soft water specialist salt service

What’s in your water?

What’s Really in Your Water? And Why It Matters More Than You Think

Matthew the Water guy

By Matthew Mahany MWS and Licensed Plumber
Owner, Soft Water Specialists & Master Water Specialist


When people turn on the tap, they expect clean, safe water. But “safe” by regulatory standards doesn’t always mean it’s the best water for your home, your health, or your plumbing system. Over the past two decades working in water quality across Washington, I’ve learned that what’s in your water—and what’s not—can have a huge impact on your daily life.

At Soft Water Specialists, we routinely test water that meets city codes but still contains things like chlorine, chloramine, dissolved metals, pesticides, and scale-causing minerals. And while those may not cause an immediate health crisis, they do silently affect your skin, your appliances, your laundry, and even the taste of your coffee.


Common Things We Find in “Safe” Water:

  • Calcium & Magnesium – Cause hard water, scale buildup, and soap scum
  • Chlorine & Chloramine – Used to disinfect, but harsh on skin, hair, and taste
  • Iron & Rust – Cause staining in toilets, tubs, and laundry
  • Trihalomethanes (THMs) – Byproducts of water disinfection, linked to long-term health concerns
  • Lead & Copper – Can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures

Why Softening + Filtration is the Gold Standard

Our systems combine cation exchange resin (to soften and remove scale-forming minerals) with catalytic carbon (to target chlorine, chloramine, THMs, and other contaminants). It’s a powerful one-two punch that improves water from every tap in your home—not just the kitchen sink.

Better water isn’t just about safety—it’s about quality of life. Think:

  • Softer skin and hair
  • Cleaner dishes and laundry
  • Longer-lasting appliances
  • Better-tasting drinking and cooking water

Want to Know What’s in Your Water?

We offer free water testing at our lab in Kennewick, and we’ll explain the results in plain English. No pressure, just answers. If you decide to move forward with a system, we’ll customize it based on your water chemistry, not a one-size-fits-all guess.

Your home deserves simply better water—and we can help you get it.


📍 Visit us at 4819 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick
📞 Call (509) 845-7638
🌐 Schedule a free test at MySoftWater.com

Custom Softening Filtration

Why Water Softeners Are a Must in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, and Surrounding Areas) If you live in the Tri-Cities or surrounding areas like Benton City, Finley, or Burbank, you've probably noticed the telltale signs of hard water: white buildup on faucets, cloudy dishes, stiff laundry, and dry skin after showering. These issues aren't just frustrating—they're symptoms of a deeper water quality issue that's common across our region. What Is Hard Water? Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals aren’t harmful to your health, they are harsh on your plumbing, appliances, and skin. How Hard Is the Water in the Tri-Cities? Extremely hard. In fact, many homes in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and West Richland report water hardness levels ranging from 15–25 grains per gallon—well above the national average. That means your water is working against you every day. Why You Need a Water Softener in the Tri-Cities Here are just a few reasons why installing a water softener is one of the smartest home upgrades you can make in our region: ✅ Protect Your Plumbing and Appliances Hard water causes scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. This buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to costly repairs or early replacements. ✅ Softer Skin and Healthier Hair Soft water is gentler on your skin, scalp, and hair. Many people in the area report dryness, itchiness, or eczema-like symptoms caused by hard water. ✅ Spot-Free Dishes and Shinier Fixtures No more white spots or streaks on glasses, dishes, and chrome fixtures. Soft water helps keep everything looking cleaner, longer. ✅ Save Money on Soap and Energy Soft water allows soap to lather better, so you’ll use less of it. Plus, your water heater will run more efficiently, reducing your utility bills. ✅ Cleaner Laundry Clothes washed in soft water come out brighter, cleaner, and softer. Hard water can make fabrics stiff, dull, or even cause yellowing over time. Custom Soft Water Solutions for Tri-Cities Residents At Soft Water Specialists, we test your water for free and tailor a system to meet your home’s exact needs. Whether you're in a newer home in South Richland, a farmhouse outside Pasco, or a well-water property in West Richland, we have the knowledge and equipment to get your water right. Our most popular systems—like the Z55 Series and Symphony 2—are designed for high hardness levels and chlorine removal, which are both issues in city and well water throughout Eastern Washington. Ready to Ditch Hard Water for Good? We’re a local company with local knowledge—born and raised in the Tri-Cities and committed to protecting your home with high-quality water solutions. 📞 Call us at 509-845-7638 💧 Or book online: www.mysoftwater.com

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