[gardenia]

Renegade,
Like Zcaveman, I had a water softener system in NJ, definitely miss it here and plan on getting one as as soon as I move into my new home. I immediately noticed the difference in the water when I began renting in Bonita 2 months ago: my hair isn't "silky and soft", same soaps I used in NJ don't lather at all here, dishes have white spots using same dishwashing detergent I used in NJ. Can't comment on the taste of the water as I drink bottled water, and haven't noticed any difference in the plumbing hardware as I haven't been here long enough. I plan to find a local Culligan authorized dealer like I did in NJ, and purchase my own "salt" in Home Depot/Lowes just like I did in the past. Six yrs ago, cost me $1,200 to purchase/install equipment from Culligan, bought my own salt at HOme Depot for $7/bag so maintenance was next to nothing. Was a great investment for my quality of life, and i plan to do it again.

[MikeH]

Suggest a "whole house" water softener. I listened to sales pitches from several companies, each saying theirs was "the best and only one to buy". Prices started around $6000 and then with various "discounts" which were found the longer we talked usually got the "Special Price" down to $2000, or so. Did some research and discovered one company makes almost all the softeners under different brand names. Sears brand is the exact same product as the most recognized name brand and expensive one quoted to me. I called the salesman to come back for another visit and answer some questions. My one question was "Explain to me the exact differences between your product and the Sears product". He admitted he couldn't and left. Bought Sears and had them install it for around $700-800 four years ago. Very well pleased! Do your homework first. Hope this helps.

[OpusX1]

The water is hard. If you have it tested most of the hardness comes from limestone. Not bad for you but it is hard. We put in a softener and a whole house filter. You can buy a softener from Lowe's or HD for between $400 & $600. The filter costs about $50. We had a plumber install both the softener and filter and as I remember it was $280. He was there about 4 hours.

[windylou]

Like RENEGADE ,, I am looking for something other than a soft water conditioner
that uses salt. First of all, we had one up north., and it was too soft .... and I really didn't like buying and putting in salt all the time.
I would like opinions on KINETICO or EASY WATER systems or whole house filtration systems. Costs for ( ___sq foot)... ?? Need filters etc changed ??? No more build up ??
THANKS for any tips.... and NO , I do not want a "cold call" from a water place.

[AnonChick]

Our rental was in St. Charles, and the first night I went to drink water out of the tap; it tasted like it had dead fish floating in it. That's got to be the nastiest tasting tap water I've ever had. I bought spring water from the supermarket the next morning and we used it in the coffee pot and just to drink. I've never had to use bottled water to make coffee before.

I don't care what bottled water might or might not be contaminated with...whatever it is, it doesn't make me sick, and it doesn't taste like dead fish.

[laryb]

Our management person says he flushes the toilets, runs the showers, and turns on the faucets once a week. I believe him. When we left July 3rd and returned Sept. 9th, our toilets and showers all had thick brown stains. We have a lot of iron in our well water up north, and it discolors the fixtures there if you don't keep up with it, but not nearly as much as our home in TV. But in all honesty, it tastes OK to me. When we arrive tomorrow for a couple of weeks(), I'm curious to see how bad the stains are this time.

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

Our rental was in St. Charles, and the first night I went to drink water out of the tap; it tasted like it had dead fish floating in it. That's got to be the nastiest tasting tap water I've ever had. I bought spring water from the supermarket the next morning and we used it in the coffee pot and just to drink. I've never had to use bottled water to make coffee before.

I don't care what bottled water might or might not be contaminated with...whatever it is, it doesn't make me sick, and it doesn't taste like dead fish.

I thought the water in St. Charles tasted pretty nasty too when we were there in March. We also bought spring water from the supermarket.
I didn't have time to install a whole house filter then but that will be one of my first projects when we return in a couple of weeks.

[Pturner]

There's a way more refreshing drink in TV. Comes in lots of flavors. They serve it everywhere!

[Ajack]

We have been using "spring water" from the grocery store for our coffee and Kool Aid.

[graciegirl]

We don't have stains in johns here in TV.... BUT during hot weather the water smells bleachy. I think they have to add more then to keep it microbe free. No fish taste in Hadley since we've been there.