You can use filtered water. You can never use water from the WATER SOFTENER. This device replaces the minerals that make our water hard with cooking salt. It is a big contraption that usually softens the water for the whole house - it helps with the laundry, when you take a shower - it will make your hair look better, but actually using this water for drinking and cooking eventually will do some damage, make you blood pressure go high etc. And it kills the house plants.

I have been told that you buy a two filter system: one for sediment and the other for chlorine, etc. They are installed at the point of entrance where public water comes into the house. In my case, the filters will go under the house but in an accessible area (although I can't imagine what is easily accessible under the house). My partner and plumber will set it up. The filters are around $250-300 (total I believe) and have to be replaced once every 6 mos or so. However, my partner seems to feel that once every nine months is more than adequate. He will buy the filters through a company that does the filtration systems for vineyards, but I don't know the name or location of the company. If you want, I can find out. He's probably dealt with them in the past for our well (on our other house in the country). As if water isn't expensive enough, now we've got to pay for ongoing filtration systems.

We have high sulfur and high ph in well water. We went with Culligan chlorination system. There are two different kinds of sulfur in well water. Ours has sulfur bacteria. A harmless nuisance bacteria. Aeration will not work on sulfur bacteria. It looks like that is what you may have since each company is suggesting equipment that kills bacteria. You don't mention a retention tank which goes before the carbon filter. Research online from my experience and from each water co. we had come to our house says retention tank is needed. Sulfur in well water is difficult. Problem is getting the correct dosage. As chlorine ages it deteriorates, our well water the sulfur level changes so getting the correct dosage of chlorine takes work. You use a pool test kit to check the chlorine level before it goes to the carbon filter. We got a backwashing carbon filter. Cartridge carbon filter clog to quickly. Our equipment is 10 years old and we haven't had a problem. Get it right the water taste good and no smell. When the dosage is off you may not notice the smell ( you get immune to it) but those who visit will notice. We get our drinking water from a natural spring nearby that many people from all over come to. However, I will occasionally taste the water just to be sure everything is working good and as long as the dosage is right the water taste good.

You must consult locally, to find out what your tap water is and what you will need to filter. Internet people can help, after you know more. You must consult local authorities or experts. At least one senior person in a top plumbing or faucet store. At least one senior person in the public water system. If you just ask for help in general, you will get 10 or 20 ideas, all different, all sounding good. After weeks of waiting for the right suggestion, you will begin to realize that you need to know a few more facts about your tap water first. hth