health risks. Whole-home filtration or reverse osmosis systems can help reduce these byproducts.

Trace amounts of lead, copper, and arsenic may be found in tap water due to aging infrastructure, natural deposits, or corrosion in old plumbing systems. Health effects vary depending on the metal and exposure level but may include developmental issues, kidney damage, and increased cancer risk. The EPA sets maximum allowable levels, but many health experts recommend keeping exposure as low as possible.

Often found in agricultural regions, nitrates can enter the water supply from fertilizer runoff or septic system leakage. While nitrates are regulated, infants and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to their effects. Filtration systems, especially reverse osmosis, can effectively reduce nitrate levels.

Even if your city’s water meets EPA regulations, that doesn’t guarantee it meets your personal standards for taste, odor, or safety. Here’s why a home water treatment system is a smart investment:

Hard water minerals can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and shorten the lifespan of your appliances. A water softener prevents scale buildup, helping your systems operate more efficiently and last longer.

Chlorine, chloramine, and sulfur compounds can leave water with an off-putting smell or taste. A whole-house filtration system or under-sink reverse osmosis system can restore fresh, clean flavor to your water.

Filtration can remove or reduce trace contaminants like heavy metals, PFAS (forever chemicals), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and pharmaceuticals. If you’re concerned about your family’s exposure, upgrading your filtration system provides added peace of mind.

Culligan offers a full range of solutions tailored to your local water conditions—whether you’re dealing with hard water in the Midwest, chlorinated water on the West Coast, or well water in rural areas. Our systems are designed to work with your unique water supply to give you cleaner, safer water throughout your home.

Our salt-based and salt-free softeners remove hardness minerals to:

Culligan’s multi-stage reverse osmosis (RO) systems remove up to 99% of common contaminants, including:

These systems provide purified drinking water directly from your tap or fridge.

Culligan’s whole-house filters target a wide range of water concerns based on your local conditions. These systems can remove:

Paired with other systems, whole-house filters ensure consistent water quality for bathing, laundry, and cleaning.

When you choose Culligan, you’re not just buying a product—you’re getting a team of local water experts who understand your region’s unique water challenges. Here’s what we offer:

Whether you’re in a city, suburb, or rural area, Culligan’s nationwide network is ready to help you take control of your water quality.

From hard water to hidden contaminants, your tap water may not be as clean or efficient as it could be. Culligan offers tested, proven solutions that bring you peace of mind and better performance—throughout your home.

Schedule your free water test today to find out what’s in your water—and how Culligan can help.