IH2O

A common question we get a lot is "How often do I need to change my softener's salt?"

A lot of systems usually need to be changed every 1-2 months, which uses around 12-24 bags of salt per year for a 4-5 person household.

Our conditioner only needs to be changed twice per year, which will use a total of 6-7 bags of salt for a 4-5 person household.

If you're looking for a water filter for your home but don't know which one to get, send us a message below.

We'll schedule a water test and then recommend which one would be right for your home based on the results.

A lot of people think if their water looks clear, it's clean.

The problem is... some of the worst contaminants are completely invisible.

Here are 5 of the biggest ones to watch for:

#1 Lead – Can leach from older plumbing and has been linked to brain and nervous system damage, especially in children.

#2 PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") – These chemicals don't break down easily and have been associated with hormone disruption, immune system effects, and increased cancer risk.

#3 Nitrates – Common in agricultural areas. High levels can be especially dangerous for infants because they reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

#4 Bacteria & Viruses – Usually caused by contamination from wells. They can lead to serious stomach and intestinal illnesses.

#5 Arsenic – A naturally occurring contaminant found in some groundwater that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other long-term health problems.

Testing your water is one of the smartest things you can do before drinking it without a filter.

Another Calgary family has cleaner water 💧😋

Contact us for your water filtration needs 👇

Ever wonder why your tap water tastes different?

The taste of your water can often give clues about what's in it.

✔️ A chlorine taste may come from disinfectants used by your local water utility.

✔️ A metallic taste can be caused by trace metals from aging plumbing.

✔️ An earthy taste is often linked to naturally occurring organic compounds.

✔️ A salty taste may indicate elevated mineral or sodium levels.

If your water doesn't taste right, a professional water test can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.

💧 Why does tap water sometimes look cloudy?

In most cases, cloudy water is simply caused by tiny air bubbles that become trapped in the water. If you let a glass sit for 30–60 seconds and it clears from the bottom up, it's usually just air.

However, if the cloudiness doesn't disappear or your water has an unusual taste, smell, or colour, it could be worth having it tested.

What are your thoughts on fluoride in tap water? Let us know in the comments 👇

How do you know if your home needs a water softener?

Hard water isn't always obvious at first. The signs usually build up over time.

Here are a few things to look for:

🚿 White spots or chalky residue on faucets, shower doors, or dishes
🧼 Soap that doesn't lather well and leaves a film on your skin
🧴 Dry skin or hair after showering
👕 Clothes and towels feel stiff after washing
🏠 Appliances like your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine not performing as well over time

If you're noticing several of these, there's a good chance your home has hard water and could benefit from a softener.

Calgary has naturally hard water because it's rich in calcium and magnesium from the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Throughout the year, hardness typically ranges from 8 to 16 grains per gallon, depending on where you live in the city.

To put that into perspective:

💧 0–3 grains = Soft water
💧 4–7 grains = Moderately hard
💧 7–10 grains = Hard
💧 10+ grains = Very hard

That means much of Calgary falls into the hard to very hard range.

Hard water isn't dangerous to drink, but it can:

• Leave white spots on faucets and shower glass
• Cause soap to lather poorly
• Dry out skin and hair
• Build up scale inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances over time.

How does hard water affect your home? Let us know in the comments!

💧 Did you know the average person drinks around 38,000 litres of water over their lifetime?

That's the equivalent of 19,000 two-litre bottles of water.

If you lined those bottles up end to end, they'd stretch for over 6 kilometres (nearly 4 miles).

It's amazing to think how something as ordinary as a glass of water adds up over a lifetime.