Why Water Softeners Aren’t Enough in the Treasure Valley
If you live in the Treasure Valley, (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Star, Eagle, or Middleton) you’ve probably dealt with hard water. While a water softener can reduce scale buildup, extend the life of your appliances, and improve soap effectiveness, it doesn’t solve the full picture.
The truth? A water softener doesn’t remove the harmful contaminants often found in our local tap water.
What’s in Treasure Valley Water? (According to the EWG)
Many municipal water systems in the Treasure Valley contain chemicals and metals that exceed health-based guidelines—even if they meet federal standards. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database reveals common contaminants in your area:
Boise – Chlorine byproducts (TTHMs, HAAs), Chromium-6
Meridian – Disinfection byproducts, nitrates
Nampa – Arsenic, chlorination byproducts
Caldwell – Radium, uranium
Kuna – Nitrates from agricultural runoff, HAA5
Star & Eagle – PFAS, VOCs, industrial runoff
Middleton – Lead, copper, other heavy metals
These contaminants can remain in your tap water even after it’s been treated by the city. And unfortunately, your water softener doesn't filter out any of them.
Why Showering May Be Riskier Than Drinking
When hot water turns into steam during a shower, so do many of the chemicals in that water. This creates an inhalation exposure risk, especially for volatile compounds like chlorine byproducts or VOCs.
Your digestive system has some ability to filter toxins. Your lungs do not.
This exposure may be more harmful over time for:
Children
Pregnant women
Older adults
People with asthma or respiratory sensitivities
What Water Softeners Do (and Don't) Remove
Water softeners only address hardness minerals; primarily calcium and magnesium. They do not remove:
Chlorine or chloramine
Lead or heavy metals
PFAS and industrial chemicals
Pesticides
Microbial contaminants
Disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAAs)
If you have a softener but no filtration, your water might feel better, but it’s not necessarily safer.
How to Truly Protect Your Family’s Water
To get cleaner, healthier water throughout your home, you need filtration in addition to softening. The right solution depends on your local water quality and your home’s needs.
Wickstrom’s Recommended Solutions:
Whole-house carbon filters
Reverse osmosis systems
Specialty filtration (e.g., PFAS, heavy metals)
Under-sink or point-of-use filters
Serving the Entire Treasure Valley
At Wickstrom Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we’ve been helping Idaho families protect their homes for more than 30 years. Our team offers custom water treatment solutions based on what’s actually in your water.
We proudly serve:
Get a Free In-Home Water Consultation
Want to know what’s really in your water? We offer free in-home water testing and customized recommendations to help you get both softer and safer water.
Call Wickstrom Plumbing Heating and Cooling at (208) 505-9352