INFORMATION LIBRARY

At INW Water Works, we believe understanding your water is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.

DO I NEED A WHOLE-HOME WATER FILTER?

That depends on your water and what you want to address. Whole-home filtration treats water as it enters the house and provides treated water throughout the home's plumbing system.

SHOULD I HAVE MY WATER TESTED?

Testing is especially useful for private wells or when there is a specific water-quality concern. It can also help determine the correct treatment and equipment size.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FILTRATION AND SOFTENING?

Filtration addresses specific substances in water depending on the technology used. Water softening primarily reduces calcium and magnesium hardness.

WHAT IS SCALE?

Scale is mineral buildup commonly associated with hard water. It can form on fixtures and inside water-using equipment.

WHAT IS REVERSE OSMOSIS?

Reverse osmosis uses a specialized membrane to reduce many dissolved substances from drinking and cooking water.

HOW OFTEN DOES WATER-TREATMENT EQUIPMENT NEED MAINTENANCE?

Maintenance depends on the equipment, water conditions and household usage. Some systems require periodic cartridge replacement, while others have different service requirements.

WHAT ABOUT WELL WATER?

Private well water can vary considerably between properties. Testing provides the information needed to understand the water before selecting treatment.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Water treatment should begin with understanding what you have and what you want to accomplish.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Clear water can still contain naturally occurring minerals, treatment chemicals and other substances. What is present depends on the water source, local geology, treatment process, distribution system and household plumbing.

PUBLIC WATER VS. PRIVATE WELL WATER

Public water is treated and monitored by a municipal or community water provider. Private well water comes from groundwater and is the homeowner's responsibility to monitor.

WHAT MAY BE PRESENT?

• Calcium and magnesium

• Chlorine or chloramines

• Iron and manganese

• Sediment

• Dissolved minerals

• Organic compounds

• PFAS or other environmental contaminants

• Microorganisms

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE?

Public-water customers can begin with their water provider's water-quality report. Private-well owners and homeowners with specific concerns can use water testing to learn more about conditions at their property.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

We believe treatment decisions should start with information about the water rather than a predetermined piece of equipment.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Public water providers may publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) containing information about the water supply and testing results.

WHAT CAN THE REPORT TELL YOU?

• Water source

• Treatment information

• Substances tested

• Substances detected

• Detected concentrations

• Applicable drinking-water standards

• Disinfectant information

WHAT DOES "DETECTED" MEAN?

Detection does not automatically mean the water is unsafe. The concentration and applicable drinking-water standard provide important context.

COMMON UNITS

PPM — Parts Per Million: Often equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L).

PPB — Parts Per Billion: Often equivalent to micrograms per liter (µg/L).

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

• Disinfectant type

• Nitrate

• Arsenic

• Lead and copper information

• PFAS results

• Other substances relevant to the local water supply

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

A water-quality report can provide a valuable starting point for understanding municipal water and determining whether additional testing or treatment should be considered.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Private well water can vary significantly between properties. Testing provides valuable information about the water and helps identify conditions that may need attention.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TEST?

• Bacteria

• Nitrates and nitrites

• pH

• Hardness

• Iron

• Manganese

• Arsenic

• Total dissolved solids

• Turbidity

• Other contaminants of local concern

WHEN SHOULD YOU TEST?

Regular testing is an important part of private-well ownership. Additional testing may be appropriate when:

• Taste, smell or appearance changes

• A well is repaired or serviced

• Flooding occurs near the well

• Nearby land use changes

• Water-treatment equipment is being selected

TEST FIRST. TREAT SECOND.

Testing helps replace assumptions with actual information about the water. That information can then be used to determine whether treatment is needed and what technology is appropriate.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

For private wells, good treatment decisions begin with good water information.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Hard water contains elevated levels of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can leave deposits throughout the home.

COMMON SIGNS

• White deposits on faucets

• Buildup around showerheads

• Spots on glassware

• Scale on sinks and tile

• Soap scum

• Mineral deposits on water-using equipment

WHERE CAN BUILDUP OCCUR?

• Faucets and fixtures

• Showerheads

• Valves

• Water heaters

• Tankless water heaters

• Dishwashers

• Other water-using equipment

WHY ARE WATER HEATERS IMPORTANT?

Heating water can encourage hardness minerals to form deposits, making water-heating equipment an important consideration in homes with hard water.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR HARDNESS LEVEL?

Water hardness is commonly measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). A water test can determine the hardness level.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Knowing the hardness level helps determine the appropriate strategy for protecting plumbing and water-using equipment.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Scale is mineral buildup that can form on plumbing fixtures and inside water-using equipment. It is commonly associated with hard water containing calcium and magnesium.

HOW DOES SCALE FORM?

As water conditions change—particularly when water is heated or evaporates—hardness minerals can form deposits.

WHERE CAN SCALE APPEAR?

• Water heaters

• Faucets

• Showerheads

• Plumbing fixtures

• Dishwashers

• Coffee makers

• Water-using appliances

• Glass and tile surfaces

WHY IS HOT WATER IMPORTANT?

Heating water can encourage mineral deposits to form. Water heaters and other hot-water equipment can therefore be particularly affected by scale.

WHY DOES SCALE MATTER?

Over time, mineral deposits can become increasingly noticeable and may affect plumbing fixtures and water-using equipment. Understanding the home's hardness level is the first step toward determining how scale should be managed.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Scale treatment begins by understanding the hardness and chemistry of the water.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals commonly found in groundwater.

COMMON SIGNS OF IRON

• Orange or reddish-brown staining

• Discolored water

• Metallic taste

• Staining on laundry

• Deposits on fixtures

COMMON SIGNS OF MANGANESE

• Black or dark staining

• Dark deposits

• Water discoloration

• Staining on laundry and surfaces

WHY TESTING MATTERS

Treatment can depend on the amount and form of iron or manganese as well as other water conditions such as pH and hardness. Testing provides the information needed to select the appropriate treatment.

HOW ARE THEY TREATED?

Depending on the water, treatment may involve oxidation, specialized filtration media or a combination of technologies.

INW IRON GUARD

INW Iron Guard is designed for applications requiring iron reduction. For homes with greater flow requirements, INW Iron Guard Max provides a high-flow treatment option. System selection is based on the water conditions and required flow.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Well-water treatment begins with understanding what is present and how much treatment is required.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Chlorine and chloramines are disinfectants used by many public water systems to help control microorganisms.

WHAT IS CHLORINE?

Chlorine is widely used to disinfect drinking water and help protect it as it travels through the distribution system. Some homeowners choose to reduce chlorine because of its noticeable taste or odor.

WHAT ARE CHLORAMINES?

Chloramines are generally formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. They provide a longer-lasting disinfectant residual and are used by some public water systems.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE I HAVE?

Your local water provider's water-quality information can usually identify which disinfectant is used.

HOW CAN THEY BE REDUCED?

Activated carbon is commonly used for chlorine reduction. Catalytic carbon has enhanced properties that make it particularly useful when chloramine reduction is desired. Proper carbon selection and system sizing are important for effective treatment.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Knowing which disinfectant is present helps us select the appropriate carbon and filtration design.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

PFAS are a large group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial applications for decades. Many PFAS break down very slowly and can remain in the environment for long periods.

HOW CAN PFAS REACH WATER?

• Industrial activity

• Firefighting foams

• Landfills

• Wastewater

• Contaminated soil

• Surface water and groundwater

CAN YOU SEE OR TASTE PFAS?

Generally, no. Testing is the reliable way to determine whether specific PFAS are present and at what concentration.

HOW CAN PFAS BE REDUCED?

Treatment technologies used for certain PFAS may include activated carbon, specialized ion-exchange media and reverse osmosis. Performance can vary based on the specific PFAS, concentration, water chemistry and treatment-system design.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

PFAS treatment begins by identifying what is present and determining the appropriate treatment strategy for the application.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic that have been detected throughout the environment, including drinking-water sources. Research continues into their presence and potential effects.

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

• Breakdown of larger plastics

• Synthetic fibers

• Packaging

• Industrial activity

• Wastewater

• Surface runoff

ARE THEY FOUND IN DRINKING WATER?

Microplastics have been detected in both tap water and bottled water. Particle sizes and concentrations can vary.

HOW CAN THEY BE REDUCED?

Because microplastics are particles, technologies designed to physically separate small particles from water may help reduce them. Depending on particle size and system design, treatment may include:

• Fine filtration

• Microfiltration

• Ultrafiltration

• Reverse osmosis

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

The filtration technology should be selected according to the size and type of material being addressed and how the treated water will be used.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Catalytic carbon is an advanced form of activated carbon used in water treatment. It combines the adsorption capabilities of activated carbon with enhanced catalytic properties, making it useful for addressing several common water-quality concerns.

HOW DOES CATALYTIC CARBON WORK?

Catalytic carbon contains an enormous network of microscopic pores that creates a very large surface area. As water passes through the media, certain substances are attracted to and held on the carbon's surface through a process called adsorption. Its enhanced surface properties also promote certain chemical reactions, giving catalytic carbon additional treatment capabilities.

WHAT CAN CATALYTIC CARBON HELP REDUCE?

Depending on the water conditions and system design, catalytic carbon may help reduce:

• Chlorine

• Chloramines

• Unpleasant tastes and odors

• Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Certain organic compounds

• Some disinfection byproducts and their precursors

• Some PFAS

HOW IS CATALYTIC CARBON DIFFERENT FROM STANDARD ACTIVATED CARBON?

Both are valuable water-treatment media. Catalytic carbon has enhanced surface properties that make it particularly useful for certain applications, including the reduction of chloramines. Choosing the appropriate carbon depends on the water conditions and treatment goals.

WHY DO CONTACT TIME AND SYSTEM SIZE MATTER?

Carbon needs sufficient interaction with the water to perform effectively. Several factors influence performance:

• Type of carbon

• Amount of carbon

• Water flow

• Contact time

• Water chemistry

• Substances being treated

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

At INW Water Works, we don't simply choose a carbon filter and apply it to every home. We look at the water, determine what needs to be addressed and select the appropriate carbon and system size for the application.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Carbon filtration uses highly porous carbon media to interact with substances in water.

WHAT IS ACTIVATED CARBON?

Activated carbon contains a network of microscopic pores that creates an extremely large surface area. This surface area is what makes carbon useful for water treatment.

WHAT IS ADSORPTION?

One of the primary processes used by carbon is adsorption. During adsorption, certain substances are attracted to and held on the surface of the carbon.

WHY DOES CONTACT TIME MATTER?

Water needs sufficient interaction with the carbon for treatment to occur. The amount of carbon, flow rate and system design all influence this contact time.

WHY DOES SYSTEM SIZE MATTER?

A whole-home system may need to supply several fixtures simultaneously. The filtration equipment should therefore provide adequate treatment while maintaining the required household flow.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Carbon filtration is more than simply placing carbon in a tank. Media selection, media quantity, contact time and flow all play a role in designing the system.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Scale control and water softening are two different approaches to hard-water concerns.

SCALE CONTROL

Scale-control treatment is designed to help manage the tendency of hardness minerals to form deposits. The calcium and magnesium generally remain in the water, so the water may still test as hard.

WATER SOFTENING

Traditional water softening uses ion exchange to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness. The result is water with significantly reduced hardness.

THE KEY DIFFERENCE

Scale Control: Helps manage how hardness minerals behave.

Water Softening: Reduces the hardness minerals themselves.

WHICH APPROACH IS APPROPRIATE?

The choice can depend on:

• Water hardness

• Water chemistry

• Desired water characteristics

• Household water usage

• Plumbing and water-heating equipment

• Maintenance preferences

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

We offer different approaches because different households can have different water conditions and treatment goals.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

A water softener is designed to reduce calcium and magnesium—the primary minerals responsible for hard water.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Traditional water softeners use ion exchange. As water passes through specialized resin, calcium and magnesium are exchanged for other ions, typically sodium.

WHAT IS REGENERATION?

Eventually, the resin needs to be refreshed. During regeneration, a brine solution removes accumulated hardness minerals from the resin so it can continue softening water.

WHAT DOES THE SALT DO?

Salt is used to create the brine solution required for regeneration. Salt usage depends on the equipment, water hardness and household water consumption.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Softened water can help reduce:

• Hard-water scale

• Mineral buildup

• Soap scum

• Hard-water spotting

• Hardness-related deposits

INW SOFTGUARD

INW SoftGuard is our water-softening solution for homes where reducing water hardness is the desired treatment. SoftGuard systems are selected based on water hardness, household usage and required flow.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Proper softener sizing helps match the equipment to the actual demands of the home.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Water filtration and water softening perform different jobs.

WATER FILTRATION

Filtration is used to address specific substances or water-quality concerns. Depending on the technology, filtration may be designed for:

• Chlorine or chloramines

• Sediment

• Iron

• Certain organic compounds

• PFAS

• Fluoride

• Other specific concerns

WATER SOFTENING

Water softening specifically addresses hardness. Traditional ion-exchange softeners reduce calcium and magnesium, the primary minerals responsible for hard water.

WHICH DO YOU NEED?

The answer depends on what is present in the water and what you want to accomplish. A filtration concern may require filtration. A hardness concern may require softening or another hardness-management approach. When multiple conditions are present, different treatment technologies can be combined.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

We don't begin with the assumption that every home needs the same equipment. We begin with the water and build the treatment approach from there.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Reverse osmosis, commonly called RO, is a membrane-based technology frequently used to provide filtered drinking and cooking water.

HOW DOES RO WORK?

Water pressure pushes water through a specialized membrane. The membrane allows water to pass while rejecting many dissolved substances and very small particles.

WHAT CAN RO HELP REDUCE?

Depending on the system and water conditions, RO may help reduce:

• Total dissolved solids

• Lead

• Arsenic

• Nitrates

• Fluoride

• Many PFAS

• Certain salts and minerals

• Very small particles

WHERE IS RO USED?

Residential RO is commonly installed as a point-of-use system, typically at the kitchen. This allows specialized treatment to be focused on drinking and cooking water.

DOES RO REQUIRE MAINTENANCE?

Yes. Filters require periodic replacement, and the RO membrane will eventually require replacement. Service intervals depend on water quality, usage and system design.

INW PUREPOINT RO

INW PurePoint RO is our point-of-use reverse-osmosis solution for drinking and cooking water. It combines membrane technology with multiple filtration stages to provide high-quality water directly where it's used.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Point-of-use treatment allows specialized filtration to be applied where it provides the greatest benefit to the household.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

Water treatment can be applied throughout the entire home or at a specific location.

WHOLE-HOME TREATMENT

A whole-home system treats water as it enters the house. Treated water can then be supplied to:

• Showers and bathtubs

• Bathroom faucets

• Kitchen faucets

• Laundry

• Water heaters

• Water-using appliances

POINT-OF-USE TREATMENT

A point-of-use system treats water at a specific location, commonly the kitchen. Examples include reverse osmosis and specialized under-sink filtration. This approach allows more focused treatment of drinking and cooking water.

CAN BOTH BE USED?

Yes. A whole-home system and point-of-use system can perform different roles within the same home. The appropriate combination depends on what is being treated and where the treated water is needed.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

We determine where treatment is needed first, then select the technology appropriate for that location and purpose.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

A boil water notice may be issued when a public water system believes drinking water could contain harmful microorganisms. Always follow the instructions provided by your local water provider or public-health authority.

DURING A BOIL WATER NOTICE

Use bottled or properly boiled water as directed for:

• Drinking

• Brushing teeth

• Preparing food

• Making beverages

• Making ice

• Washing foods

• Preparing infant formula

WHAT ABOUT MY WATER-TREATMENT SYSTEM?

Do not assume a typical residential carbon filter, sediment filter, water softener or scale-control system makes water microbiologically safe during a boil water notice. Continue following the notice until authorities provide an official all-clear.

AFTER THE NOTICE IS LIFTED

Your water provider may recommend:

• Flushing household plumbing

• Discarding existing ice

• Flushing drinking-water equipment

• Replacing certain filter cartridges

• Servicing or flushing treatment equipment

DIFFERENT ADVISORIES REQUIRE DIFFERENT ACTIONS

A Boil Water, Do Not Drink and Do Not Use advisory can require very different responses. Always follow the specific advisory issued by local authorities.

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

Understanding what your water-treatment equipment is designed to do is especially important during a water advisory.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS

Protecting What Matters Most.

A few simple preparations can help protect your plumbing and water-treatment equipment while you're away.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Check accessible plumbing and treatment equipment for leaks, including:

• Filter housings

• Water softener

• Reverse-osmosis system

• Water heater

• Faucets and toilets

• Washing-machine connections

SHOULD I SHUT OFF THE WATER?

For longer trips, some homeowners choose to shut off the home's main water supply to reduce the potential for water damage from an unexpected plumbing leak. If treatment equipment automatically regenerates, backwashes or flushes, consider its operating requirements before shutting off the water.

FREEZING CONDITIONS

Plumbing and water-treatment equipment should be protected from freezing. Equipment located in garages, crawl spaces or other unheated areas may require additional preparation during cold weather.

WHEN YOU RETURN

After an extended absence:

• Restore the water slowly if it was shut off

• Check for leaks

• Flush household faucets

• Check treatment equipment

• Check softener salt

• Flush drinking-water equipment as appropriate

THE INW WATER WORKS APPROACH

A little preparation can help keep your plumbing and treatment equipment ready for your return.

Understand the water. Identify the problem. Choose the right treatment.

INW WATER WORKS