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Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy?

Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy?

Cloudy or milky tap water can sometimes be a cause for concern in residential settings, although it is typically not a serious matter. It’s important to note that water quality in the US is generally of high standard thanks to rigorous testing procedures that ensure its safety. However, it is worth mentioning that certain neighborhoods or even specific households may occasionally experience isolated issues that can affect water quality.

In this blog, we will discuss two of the most common causes of cloudy tap water, as well as what you can do to correct it.

What Causes Cloudy Tap Water?

There are several possible causes of cloudy tap water. Two of the most common of these causes include:

Trapped Air In The Pipes

A common cause of cloudy water is typically due to the presence of aerated water. This can occur as a result of changes in water supply network pressure, such as burst pipes or ongoing repair work in the locality. In such instances, air may become trapped in the water flowing through the pipes, and eventually expelled through the taps.

If the cloudiness in water is caused by trapped air, allow it a minute to settle and naturally clear in your glass. During this process, you will notice that the cloudiness dissipates from the bottom upwards as the tiny air bubbles rise to the surface. In the event that the water from a hot water tap appears cloudy, it may indicate an issue with your boiler. We recommend reaching out to a qualified plumber as soon as possible for assistance.

For the purpose of identifying whether the problem lies within your household pipework or the wider supply network, it is advisable to check if your neighbors are experiencing similar issues. If the problem remains isolated to your property, it would be prudent to contact a plumber or the local council to ascertain if the problem lies within your household’s pipework.

It is important to note that aeration is generally not a health concern and the water is perfectly safe to consume. Should you find the cloudiness unsightly, you can simply run the tap for a few seconds before filling your glass to help clear any trapped air.

In the event that the issue persists for an extended duration, we recommend reaching out to your local water supplier to inquire about any ongoing repair work that may be affecting your area.

Hard Water

If you happen to reside in an area with hard water, it is possible that you may encounter the inconvenience of limescale build-up in your pipes or appliances. This occurrence can be attributed to the agitation of hard water through heating, resulting in the formation of chalky white deposits. Although primarily noticed after boiling water in a kettle, these deposits can also manifest within taps and pipework connected to boilers or water heaters.

It is worth mentioning that hard water does not pose any health risks when consumed. However, the discoloration it causes in water-based drinks may be unappealing, particularly if chalky deposits accumulate on taps and other appliances.

In the case of hard water which stems from a high mineral content, there are a variety of approaches you can employ to diminish the mineral concentration responsible for hard water. These methods include the use of a water softening system.

Kinetico Can Help Solve This Problem

While cloudy tap water can be unsettling, it’s usually not a cause for immediate alarm. However, if you’re experiencing persistent issues, it’s a good idea to reach out to the team of skilled professionals at Kinetico. We can install a water softener in your home to make sure you never have to worry about cloudy water again. Whether you live in Bountiful, Ogden, Park City, Provo, or Salt Lake City, we’re here for you. Don’t let cloudy water ruin your peace of mind. Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to ensure you have access to clear, clean, and safe water. Visit our website or call us now to learn more about our products and services tailored to meet your unique water needs.

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Is Water Softener Necessary?

water softener

Wondering if a water softener is necessary in your Utah home? Hard water dries skin and hair, shortens the life span and effectiveness of appliances and plumbing fixtures, and leaves a build up on shower stalls and dishes. So while there are no state regulations mandating water softeners, many Utah residents choose to get them on their own from Kinetico Water Systems.

How Hard Is Hard?

According to the Water Systems Council, a nonprofit established in 1932 to make well water safer to drink, water hardness is determined by how many parts per million of minerals there are in a sample of water. According to the council, 0-17.1 ppm is soft water, 17.2-60 is slightly hard, 61-120 is moderately hard and 121-180 is very hard.

In northern Utah, many cities and towns have extremely hard water. These include:

  • American Fork: 256
  • Bountiful: 513
  • Brigham City: 324
  • Draper: 657
  • Herriman: 359
  • Layton: 352
  • Lehi: 200
  • Logan: 272
  • Ogden: 170
  • Orem: 239
  • Park City: 444
  • Provo: 164
  • Salt Lake City: 158
  • Sandy: 307
  • South Jordan: 145
  • Spanish Fork: 427
  • Tooele: 310
  • West Jordan: 148
  • West Valley City: 170

What Is Hard Water?

Water is considered “hard” if it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Groundwater passes over rocks underground before it is pumped into your home, and during the process, water picks up minerals from the rocks. Northern Utah has some of the hardest water in the country.

What’s So Bad About Hard Water?

Hard water is not hazardous to your health, but it could do in your good looks. Hard water is bad for your skin because the minerals in the water react with soap, making it hard to rinse off. The residue builds up causing dry skin and may lead to acne, dermatitis and eczema. Hard water is also bad for your hair and scalp, causing them to dry out and become dull and itchy.

If you have hard water in your home, you may notice that your soap doesn’t lather in your hands as easily. For this reason, hard water doesn’t clean as well. Your laundry is dingier and not as clean, and your clothes and linens may feel scratchy.

The minerals in hard water can also stain bathroom fixtures and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

What to Do About Hard Water

When customers in Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden learn about how hard the water is in their homes, they often opt to buy a water softener. Water softeners are extremely common in homes in Bountiful, Herriman, Park City and Toole, where the water is much harder.

A water softener works by removing the calcium, magnesium and other minerals from your water supply and adding salt. When you opt to get soft water in your Salt Lake City home or any other location in northern Utah, you will notice the difference right away.

To learn more about getting a water softener in your Utah home, contact Kinetico today.

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Environmental Benefits of Water Purification Systems

environmental benefits water purification

When considering water filters or purification systems for any part of their homes or buildings, many people naturally consider the individual benefits first and foremost. Beyond the improved taste and health-related benefits that come to individual users of a water purification system, however, there’s another key plus area to consider as well: Environmental benefits.

At Kinetico, we’re proud to offer a variety of reverse osmosis water purification systems, which are used alongside our water softeners and other water treatment solutions for several major purposes. What are the major ways a water purification system benefits not just you and the other people in your home or building, but also the environment itself? Here’s a basic primer.

Limiting Plastic Water Bottle Consumption

Water purification systems are a primary alternative to the constant production and consumption of plastic water bottles that can end up in a landfill or even a waterway, where they never biodegrade. Plastic pollution is a huge issue for the globe’s rivers and oceans – with an estimated five trillion plastic pieces weighing over 250,000 tons currently floating around the world’s waters.

When you install water purification systems in your home or office building, you’re able to eliminate the need plastic water bottles.

Reducing Fossil Fuel Consumption

In addition to the massive pollution issues plastic water bottles lead to, their manufacturing also requires fossil fuels and natural gas – to produce the plastic bottles themselves, generate power for their production and transportation, etc. By eliminating a need for as many of these types of plastic water bottles – whether through home filtration systems or simply by not buying them – you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and help preserve natural resources for future generations.

For more on the environmental benefits of water purification systems and water softeners, or to learn about any of our water treatment programs, speak to the pros at Kinetico today.

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Water Softener Repair or Replacement – How to Decide

water softener repair Salt Lake City

Should you look into water softener repair? Or would replacing your softening system be a smarter choice?

Many homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area have hard water, but a traditional water softener should last 8-10 years. That may not be the case for yours, however, as your household usage and the efficiency of your softening system can affect the timeline for water softener replacement.

That said, you don’t want to assume the worst. Some problems have simple fixes, and your softener could be worth repairing. Below, the Kinetico Utah team offers advice on how to decide if you should repair or replace your softening system.

Signs Your Water Softening System Has a Problem

  • Is your freshly washed laundry not looking all that clean?
  • Have you seen crusty scale deposits on your faucets and fixtures?
  • Do you need to use more soap than usual to create a lather?
  • Does your skin feel itchy and dry when you get out of the shower?

All of these issues point to an issue with your softening system — and to once again start enjoying soft water every day, you’ll need to figure out if repairing or replacing the unit is the right decision.

When Repair May Be Worth the Effort

At the first sign of trouble, immediately scheduling water softener replacement doesn’t make sense. Instead, scout out the situation. You may find that the unit isn’t plugged into a live outlet, for example, or that a previous power outage caused the timer to reset. Or, you might have forgotten to add salt.

If none of these seem to be the problem, you should reach out to a professional for a water softener repair consultation. An experienced technician can determine the cause of your system malfunction and how to provide a solution. But before you make an appointment, check your owner’s manual – if your system is still under warranty, you’ll need to contact the company that installed the unit.

When to Consider Softener Replacement

Repairing a softener typically costs less than replacing the unit, but sometimes, the latter is the right route to take. If you’re questioning whether or not you should replace your water softening system, consider the following:

  • Is your softener close to or over 10 years old?
  • Does the system frequently have problems that require repair?
  • Are you interested in upgrading to a more efficient softener that will save on operating costs and use much less salt?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, now may be the time to move forward with water softener replacement. To make an informed decision, however, you’ll want to consult with an experienced professional.

Call Kinetico Utah for an Expert Opinion

When faced with a water softening system that isn’t functioning as it should, homeowners in the greater Salt Lake City area call on the expert team at Kinetico Utah. We know how to troubleshoot problems, and we can help you decide if repairing or replacing your softener is the best option.

Do you want more information on water softener repair and replacement? Or would you like to learn about our innovative, high-quality water softening systems? Contact Kinetico Utah to schedule a free repair consultation and estimate for water softener replacement at your Salt Lake City home today.

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Reverse Osmosis Systems vs. Pitcher Water Filters

Water filter Utah

When you first consider your options for fresh, clean-tasting water at your Utah home, you may lean toward getting a pitcher water filter rather than a reverse osmosis system.

This is understandable, as pitcher filters are easy to use and cheap to buy.

However, relying on a pitcher to filter your drinking water may not be the best move. Here, the expert team at Kinetico Utah explains the reasons why investing in an RO water filtration system is a wise decision.

Pitchers Filter Only a Small Amount of Water

Pitcher water filters aren’t all that productive because the pitchers have a limited capacity. The amount that can be filtered at a time might not be enough to satisfy your household needs – and filling up the pitcher every time you empty it may soon become a nuisance. If you invest in a reverse osmosis filtration system, everyone will have plenty to drink every time they turn on the faucet.

Pitchers Require More Frequent Filter Changes

Most manufacturers recommend replacing pitcher filters every two months or once 40 gallons has been filtered, whichever comes first. The cost of replacement water filters could add up to nearly $100 per year, and swapping out the filters is a chore that’s easy to forget. With a reverse osmosis water filtration system, filter changes are a breeze, and they’re typically only necessary every 12 months.

Pitcher Filters Remove Fewer Contaminants

Some water filter pitchers remove only chlorine, while others also remove certain bacteria, organic compounds and heavy metals. But regardless of which brand you choose, a pitcher water filter won’t eliminate as many contaminants as a reverse osmosis system can. RO technology works to trap up to 99 percent of the contaminants commonly found in Utah, which makes for safer, cleaner and better-tasting water.

Choosing a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

If you opt for a reverse osmosis water filtration system instead of a water filter pitcher, you’ll have a virtually endless supply of delicious filtered water for drinking, cooking and making beverages like iced tea and lemonade. To make the most of your investment, however, you’ll want to contact Kinetico Utah.

Kinetico, an industry leader, has been manufacturing innovative RO systems that outperform other brands and operate for decades. What’s more, Kinetico’s reverse osmosis filtration systems are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to remove more contaminants than other systems out on the market – and for your peace of mind, our systems come with an outstanding warranty.

After serving homeowners in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and surrounding northern Utah area for 30 years, the Kinetico Utah team knows that providing information is essential – we’re ready to answer your questions and explain everything you need to know about water filters and RO technology. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Kinetico Utah today.

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Do You Need a Water Filtration System or a Water Softener?

Water filtration Salt Lake City, water softener Salt Lake City

Many Salt Lake City homeowners assume that they should get a water softener, but, at least in some cases, a water filtration system would better meet their needs – and in some cases, the opposite is true. So how do you know what’s right for your Utah home?

The decision on whether to invest in a water filtration system or a water softener depends mainly upon your goals and objectives, as well as the quality of your household water supply. Different types of equipment perform different functions

Here’s what you need to know to make a decision on the best water treatment approach for you.

Why Might You Need a Water Softener?

Softeners are designed to filter out calcium and magnesium ions, which are the primary minerals that make water hard. Hardness isn’t a health hazard, but it can bring about several unpleasant issues, including:

  • Limescale or soap scum deposits on faucets and showerheads
  • Rust-colored staining in and around sinks and toilets
  • Residue on clothing after it goes through the washing machine
  • Dry, itchy and irritated skin and dingy, dull-looking hair
  • Appliances becoming less efficient, leading to higher energy bills and shorter lifespans

If you suspect that your Salt Lake City home has hard water, a softener may be what you need to resolve these problems. However, keep in mind that installing a softening system won’t ensure that what’s flowing from your taps is necessarily pleasant or safe to drink.

Why Might You Need a Whole-Home Water Filtration System?

Filtration systems, particularly whole-home water filtration systems, are effective for removing sediment and particles. Even more important, a filtration system can remove chlorine from your water. In Salt Lake City, whole home filtration for chlorine removal is a very popular option, due to the unpleasant nature of our municipal water supply.

So, while a softener system will help with spotty glassware and scale buildup on plumbing fixtures, filtration systems will provide you with water that looks cleaner and tastes (and smells) much better.

Filtration systems can also help neutralize high acidity levels. In some cases, highly acidic water can cause excess corrosion in the home’s plumbing system, including pipes, faucets and fixtures.

What About Water Purification Systems?

Purification systems are designed to remove the majority of harmful particulates and impurities. These systems typically use reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which is capable of trapping many different types of pollutants. Some of the contaminants that a reverse osmosis system can eliminate from your household supply include:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Protozoa
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Nitrate
  • Metal ions
  • Sulfate

If you’re concerned about the safety of your household drinking water, you might also want to want to invest in a reverse osmosis filtration system. These systems are typically installed at the kitchen sink, so you have it conveniently available for cooking and drinking. However, the nature of RO systems don’t facilitate the filtration of large volumes.

Get the Right Water Treatment System for You

If you want to have the best possible drinking water, you could install our exclusive reverse osmosis K5 drinking water station. To improve the quality and safety of the water throughout your home, talk to us about installing Kinetico’s whole home water filtration system.

To reach the right decision, you’ll need to get a clear picture of your household water quality – and the expert team at Kinetico Utah can perform a test at no cost to you. Once we see the results, we can recommend a treatment option. We offer a range of effective and efficient filtration systems and top-of-the-line water softeners, all of which come with our industry-leading warranty.

Call on Kinetico Utah, and we’ll find a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget. We’d be happy to come to your Salt Lake City are home to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss our highly efficient and cost-effective water filtration and water softening systems.

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How a Reverse Osmosis System Will Benefit Your Family

Reverse Osmosis System

Have you thought about installing a reverse osmosis system?

When it comes to your family’s drinking water, you have your choice of a few different types of filtration systems. The best feature RO technology, purifying water by using pressure to push it through a semi-permeable membrane. To see what makes reverse osmosis the ideal water treatment solution, read on.

Safer and Cleaner Water Supply

One of the greatest advantages of installing a reverse osmosis system is knowing that your household has water that’s nearly free of impurities. The RO process can remove up to 99 percent of common contaminants, including arsenic, lead, nitrate, bacteria, viruses and particulates.

Great-Tasting Drinking Water

With an RO system removing unwanted contaminants from your water, every glass you drink will have a clear, refreshing taste. Water filtered through reverse osmosis is widely considered to be the best for drinking and cooking, and you’ll love having a virtually unlimited supply.

Savings that Quickly Add Up

You can say goodbye to bottled water after installing an RO system, and by doing so, you can save quite a bit of your hard-earned money. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on single-use bottles each year, you’ll be getting your drinking water for just a few pennies per gallon.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Plastic is recyclable, but did you know that roughly 70 percent of the water bottles we use end up in a landfill? Install an RO system, and you’ll be doing your part to benefit the environment – you won’t need to buy single-use bottles, and that means your family will produce less plastic waste.

Ready to Reap the Benefits of Reverse Osmosis?

If your home is in Salt Lake City or the surrounding area, Kinetico Utah is the water treatment company to call. Our innovative RO systems outperform others on the market in several ways, as they’re designed to:

  • Provide a constant flow, delivering water at about twice the speed as other filtration systems
  • Conserve water, using up to 93 percent less than filtration systems made by other manufacturers
  • Make maintenance easy, as you can change filters with a simple twist – and the indicator lets you know when it’s time for filter replacement

In addition, Kinetico RO systems are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to remove more contaminants than any other system you can buy. Choose Kinetico, and you’ll feel confident in not only the quality of your family’s drinking water, but also in the quality of your filtration system. Ours are made to operate for up to twenty years, but for your peace of mind, we also provide an industry-leading warranty.

For more information on water filtration, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss the benefits of installing a reverse osmosis system with the Kinetico Utah team, contact us today.

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Why a Home Water Filtration System Beats Drinking Bottled Water

Drinking water filtration options in Utah

Is bottled water always on your grocery list? If so, you should consider installing a home filtration system.

Sure, you can get great-tasting drinking water either way it goes – but taste isn’t all that matters. Check out the following, and you’ll see why ditching the bottled water for a filtration system at your northern Utah home is in your best interests. 

Clean & Safe Drinking Water

Install a home filtration system, and every glass of water that your family gets from the tap will be free of impurities. You can count on having drinking water that is fresh, clean and safe.

As for the safety and purity of bottled water, that’s a mystery. Companies that produce it aren’t obligated to issue regular quality reports, so you aren’t going to know if the bottles you buy contain any contaminants. 

Household Convenience

Bottled water is undeniably convenient – stores everywhere sell it, and keeping a supply in the fridge makes it easy to grab a cold drink at any time.

How does a filtration system compare? Getting your drinking water straight from the tap is just as convenient as grabbing a bottle from the fridge. Beyond that, if you opt for home filtration, you’ll have plenty of safe water for use in cooking.

Investment Really Pays Off

Home filtration system installation does require an upfront investment. However, the project pays for itself in almost no time, as these systems produce safe, high-quality drinking water for just a few pennies per gallon. And, the best systems – like those from Kinetico – can provide trouble-free operation for decades.

Buying bottled drinking water is more of a burden than an investment. While each bottle might set you back only a buck or two, the cost of supplying your household each month can amount to hundreds of dollars. 

Eco-Friendly Solution

Think about how many plastic bottles you throw away every month. Most end up in landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Add in the large amount of fossil fuels used in packaging and transporting, and it’s clear that bottled water has a high environmental cost.

Install a home drinking water filtration system, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint. High-quality systems, like those made by Kinetico, are extremely efficient – and, of course, you’ll no longer be tossing countless plastic bottles in the trash every month.

Are you ready to explore your home filtration options? If you live in Salt Lake City or the greater northern Utah area, the professional team at Kinetico Utah is here to help.

Kinetico is known for developing innovative water treatment products of the highest quality, and we’re proud to have a reputation for both superior customer service and competitive pricing. Contact our office in Draper, Utah, and schedule a free consultation to discuss installing a home water filtration system today.

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Water Purification – Carbon Filtration vs. Reverse Osmosis

Is RO better than carbon filters?

If you’ve been looking into getting a water purification system for your home, you’ve no doubt noticed the two most popular technologies – carbon filtration and reverse osmosis (RO). And you wouldn’t be the first person to wonder about the differences between them.

Here at Kinetico Utah, we often get questions about the options for water purification. The following guide should provide some answers, but you can always reach out to our professional team for more information on carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems.

Carbon Filtration

Carbon filtration is the older of the two technologies, and it works by running the water through a special carbon substrate. Contaminants and impurities become trapped inside the filter, which works to improve taste, reduce odor and can make the water safer for drinking.

With carbon filtration, the options run from inexpensive standalone systems and pitcher filters to high-end water filtration systems that also include reverse osmosis technology. Carbon filters have various particulate ratings, but most excel at removing larger particles and chlorine.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is an advanced method of water purification, and systems that feature this technology are capable of filtering out many potentially harmful particulates – much more so than any carbon filter system.

The RO process involves forcing water to flow through a semi-permeable membrane. Because the membrane’s pores are incredibly small, this action effectively removes a vast range of chemical and physical contaminants. High-quality purification systems, such as Kinetico’s K5 Drinking Water Station, are also customizable to eliminate specific impurities present in the household supply.

Which Type of Water Purification System Should You Choose?

Carbon filtration isn’t as powerful as reverse osmosis in terms of the level of purification the process provides. However, it’s worth noting that a premium carbon filter can be a better value than a bargain-basement RO system. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

As you explore your options for filtering or purifying the water in your Utah home, you’ll need to consider several factors. Space constraints could affect your decision on a type of system, and if you’re like most homeowners, price will also play a role. One of the most important considerations, however, is the exact contaminants present in your household supply – and testing is the only way to know what it contains.

At Kinetico Utah, we offer free, no-obligation water testing to homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah region. Schedule a consultation, and we’ll answer your questions about carbon filtration, reverse osmosis and what type of water purification system is right for you. Contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.

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Water Filters vs. Water Softeners – What’s the Difference?

Should you get a water softener or a water filter?

If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, you could invest in a high-tech water filter – reverse osmosis filtration systems are quite effective for Utah homes. But is installing a water softener a better idea?

To figure out the answer to that question, you need to understand how the two treatment options differ.

Water Filter Systems

Water filters, as you might expect, filter out harmful pollutants and contaminants from your household supply.

Carbon filters capture large particulates, and they can be formulated to address specific contamination concerns like arsenic or chlorine. High-quality reverse osmosis purification systems – like those made by Kinetico — can efficiently eliminate these along with a wide range of other impurities. As such, a reverse osmosis filtration system is likely to improve the quality of what’s flowing from your tap more than a carbon filtration system.

Water Softener Systems

Water softeners are filters – but instead of removing harmful contaminants, they filter out minerals that create hard water.

Hardness may not be hazardous to your health, but the effects can be problematic. The calcium and magnesium ions hard water contains cause soap scum buildup, dingy laundry and dry, itchy skin. Plus, the minerals leave limescale deposits in your pipes –which not only wreaks havoc on your plumbing system, but also shortens the lifespan of your washing machine, dishwasher and any other household appliance that uses water. Softeners do away with these issues, and Kinetico’s non-electric, on-demand softening systems feature a compact twin-tank design and use much less salt than softeners made by other brands.

Do You Need a Water Filter or Water Softener?

Depending upon where you live in Utah, you may have a number of contaminants threatening your household water supply. And while mineral composition differs from region to region, hardness is also a problem throughout much of the state.

The easiest way to decide on a treatment solution is to get your supply tested for impurities and minerals. After a thorough analysis, you’ll know exactly what it contains – and a treatment specialist can recommend a cost-effective system that solves your quality problems.

That may be a reverse osmosis filtration system, a softening system – or both. Homeowners don’t have to choose one or the other, and installing a reverse osmosis system in addition to a softener is often the ideal solution.

At Kinetico Utah, a decade-long industry leader serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area offers a selection of innovative filtration and softening systems. We’re known for providing advanced treatment solutions at affordable prices, and our commitment to customer service is second to none.

The Kinetico Utah team is always happy to answer questions, and we’d love to help make sure you and your family have a steady supply of safe, soft water. For more information on the products and services we offer, or to schedule a free, no-obligation quality test and consultation to determine if you need a water filter, water softener or both, contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.