Hard water: the slow, expensive problem
Central Iowa groundwater picks up calcium and magnesium on its way to your tap, making our water among the harder in the country. You see the symptoms everywhere: white scale on fixtures, spotted glassware, stiff laundry, dry skin, and — most expensively — mineral buildup inside water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines that shortens their lives by years.
A whole-home water softener removes those minerals before they enter your plumbing. Homeowners typically notice the difference within days, and the appliance-protection math usually justifies the equipment on its own.
Nitrates: the issue worth taking seriously
Nitrates from agricultural runoff enter central Iowa's source rivers, and levels rise seasonally. Public utilities treat water to meet the EPA limit of 10 mg/L — Des Moines Water Works runs major nitrate-removal infrastructure to do it — but many homeowners want an extra margin, and private well owners are entirely responsible for their own testing and treatment.
Elevated nitrate exposure is a particular concern for infants and during pregnancy. A reverse osmosis (RO) system at the kitchen tap removes the large majority of nitrates from drinking and cooking water — along with lead, chlorine taste, and other contaminants.
What we recommend for most homes
The pairing that covers both problems: a whole-home softener to protect plumbing, appliances, skin, and laundry, plus a point-of-use reverse osmosis system for what you actually drink. We're currently offering $200 off water softener and reverse osmosis installation, with financing available.
Signs your home would benefit:
- Scale on faucets and showerheads, or cloudy glassware
- A water heater that rumbles or has needed early replacement
- Dry, itchy skin after showers
- You're on a private well and haven't tested in over a year
- Infants or pregnancy in the household (drinking-water nitrates)
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines tap water safe to drink?
Public water in the Des Moines metro is treated to meet federal standards, including the EPA's 10 mg/L nitrate limit — the utility operates major nitrate-removal infrastructure to ensure it. Homeowners who want an additional margin, and all private well users, benefit from point-of-use reverse osmosis treatment.
Do I need a water softener in central Iowa?
If your home has untreated municipal or well water here, almost certainly yes — central Iowa water is hard enough to scale water heaters, appliances, and fixtures. A softener pays for itself in extended appliance life and lower water-heating costs.
Does reverse osmosis remove nitrates?
Yes — reverse osmosis is one of the most effective residential treatments for nitrates, typically removing the large majority along with lead, arsenic, and chlorine taste. It's installed at the kitchen tap so your drinking and cooking water gets the highest treatment.
How often should a private well be tested?
At least annually for bacteria and nitrates — and after any flooding or work on the well. Iowa county health departments offer low-cost well testing programs; if results show elevated nitrates, an RO system addresses the drinking-water risk.
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