If you’ve ever dealt with spotty dishes, dry skin, or water that smells a little off, your home’s water quality may be part of the problem. Homeowners across Illinois, including Peoria, Bloomington, Collinsville, and Springfield deal with a wide range of water conditions depending on their municipality or well system.

At Tiger, we know water treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re looking to reduce hardness, improve taste, or protect your plumbing, the right solution starts with understanding your options. In this guide, we’ll walk through how water softeners and filtration systems work, and how to choose what’s best for your home.

Understanding Water Quality Challenges in Illinois

Illinois water supplies can vary significantly. While most municipal systems are safe, many still contain high levels of minerals, chlorine, or other contaminants that impact your home and health.

Common Issues

• Hard water (high in calcium and magnesium)
• Chlorine or chemical odors
• Iron stains or discoloration
• Sediment in water lines
• Bacteria or microbial issues in private wells

Impact of Poor Water Quality

• Buildup in plumbing and on fixtures
• Itchy skin or brittle hair after bathing
• Cloudy or foul-tasting drinking water
• Appliance damage over time
• Increased maintenance and utility costs

Water Softeners vs. Water Filtration Systems

Water softeners and filtration systems both improve water quality, but in very different ways.

• Water softeners address hardness by removing calcium and magnesium to reduce scale buildup.
• Filtration systems remove a wider range of impurities like chlorine, sediment, lead, and bacteria.

If your home has hard water and unwanted chemicals or contaminants, you may benefit from both systems working together.

What is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes hardness minerals using a process called ion exchange. These systems protect your plumbing and make water feel better on skin, hair, and fabrics.

Tiger provides installation and service for water softeners tailored to the specific conditions in Illinois homes.

Types of Water Softeners

• Salt-Based Water Softeners – These are the most effective at treating high hardness levels. They use sodium to replace hardness ions and require periodic salt refills.

• Salt-Free Water Softeners – These systems condition the water to prevent minerals from binding to surfaces. They don’t remove hardness but reduce scale and require less maintenance.

Water Softener Benefits

• Helps extend the life of your plumbing system
• Reduces soap and detergent use
• Improves water’s feel on skin and hair
• Minimizes buildup on dishes and fixtures
• Supports better appliance efficiency

What is a Water Filtration System?

Water filtration systems remove a variety of impurities depending on the type of filter. From whole-home units to point-of-use models, these systems can target chemical, physical, or biological contaminants.

Tiger installs customized filtration systems that match your home’s layout and water quality needs.

Types of Water Filters

Whole-Home Filters – Treat water at the point it enters your home, reducing chlorine, sediment, and odors throughout all taps and appliances.
Under-Sink Filters – Installed at a specific tap, usually the kitchen, to improve water for drinking and cooking.
Activated Carbon Filters – Excellent at removing chlorine, VOCs, and improving taste and odor.
Ion Exchange Filters – Often used in combination systems to remove heavy metals like lead.
Reverse Osmosis Systems – Provide high-level filtration ideal for drinking water. They remove dissolved solids, chemicals, and microorganisms.
Ultraviolet Filters – Use UV light to destroy bacteria and viruses, important for well water users.

Water Filtration Benefits

• Improves taste, smell, and appearance of water
• Reduces chemical and microbial contaminants
• Helps protect long-term health
• Supports clean, clear water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning
• Provides added peace of mind for families with young children or vulnerable adults

Factors to Consider for Illinois Homeowners

Know What’s In Your Water

Water quality varies by source and region. If you notice odors, staining, or residue, it may be time to have your water tested. Tiger offers water testing services to help identify the best system for your home.

Consider Local Water Conditions

In Illinois, water hardness and chemical levels differ between municipal systems and private wells. Homes on well water may require a UV filtration system, while city water users may want to target chlorine or heavy metals.

Find What’s Right for Your Budget

Water treatment doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing investment. Point-of-use filters or salt-free conditioners are affordable entry points. Tiger also offers flexible financing to help Illinois homeowners invest in better water quality without delay.

Water Filtration FAQs

How does a water softener work?
It uses ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for hard water. These minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium.

Can you drink softened water?
Yes. Most people can drink softened water safely. However, if you’re sensitive to sodium or prefer a cleaner taste, adding a separate drinking water filter is a great option.

Does a water softener remove chlorine?
No. Water softeners don’t remove chlorine. A carbon-based filtration system or reverse osmosis unit is needed for that.

What is reverse osmosis water filtration?
It’s a filtration process that forces water through a membrane to remove contaminants like lead, bacteria, and dissolved solids. It’s commonly used for clean drinking water.

Schedule Your Water Treatment Service with Tiger

Your home’s water should support your health, not work against it. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, chlorine, or bacterial concerns, Tiger can help you choose the right water softener or filtration system.

We proudly serve homeowners in Bloomington, Peoria, Collinsville, and Springfield. Call us at (618) 266-3277 or schedule your service online to get started.