If you live in Central Indiana, you’ve probably heard people talk about hard water or water filtration, but it’s not always clear what you actually need, or where to even start.
I’ll be honest, this wasn’t something I thought much about until I moved into our current home one year ago and started noticing a few things that felt off.
I started dealing with more skin irritation than usual, and my hair just wasn’t behaving the same either. At our old house (which had a water softener), I could go 5–6 days without washing my hair. After moving? That quickly turned into washing every 2-3 days.
I also realized I was relying heavily on a basic water filter pitcher which I know doesn’t actually filter anything but the taste. And since I drink about 3 “Big Dumb Water Bottles” a day, I was constantly refilling the pitcher (which got old fast).
So I decided it was time to actually look into what was going on with our water and what we could do about it.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Local Water Company
I recently had the chance to partner with US Water Systems, which is based in Plainfield, Indiana just west of Indianapolis. This isn’t just an online company or a middleman. They have a full facility, a real team, and assemble their systems right here in Indy!
They’re family-owned and operated, and you can really tell. I met members of the team, and they just had that close-knit, local business feel that you don’t always get anymore.
Getting to see everything in person made me feel a lot more confident about the decision to move forward. I love that I can support a local business while also protecting my home’s water.
Why I Decided to Upgrade Our Home Water System
After learning more about how different systems work, I ended up installing:
- American-Made 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
- Pulsar UV System
- Bodyguard Chemical Filter & Matrixx Softener Combo
P.S. If you use the links above, you’ll save 5% on your system!
This decision came down to a few things:
- I drink a lot of water every day and wanted to feel more confident in it
- I didn’t love relying on a basic filter pitcher (and constantly refilling it 🙃)
- I wanted to cut back on buying plastic water bottles
- I had started noticing hard water buildup and changes in my skin and hair
If you’ve ever dealt with cloudy shower glass or buildup on faucets, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
What the Installation Process Was Like
I’m not going to lie, this process had a slight hiccup. When we opened up the closet where the water softener was going to go, we realized there had been some water damage from that lovely Indiana spring rain we’ve been having. So that had to be fixed before anything could be installed.
Once that was handled, everything moved forward pretty smoothly.
We worked with Blue Cord Plumbing (Curtis was amazing!) for the water softener installation. US Water Systems has plenty of great online videos to show you how to DIY the install, but I highly recommend going with a professional for this part.
The reverse osmosis system and Pulsar UV fits right under the sink, which was way more compact than I expected. We were able to install this ourselves with the help of US Water Systems’ trusty YouTube tutorials!
And I have to mention this because it was something I was so nervous about: We had to drill into our countertop for the RO faucet 😅
I genuinely thought something might go wrong and our entire countertop would get cracked, but we had Performance Stoneworks come out and they handled it in about 30 seconds. It was so quick and easy and made me feel so much better knowing my countertops were safe.
What I’ve Noticed Since Installing
Since installing these systems, I’ve noticed:
- Less visible buildup on our shower glass and fixtures
- My skin feels softer after showering
- My hair feels more manageable again
- And not having to refill a water pitcher constantly has been life-changing. If you know, you know 😂
One moment that really stood out to me was my first shower after the water softener was installed. My skin immediately felt smoother and almost silky.
What Does a Reverse Osmosis System Actually Do?
If you’re new to this (like I was), here’s a simple breakdown:
A reverse osmosis system is designed to filter water through multiple stages to reduce certain impurities and improve taste.
The RO system I installed also includes a UV component, which acts as an additional treatment step that can be helpful during situations like boil water advisories.
As always, results can vary depending on your home’s water quality, which is why it’s helpful to talk with a professional before choosing a system.
Do You Need a Water Softener in Central Indiana?
A lot of homes in Central Indiana deal with hard water to some degree.
Hard water can lead to things like:
- Mineral buildup on fixtures
- Spots on dishes or glass
- More frequent cleaning
- Changes in how your skin and hair feel
A water softener works by reducing the minerals that cause that buildup, which can help improve how water feels and how your home functions day-to-day.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a water filtration or softening system can vary quite a bit depending on:
- The size of your home
- Your plumbing setup
- The type of system you choose
Because of that, it’s best to get a personalized recommendation based on your home and needs. You can see all the options available at US Water Systems here, or see the actual products I ordered (and their costs) below:
- American-Made 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
- Pulsar UV System
- Bodyguard Chemical Filter & Matrixx Softener Combo
P.S. If you use the links above, you’ll save 5% on your system!
Why I Recommend Working with US Water Systems
One of the biggest takeaways from this whole experience was the value of working with a local company.
Being able to visit their facility, meet the team, ask questions in person, and know exactly where your system is coming from adds a level of trust that’s hard to get otherwise.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re someone who drinks a lot of water at home, has noticed buildup or hard water issues, wants to reduce plastic waste, or just wants to feel more confident in your home setup, it’s definitely worth looking into your options.
For me, this was about making a practical, long-term investment in our home that just makes everyday life feel a little better knowing I can be confident in the water I’m drinking and using on my skin.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re local to Central Indiana, I’d recommend checking out US Water Systems and learning what might make sense for your home.
Even just understanding your water a little better is a great place to start.
Disclosure
This post is in partnership with US Water Systems. All opinions are my own based on my personal experience.
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