Rainsoft
 

My son-in-law is VP of Rainsoft in Florida. The water we had in Oviedo was absolutley terrible when we lived there. He got us a used unit for around 2K and had it installed.
When we moved here 30 months ago, we brought it with us. Installation again was free and all we ever pay is about $6 every 3 months for a block of salt. $24 a year ain't bad for "soft water".

The water in the Villages is excellent compared to that in much of Florida. As you approach either coast the water quality degrades and the smell/odor can be so bad you can't drink it or cook with it without impacting the flavor of food. Then they add tons of chlorine and it tastes even worse. That's why super markets in those areas have water filtration stations where you can fill your own jugs for $.30 or so. Here the worst offender seems to be the chlorine which you can easily remove with a charcoal filter connected to a small bar faucet on the sink. A whole house filter system is absolutely NOT NECESSARY unless you need to have water so soft you can't get the soap off your hands. Get a charcoal filter for the frig too to keep the ice palatible.

Public water
 

You can remove the chlorine smell a lot easier - and more cheaply - simply by filling a pitcher and refrigerating it. The chlorine evaporates as the water chills.

I worked for a public water utility in the 90's. Public (sometimes called "city") water companies need to meet strict government standards - including the report to consumers mentioned previously. This is to comply with the Clean Water Act. Water may appear to have more color or odor or a different taste than what you are used to - but the water is safe.

If - other than chlorine - the taste bothers you then the tap (or fridge) filters or a Brita are a good solution. A water softener is an ongoing expense and is generally overkill.

GE ExtraPure water filtration system
 

We had a visit today from a GE representative who tested our water from the new fridge (with filter), sink and even bottled spring water. Nothing passed inspection. The sales pitch is on the extraPure whole-house filtration system which is attached at the point of entry. Supposed to improve the life of water-using appliances and pipes; lower amounts of soaps, detergents, shampoos necessary; Cost is approx. $3500.
Anyone else been contacted or have any comments?

Welcome to TOTV!

There are many prior posts regarding this issue - do a search using the "search" button in the blue toolbar line above.

Check out Nuts and Bolts of The Villages near the bottom of the "Talk of the Villages" front page.

And, look over Virginia Trace website for valuable links: http://www.virginiatrace.com/

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Just my personal opinion but I think this is one of the biggest scams going. If you read the threads pertaining to this you will find many that feel the same way I do. I strongly suggest you ask your neighbors,friends and other Village residents about the water and do some research before investing in such an expensive system. If you decide you want a water filtration system there are many good ones available for a lot less money.

Welcome to TV and good luck.

In Sperlings Best Places, Water Quality in TV is rated at 80 out of a possible 100 points.

The average for the U.S. is 55. That sounds pretty good to me.

We had decided prior to moving here last year that we wanted to get a whole house system, mostly a personal choice with us. Right after closing the phone calls from the various companies started. GE was the 1st to come out and test our water and provide an estimate. Since we were just starting to look we told them we would let them know. Later that day we got a phone call from that reps manager offering us a "deal" on a trade show leftover. Again we said thanks but not right now. Two subsequent calls from the same company over the next couple of days were a big turnoff. We ended up searching the yellow pages and getting a system for just over $3,000.