Learning Center
Reverse Osmosis vs Water Softener
They do different jobs. A water softener treats all the water entering your home to remove hardness. Reverse osmosis (RO) is installed at one tap, usually the kitchen sink, and reduces dissolved solids in the water you drink and cook with.
Side by side
| Water softener | Reverse osmosis | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Whole home, at the main line | Point of use, usually under the kitchen sink |
| Main job | Remove calcium and magnesium (hardness) | Reduce dissolved solids |
| Also reduces | Some iron (at low levels) | Fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, sodium and more when properly specified and certified for those claims |
| Protects | Plumbing, fixtures, water heater, appliances | Drinking and cooking water |
| Upkeep | Salt | Periodic filter changes |
Why they work well together
Softening adds a small amount of sodium to the water. An RO system at the kitchen sink removes most of it from your drinking water. Soft water feeding the RO also helps protect the membrane from scale, which extends its life.
That combination, plus whole-home carbon for chlorine, is our most common El Paso setup. See reverse osmosis options and water softeners.
Compare it for yourself.
Most El Paso city-water homes can be quoted without an in-home appointment.