Thanks for that info! That definitely makes me rethink them as a serious candidate for my money.

My other concern is chloramines. While I definitely don't want them in my drinking water, based on what I've read I also don't want them in my regular water either since it sounds like they can do a number on plumbing over time. More and more of our municipalities are switching to surface water, which they treat with the stuff. We aren't there yet, but it seems like a very possible eventuality. What would you suggest in that case?

Chloramines only cause enough damage to plumbing to worry about if water is otherwise corrosive, which is not that typical. Without analysis, I can't tell you if that will be the case with your water. If water chemistry indicates it could be an issue, a backwashing carbon filter, upstream from the softener, will remove it.

Understood. We are looking into finding an independent lab that can test our water. As soon as I have results I will post. Thanks, again!

Quick question.... have you ever used an online company to do your water testing? I've been looking for independent labs to test our water, and it doesn't seem like there are a lot in our area--or I'm not looking for the right thing. I came across several websites offering to test by having me collect and mail in the samples. I'm just not sure how reputable they are. Is there a list of must-test contaminants to verify that they are going to test for all the right things? One online place said that no lab was worthwhile unless they tested for over 100 contaminants.

Your state's website should have a list of certified labs - use one of those. First, look for your municipality's quarterly water report - get several of them and see what they test for, and if the water quality varies by much. That report may not have everything you want to see, but it will be a good starting point. You want: pH, TDS, hardness, TOC, nitrates, iron, manganese, heavy metals (Cr 6, lead), sodium, alkalinity. There may be a few more things you want to test for. Certified labs in your state will be familiar with the typical problems in the area and can recommend the appropriate tests.

Check out your local extension service for labs in your area that conduct drinking water testing. They can also give you insight as to pollutants of concern that you may want to add onto a standard drinking water test. As long as they are accredited, online labs should be fine. In fact, often times local labs will mail out their samples to other labs if they do not conduct a particular test onsite. No need to test for 100 pollutant parameters. Sticking to the standard tests, plus a few extra parameters you're concerned about, will be a heck of a lot cheaper than a larger-scale analysis--especially if it's treated municipal water. Good luck!

First of all, I've worked for an EcoWater dealer and their system have issues with the brining system. Besides, the valve could be the same as the one on Sears or the big box store systems. Secondly, Tx A&M has a water testing service that doesn't cost very much. I think the test with the most info is only $80.00 whereas some of the private labs charge up around $300.