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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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Is Water Softener Water Safe to Drink?

drinking softened water

When homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area are considering getting a water softener for their home, some of them wonder if it will impact their drinking water. Is water softener water safe to drink? Will it taste different? The team at Kinetico has answers for you.

What Is Soft Water?

Soft water is water with most of the minerals removed from it. While many minerals are essential to the human diet, ordinary drinking water provides less than 1% of them, so removing minerals from your drinking water does not deprive you of healthy additives.

Soft water also has sodium added to it. Especially here in Utah, where we have the Great Salt Lake, we are aware that drinking saltwater can make you sick. An eight-ounce glass of seawater contains about 9,000 mg of salt — about two teaspoons. Experts recommend we consume no more than one teaspoon of salt per day.

Ordinary drinking water has varying amounts of salt in it based on what types of minerals are found in the ground from which the water is sourced. Softened water has about 20 mg of salt per eight-ounce glass, which is low enough to be imperceptible to most people.

So the short answer is yes, softened water is safe to drink, even for those on a low-sodium diet.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

If for some reason you do not want your drinking water softened, you have options.

Most people who get a water softener in their Utah home do so because of the benefits it provides. These include helping appliances last longer, getting clothes cleaner and making it easier to rinse soap out of hair and off skin. When you have a water softener installed in your home, you won’t need to use as much laundry soap and shampoo. You also will not have to contend with scaling, spotting and stains on dishes and in bathrooms and washing machines.

While water softeners remove minerals from your water supply, they do not remove contaminants such as lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. If you are at all concerned with the quality of your water, you may want us to install a reverse osmosis filter in your home for you.

A reverse osmosis filter removes 95%-99% of contaminants from your drinking water, so you never have to worry about your family ingesting toxins or impurities. The filters are easy to change and the system comes with a 10-year warranty.

Get Soft Water in Your Utah Home

If you’re interested in installing a water softener or a reverse osmosis filter in your home, contact Kinetico today. We serve Salt Lake City, Provo, Herriman, Park City, Tooele, Bountiful and Ogden.

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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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Is It Time to Replace Your Water Softener in Utah?

Water softener replacement Utah

Is it time for water softener replacement? Utah homeowners usually need to replace their softening systems about every ten years – but if you have extremely hard water or your household usage is high, you may need to get a new softener sooner.

No one can tell you exactly how long a water softener will last, so you’ll benefit from learning how to tell if yours is on its last leg. You’ll find that information below, along with tips on how to select the right water softening system for your Utah home.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Softener

When your softener is reaching the end of its life, you may experience a range of issues. Warning signs that it may be time to replace your water softener include:

  • Scale buildup around your faucets and fixtures
  • Mineral spots on your dishes and glassware
  • Needing to use more soap to create enough lather
  • Laundry comes out stiff and isn’t fully clean
  • Skin feels itchier and dryer than normal

Be aware that the above-mentioned red flags may indicate a need for softener repair, not that a replacement unit is necessary. But in any case, you shouldn’t hesitate to have a professional inspect your water softening system.

How to Choose a New Water Softener for Your Utah Home

If you do end up needing to replace your softener, you’ll want to make a smart choice. That may prove to be a challenge, as modern water softening systems may be quite different than the one you have.

For that reason, the process of shopping for a replacement softener should involve the same steps you took when you first bought a water softening system. By that we mean doing your homework, choosing a few reputable local water treatment professionals and scheduling consultations. Ask plenty of questions and get help comparing your options, then decide which company can best meet your needs.

Turn to Kinetico for Water Softener Replacement in Utah

If you think that you may need to replace your softener, give Kinetico a call. We serve homeowners throughout northern Utah, and our friendly team is known for providing expert service.

Kinetico is a trusted industry leader, and we design on-demand water softening systems that require minimal maintenance. Our softeners are engineered to operate for decades – without electricity and with much less salt than systems designed by other manufacturers. With us, you’ll have peace of mind, too, as we back our products with a comprehensive warranty.

To learn more about what Kinetico has to offer, or to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss water softener replacement in Utah, complete our online contact form or call our office today.

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Water Softener Regeneration – What You Need to Know

Water softener Provo

Why do water softeners need to regenerate? What happens during the regeneration process? And how often should it take place?

When you have questions about softening systems, Kinetico is your source for answers. Below, we explain the basics on regeneration, the two different types – scheduled and on-demand regeneration – and the benefits of investing in a Kinetico water softener.

Why Water Softeners Regenerate

Softening systems work by passing water through a bed of resin beads, removing calcium and magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium ions. With the mineral contaminants no longer present you have soft water.

Over time, the resin beads become saturated with minerals – and to continue softening, the system must regenerate. During the regeneration process, mineral ions are flushed out, refreshing the resin beads and restoring their ability to function.

Scheduled Softener Regeneration

Most softening systems regenerate at specific times. A microprocessor controls the process, but a treatment professional determines how frequently regeneration occurs. This is based upon household usage and water quality.

While scheduled regeneration can be effective, it has drawbacks. A softener may regenerate too early, when the resin beads aren’t fully saturated – and that’s wasteful. Or, the timed intervals may be too far apart to ensure a continual supply of soft water.

On-Demand Softener Regeneration

Kinetico water softening systems regenerate on demand. A meter tracks household usage, measuring the volume of water that flows through the softener. The resin beads are refreshed when necessary, in pace with the demand.

On-demand regeneration is more efficient than regenerating at timed intervals, and softeners that are designed to regenerate on an as-needed basis also use less salt and water. Also soft water is always available for use, even when the amount of water used increases.

Why Choose a Kinetico Water Softener?

Kinetico softening systems feature on-demand regeneration – but that’s far from the only reason our softeners are the ideal choice. Kinetico offers:

  • Non-electric operation
  • Low salt usage
  • Twin-tank design
  • Compact size

In addition, Kinetico water softeners are engineered to provide 20 to 30 years of trouble-free service, with very little maintenance. Additionally, our softening systems come with a comprehensive 10 year warranty – and our warranty coverage is among the best in the industry.

With Kinetico, you can be certain that you’re getting a high-quality softening system. Homeowners in Provo and the surrounding northern Utah area have been turning to us for decades, and we’re known for both affordable, innovative products and exceptional customer service.

To learn more about water softener regeneration, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for installing a water softener, contact Kinetico today.

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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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Where Can a Water Softener Be Installed in Your Utah Home?

Utah water softener installation

You know that installing a water softener will solve your hard water problems. No more spotty dishes and soap scum, no more scale buildup on your faucets and fixtures, no more dingy clothes – all of these issues will disappear once your softening system is in place.

But, where should that place be?

The ideal location is one that has adequate space and access to plumbing and a drain. The spot must also meet any code restrictions and temperature requirements of the water treatment equipment. Below, the Kinetico team shares examples of where water softeners are commonly installed in northern Utah homes.

Basement

Most Utah homeowners choose to place their softening systems in the basement. There’s plenty of space to accommodate a water softener of any size, and installing it near the water heater keeps the treatment equipment centralized.

Crawl Space

Some Utah homes have crawl spaces that are suitable locations for a softening system, but the size of the area can limit the size of the softener installed. And for this location to work, the brine tank must be easily accessible for salt refills.

Garage

The garage can be a good spot for water softener installation in Utah homes that are without basements or crawl spaces. Attention to temperature control and additional plumbing work may be necessary, but garage spaces are typically rather convenient.

Utility Room

Owners of cabins and other Utah homes constructed on a slab sometimes opt to install softening systems in a utility room. The spaces are small and may require extra work to create a drain, but with creative problem solving, the location can absolutely work.

Consult with an Experienced Water Treatment Professional

Before you make any decisions about where to install your softening system, talk to the water treatment experts at Kinetico Utah. We can determine what size of softener your household needs, and that information will help you figure out the best location. In addition, our experienced team can explain your equipment options and offer advice on which softener you should install.

Kinetico is a trusted brand, a company that’s been at the forefront of the water treatment industry for several decades. Softening systems designed by Kinetico don’t require electricity, regenerate only when necessary and use much less salt than softeners from other manufacturers. Utah homeowners who install Kinetico systems enjoy 20 to 30 years of trouble-free operation – and Kinetico water softeners require very little maintenance.

If you live in Salt Lake City or the surrounding northern Utah area, we’d love to provide you with more information on our water treatment systems. For expert advice and answers to all of your questions about water softener installation, contact Kinetico Utah and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation 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.