Water Treatment FAQ 2026 – 25 Questions Answered | Applied Water Midwest

After serving Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota for years, our team at Applied Water Technologies has answered every water quality question imaginable. Here are the 25 we hear most often.

General Water Quality Questions

1. How do I know if I have hard water?

Common signs: scale buildup on faucets, water spots on dishes/glasses, soap that won’t lather, stiff laundry, and skin/hair that feel dry after washing. Our free water analysis will tell you your exact hardness level. Schedule at (605) 753-2782.

2. Is South Dakota tap water safe to drink?

Municipal water in SD meets EPA standards, but “safe” doesn’t mean “ideal.” Hard water, chlorine taste, and emerging contaminants like PFAS aren’t fully addressed by municipal treatment. A home filtration system provides an important additional layer of protection.

3. What is TDS and what should my number be?

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures all dissolved minerals and compounds in water. South Dakota groundwater often has TDS of 300–800+ mg/L. For drinking water, TDS below 300 mg/L is ideal. RO systems typically reduce TDS to 30–50 mg/L.

4. Do I need to treat my well water?

Private well owners have no regulatory protection — you’re responsible for your own water quality. We strongly recommend annual testing for total coliform, nitrates, hardness, and iron at minimum, plus any contaminants relevant to your area.

5. How does PFAS get into my water?

PFAS enter water primarily from AFFF firefighting foam at airports and military bases, industrial discharge, and agricultural application of PFAS-containing biosolids. See our PFAS guide for full details.

Water Softener Questions

6. How much salt does a water softener use?

A typical household softener uses 40–80 lbs of salt per month depending on water hardness, household size, and system efficiency. Hague’s demand-initiated systems use 30–50% less salt than timer-based alternatives.

7. Is softened water safe to drink?

Yes, for most people. Softened water has slightly elevated sodium — roughly 30 mg per liter for water softened from 20 GPG. This is well below the daily sodium concern threshold (2,300 mg/day) for most adults. People on very strict sodium-restricted diets may want an RO for drinking water to remove the added sodium.

8. What is demand-initiated regeneration?

Traditional softeners regenerate on a set timer regardless of actual water usage. Demand-initiated (or metered) systems, like the Hague WaterMax, regenerate only when the resin bed is exhausted based on actual gallons processed. This saves salt, water, and money.

9. How long does a water softener last?

A quality water softener lasts 15–25 years with proper maintenance. Hague systems come with a 25-Year Warranty. Annual service visits help maximize system life.

10. Can I use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride in my softener?

Yes. Potassium chloride (KCl) is a sodium-free alternative that works effectively in most softeners. It costs approximately 2–3x more than sodium chloride but is the preferred choice for people on sodium-restricted diets or those concerned about sodium in their drinking water.

Reverse Osmosis & Filtration Questions

11. How long does an RO system take to fill a glass?

Standard RO systems with a storage tank deliver water on demand — a glass fills in seconds from the storage tank. The tank refills in 2–4 hours. High-flow systems (400+ GPD) produce water faster and have larger storage capacity.

12. Do I need a water softener if I have an RO system?

An RO system treats your drinking water; a softener treats all the water in your home. For SD families with hard water, both serve different important functions. Many families choose a softener first, then add an RO later for premium drinking water.

13. Does boiling water remove PFAS?

No — boiling actually concentrates PFAS. As water evaporates, PFAS remain in the liquid, increasing concentration. Only reverse osmosis or specific activated carbon filters remove PFAS.

14. How do I know if my water filter is still working?

TDS testing is a good indicator for RO systems — if TDS rises significantly from baseline, the membrane may be degrading. For softeners, hardness testing will show if the resin is losing capacity. Applied Water Technologies provides annual system testing as part of our Service Plus program.

Service & Installation Questions

15. How long does water softener installation take?

Standard installation of a water softener takes 2–4 hours. Our technician Eugene Beynon and the Applied Water team arrive with all necessary equipment and leave your home with a fully operational system and clean workspace.

16. What is the Service Plus program?

Applied Water Technologies’ Service Plus program provides ongoing maintenance including annual inspections, filter replacements, membrane service, and priority repair scheduling. It’s designed to keep your system performing at manufacturer specifications throughout its life.

17. Do you service water softeners you didn’t install?

Yes. We service most major brands of water softeners and RO systems regardless of who installed them. Call (605) 753-2782 to discuss your system.

18. What areas do you serve?

Applied Water Technologies serves all of Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota including Watertown, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Brookings, Mitchell, Madison, Milbank, Huron, De Smet, and many more communities. Call us to confirm your location.