Yes! Even if your city treats your water, it can still contain chlorine, chloramines, lead from pipes, and other contaminants. A home filter helps clean up what’s leftover and improve the taste.

A good carbon filter is a great place to start—it removes chlorine, bad taste, and odor. If you're worried about lead or other contaminants, you may want a multi-stage system.

Generally, yes—but “safe” doesn’t always mean “clean” or “tastes good.” Many people choose to filter their city water for peace of mind, especially if they have kids or health concerns.

That smell is usually sulfur (hydrogen sulfide). It’s common in well water and can be fixed with the right filtration system, like an air injection or oxidizing filter.

It’s not recommended. Well water isn’t regulated like city water. You should have it tested regularly and filter based on what’s in it—like iron, bacteria, or hardness.

Iron filters vary depending on the type of iron. For most homes, a system that uses oxidation and filtration (like air injection or Katalox Light) works well.

Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. It leaves spots on dishes, makes soap less effective, and can cause buildup in pipes and appliances.

If you're dealing with dry skin, stiff laundry, or scale buildup, then yes. A softener will help protect your plumbing and make everyday tasks easier.

A softener removes hardness minerals. A filter removes contaminants like chlorine, lead, or bacteria. Sometimes you need both!

A carbon filter is your best friend here. Chlorine is easy to remove with a good under-sink or whole-house carbon system.

Chlorine is easier to remove. Chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) is trickier and requires a more specialized carbon filter—look for catalytic carbon.

That’s iron. It’s not dangerous, but it stains sinks, tubs, and laundry. A proper iron filter will take care of it.

Usually not harmful to drink, but it can cause plumbing issues, staining, and taste problems. Most people prefer to remove it.

Taste can be affected by chlorine, sulfur, metals, or even bacteria. A water test is the best way to figure it out—and then filter accordingly.

Usually a carbon filter will fix it. If not, reverse osmosis is a great option for clean-tasting water at the tap.