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Why does my water have funny tastes or odours?

It depends on where your water comes from. In its natural state, water is colourless, tasteless and odourless—and you should expect nothing less for the water in your home. Common chemicals used in water treatment, natural minerals and bacteria, or man-made contamination may be acting behind the scenes to give your water funny tastes or odours, such as a “rotten egg” smell or a musty, earthy or metallic taste. When Kinetico hydrates your life, we thoughtfully and completely remove the sources of these annoyances so your water is clean, fresh and enjoyable.

Why is my water cloudy?

Cloudy water can be caused by a number of natural and man-made factors. Whatever the reason, murky water gets in the way of enjoying the water in your home. After Kinetico hydrates your life, your water is restored to its clean, clear self and once again becomes a welcome friend for drinking and bathing.

Why are there stains in my sink, my bathtub and my toilet?

Stains can be caused by iron, minerals, natural acid in your water or a combination of these. These stains are usually orange, black or bluish green. As anyone who has tried to clean them can tell you, these stains can be difficult to remove and they come back quickly after cleaning.

How can better water make my appliances last longer?

Hard water is brutal on appliances. The minerals in the water build up inside pipes, sapping water pressure, using more energy and making your appliances work harder and wear out faster. Your water heater, for example, is likely the second-biggest energy user in your home. When your life is hydrated by Kinetico, you’ll spend 30% less energy heating your water, and your appliances will last longer too.

Why are there spots on the hard surfaces throughout my home?

You have hard water—that is, your tap water brings dissolved minerals along with it. These minerals are left behind as the water that carries them is dried or evaporates. These spots can show up on hard surfaces throughout your home like your countertops, stainless steel appliances, glassware and even your car if you’re washing it with untreated, hard water. When your life is hydrated by Kinetico, your water is freed of these minerals—so spots no longer form and your appliances stay attractive, clean and bright.

Why are my clothes, towels and sheets stiff?

You have hard water—that is, your tap water has dissolved minerals in it. Over time, these minerals build up in the fabric, trapping detergent and preventing it from rinsing away. Machine-drying clothing that’s filled with mineral and detergent residue literally bakes them into the fabric, robbing it of colours and brightness. Your clothes may look dull and flat and feel rough to the touch. Hydrating your life with Kinetico means you can look forward to fluffier towels and softer, longer-lasting clothes.

Why do I have dry skin and hair?

There are two common causes for this. The first is hard water—dissolved minerals that are in your tap water. Hard water prevents soaps and shampoos from lathering fully and rinsing away completely, leaving a film on your skin and hair. If you’re connected to a public water supply, the second common cause for dry skin and hair are the chemicals used to keep public water safe. When you experience life hydrated by Kinetico, these problems stop cold, and your hair and skin welcome the change.

Doesn’t my municipality already treat and test my water?

If your water comes from a public or municipal water system, it is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by federal standards, such as microbial pathogens, radioactive elements and organic and inorganic toxic chemicals. However, it is important to note that these tests are conducted at the source. Therefore, the quality of water that utilities create is not necessarily a measure of the quality that reaches your home. Over time pipes age and erode, and often water treatment or distribution systems are breached by unforeseen occurrences that result in boil water alerts. Most municipalities address the issue of delivery to the home by treating water with chlorine to kill bacteria. However, their goal is to meet minimum federal requirements. Chlorine is commonly used to kill organic material in water thereby protecting the public from diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. It is also great for neutralizing color and odor. Unfortunately, it has come to light that the byproducts of chlorine can cause serious health problems. These by-products have made headlines across Canada and research to establish your own comfort level with each is important. Taking charge of your own water with a Kinetico municipal water solution eliminates your risk of dependence on third party providers and allows you to specifically remove the health risks that concern you.

How expensive are water treatment systems?

A whole home water treatment system will pay for itself in many ways. Treated water helps your water heater run more efficiently, reducing energy bills. Treated water is easier on your pipes, plumbing fixtures and your water-related appliances resulting in fewer repairs and related costs. Additionally, treated water requires less detergent to wash clothes and dishes. It also saves on the amount of shampoo and conditioners you use. Also, a drinking water system is much more economical than purchasing bottled water for your home.

What exactly is soft water?

Water very commonly contains hardness elements such as magnesium and calcium, dissolved rock, hence the description of hard water. Soft water is when these minerals are removed through a process known as ion exchange. If you have hard water, you may see staining or scaling build up on your sinks, tubs, showers and clothing; scaling deposits on your glassware; and damage due to scale in your pipes and appliances. You will also notice less lather from your shampoos/soaps and a filmy dryness feeling on your skin. Often, types of skin irritations are tied to hard water. All of these are symptoms of the need for softened water. Hard water can also produce a rock-like scale that builds up in pipes, water heaters, plumbing fixtures, dishwashers and other water-related appliances. This scale will reduce water flow, clog valves and vents and create maintenance problems reducing the life of your appliances.

I live in the city. Isn’t my water already treated by the municipality?

Your city water supplier is not required to provide you with soft water. Many municipalities reduce the amount of hardness to some degree. But according to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85 percent of cities are still supplied with hard water. Your city is required to provide you with water test results that show water hardness; just call the number on your water bill. Many people that use city water choose to soften it to save money on soaps and cleaners, protect their plumbing systems from scale buildup, protect their water-using appliances from hard water scale, provide better water for bathing, healthier skin and hair and eliminate hard water spots, among other things.

Isn’t bottled water better for you than tap water?

While bottled water is generally of good quality, Federal standards for bottled water are no stricter than standards for tap water. That means that federal regulations only require bottlers to test for a handful of the hundreds of known chemical contaminants. But there are other issues to consider such as cost, convenience, and usability. It is a lot less expensive to own your own Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station when you consider the time and costs associated with bottled water. Also, your Kinetico drinking water system will allow you to use the water for many purposes including cooking without rationing. Treating your own water at home will eliminate the need for storing bulky plastic bottles and supply you with unlimited water, right on tap, at prices per liter that are considerably less than buying bottled water. Another issue is that the use of bottled water is environmentally questionable when one considers the unnecessary costs of plastic generation, product transportation, and empty bottle waste/recycling.

How much water should I drink in a day?

One can go weeks without food but only days without water. Water affects the functioning of our organs and our ability to fight disease. It helps us to maintain a healthy weight and cope emotionally. The positive effects of drinking plenty of quality water can be seen in all aspects of our health and appearance. In a typical day, you lose 2 to 3 liters of water. If you don’t replace it, your body will naturally pull the water away from your skin, nails, and hair – the fundamentals of good looks – to the critical systems that need it for basic good health. Drinks with caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks have a limited water replacement value as they are diuretics and therefore promote water loss. Fruit, vegetables, and juices all contribute well to water replacement; however, they also contain calories that, for a growing segment of the population, are a problem. Water, on the other hand, is totally calorie free. This is why it is recommended that we drink 8 ten ounce glasses of water each day. It is the most sensible way to meet our fundamental water needs.

Don’t water filters remove important minerals from my water?

Studies have found that minerals in your drinking water make essentially no contribution to your health and may even be present in forms your body can’t absorb. Minerals in an inorganic state flow through our systems versus minerals in an organic state that are readily absorbed by our bodies. You are much better off maintaining a balanced diet that provides you with an adequate supply of important vitamins and minerals.

However, for those who do want to add healthy mineral into their drinking water, or if you’d just prefer the flavor of water with a bit of mineralization, we offer the Mineral Plus Flexfiltration cartridge which can be included in the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station.

Is filtered water less expensive than bottled?

What about those bottles of water that so many people have become attached to? First, they’re expensive — sometimes costing more than $1.00 per liter, which translates into 800 to 4800 times the cost of tap water. Second, they’re cumbersome to tote, and you have to go to the store to purchase them. Third, all of those plastic containers must be recycled, or they’ll crowd landfills. And finally, depending on the source of the bottled water, it may be nothing more than filtered municipal water. In fact, contrary to the popular image of remote Alpine meadows and unspoiled streams, bottled-water sources are often near metropolitan areas. Also of interest is the fact that Federal standards for bottled water are no stricter than standards for tap water. That means that federal regulations only require bottlers to test for a handful of the hundreds of known chemical contaminants. In-home drinking water systems, which have also boomed in popularity in recent years, deliver the same benefits and more, without the inconvenience. And best of all, they’re actually less expensive than bottled water with a Kinetico VX Plus Deluxe delivering better than bottled water for as little as 7 cents a liter.

I have heard that treated water can actually improve the performance of my water-related appliances. Is this true?

Did you know that your hot water tank is the second largest energy user in your home? That’s right! Only your heating and air-conditioning system uses more. Hard water scale can coat the inside of a water heater and drastically reduce its heating efficiency. Greater fuel consumption and higher utility bills are a result when the appliance has to heat water through a layer of rock. According to a study commissioned by the Water Quality Research Council and conducted at New Mexico State University, water heaters work 22-30 percent less efficiently with hard water, driving up utility bills unnecessarily. With soft water, you’ll not only protect your hot water tank and make it last longer, but you’ll also save money on your energy bill.

How much electricity does it take to operate a Kinetico whole home water treatment system?

Kinetico’s whole home water treatment system provides non-electric operation. There’s nothing to plug in, no buttons to push, timers to set and reset or adjustments to make. There won’t be an increase in your electric bill. And you won’t have any problems with power outages or surges. Best of all, there are no expensive electrical components to repair or replace.

How do I Know if my water is hard?

Your local Kinetico water expert can provide a water analysis for hardness, iron, pH and total dissolved solids, typically at no cost to you. Depending on the testing equipment they use, they may be able to perform other tests. They can also direct your water sample to a specialized water testing organization that can provide a more detailed analysis of your water for you. Your local Kinetico water expert will help you interpret the results and determine if any treatment is necessary.

What are the benefits of treated water?

Soap and detergent usage can be dramatically lowered with soft water. Since the water is already soft, cleaning agents have no hard minerals to react with and overcome. This allows cleaning agents to lather more readily and work more effectively. In fact, a large proportion of the ingredients in most soaps and detergents consist of chemical “water softeners” added to prevent the reaction between the detergent and the hard minerals present in most water (the reaction that forms a sticky residue or soap curd). Since, such chemicals are not necessary for cleaning with soft water, less soap is required. Soft water households experience considerable savings on laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, hand soap and many other cleaning products. Given that soft water contains no scale forming minerals, it leaves the inside of plumbing and water-using appliances free of solidified rock. Appliances operate more efficiently and last longer when using soft water. Leading appliance manufacturers, including Maytag, have recognized the problems caused by hard water and recommend the use of home water softeners to help their own products operate more efficiently. In addition, calcium and magnesium, the two minerals that make water hard, might actually have some adverse effects on the foods you eat and the beverages you drink. First, hardness minerals can detract from the taste of the water, as well as any beverage or food made with water, such as coffee, concentrated juice, soup or even gelatin. Other water contaminants can affect foods by imparting bad tastes or unhealthy compounds. Second, some foods, especially fresh vegetables, don’t cook or taste as good when prepared with hard water because the calcium combines with a protein in vegetable skins, making them tough and sometimes shriveled.

What if I move?

If you want to take your Kinetico system with you, you can simply exclude your whole home treatment system from your real estate contract and take it with you. Your lifetime warranty is good all over the world. A Kinetico dealer can help you reinstall your unit and provide you with service in most locations. Whether in Malaysia or Brazil, France or Australia, Kinetico has a water treatment solution for you. Covering more than 80 countries worldwide, Kinetico is there to meet your needs. Our four wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, the U.S., Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom provide full coverage of Canada and Western Europe. Elsewhere, our network of highly qualified, independent business partners is there to determine the best Kinetico solution for your water problem.

What are the effects of the chlorine in our drinking water?

Canada has been chlorinating its water supplies for over one hundred years. It is through this treatment method that we have been able to virtually wipe out water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. It is what lies beneath the surface of the population’s concerns over chlorine’s effect on the taste and odour of their water that has sparked heated debate. Debate has centered on the safety of chlorine with respect to its potential as a carcinogen. When chlorine breaks down organic material, it creates byproducts that can damage the heart, kidneys, nervous system and lungs. These byproducts also increase the incidents of certain types of cancer. Many articles have been written about THM’s ( trihalomethanes) and their impact on our health. This is well worth your investigation. Data showing these results prompted the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States to respond with limits to the amount of chlorine byproducts permissible in drinking water. Eliminating the byproducts of chlorine should be a primary objective in any personal water treatment plan.

Don’t water filters remove fluoride from my water?

Fluoridated water has been a hot topic of concern in recent years, as scientists and health officials challenge its safety and effectiveness. The issue has always been around effectiveness and the proper control or management. Too much fluoride can be more damaging than having none. Once added to our water supply, fluoride can be tricky to remove. Many common jug and faucet filters are effective at removing large impurities from water, but leave elements like fluoride behind. Various filtration systems claim to eliminate the fluoride in your water, but consumers should be wary. It is advisable to check that you are using a filtration system that has been certified by the Water Quality Association of NSF international as one capable of removing fluoride additives. The use of a reverse osmosis filtration system is recommended as the most efficient and effective method for eliminating fluoride from your water.

How can I protect myself and my family from lead in drinking water?

Drinking water generally carries lead from plumbing that has been connected with lead solder (outlawed in 1986) or from outdated water distribution lines. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water. Some sources suggest running your tap water for a couple of minutes before filling a glass to flush any accumulated lead from the water line (lead dissolves into standing water over time). However, this is not a foolproof solution, as there is no way of knowing whether all of the lead has been removed and since lead can still dissolve into running water. Never use hot tap water to prepare drinks or meals as hot water attracts more lead than cold water does. If you need hot water, heat cold tap water on the stove or in a microwave. In their informational brochure, ‘Living Lead Free,’ the American Water Works Association recommends having your water tested for lead to find out whether you should take action. Your local Kinetico water expert can have your water analyzed by a laboratory and help you decipher the results. Use a carbon drinking water filter or reverse osmosis system that has been certified to protect your drinking water from lead. Check that the manufacturer’s claims have been verified by the Water Quality Association or NSF International; not all systems are certified for lead reduction.

Water & Health

Doesn’t my municipality already treat and test my water?

If your water comes from a public or municipal water system, it is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by federal standards, such as microbial pathogens, radioactive elements and organic and inorganic toxic chemicals. However, it is important to note that these tests are conducted at the source. Therefore, the quality of water that utilities create is not necessarily a measure of the quality that reaches your home. Over time pipes age and erode, and often water treatment or distribution systems are breached by unforeseen occurrences that result in boil water alerts. Most municipalities address the issue of delivery to the home by treating water with chlorine to kill bacteria. However, their goal is to meet minimum federal requirements. Chlorine is commonly used to kill organic material in water thereby protecting the public from diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. It is also great for neutralizing color and odor. Unfortunately, it has come to light that the byproducts of chlorine can cause serious health problems. These by-products have made headlines across Canada and research to establish your own comfort level with each is important. Taking charge of your own water with a Kinetico municipal water solution eliminates your risk of dependence on third party providers and allows you to specifically remove the health risks that concern you.

Isn’t bottled water better for you than tap water?

While bottled water is generally of good quality, Federal standards for bottled water are no stricter than standards for tap water. That means that federal regulations only require bottlers to test for a handful of the hundreds of known chemical contaminants. But there are other issues to consider such as cost, convenience, and usability. It is a lot less expensive to own your own Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station when you consider the time and costs associated with bottled water. Also, your Kinetico drinking water system will allow you to use the water for many purposes including cooking without rationing. Treating your own water at home will eliminate the need for storing bulky plastic bottles and supply you with unlimited water, right on tap, at prices per liter that are considerably less than buying bottled water. Another issue is that the use of bottled water is environmentally questionable when one considers the unnecessary costs of plastic generation, product transportation, and empty bottle waste/recycling.

How much water should I drink in a day?

One can go weeks without food but only days without water. Water affects the functioning of our organs and our ability to fight disease. It helps us to maintain a healthy weight and cope emotionally. The positive effects of drinking plenty of quality water can be seen in all aspects of our health and appearance. In a typical day, you lose 2 to 3 liters of water. If you don’t replace it, your body will naturally pull the water away from your skin, nails, and hair – the fundamentals of good looks – to the critical systems that need it for basic good health. Drinks with caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks have a limited water replacement value as they are diuretics and therefore promote water loss. Fruit, vegetables, and juices all contribute well to water replacement; however, they also contain calories that, for a growing segment of the population, are a problem. Water, on the other hand, is totally calorie free. This is why it is recommended that we drink 8 ten ounce glasses of water each day. It is the most sensible way to meet our fundamental water needs.

Don’t water filters remove important minerals from my water?

Studies have found that minerals in your drinking water make essentially no contribution to your health and may even be present in forms your body can’t absorb. Minerals in an inorganic state flow through our systems versus minerals in an organic state that are readily absorbed by our bodies. You are much better off maintaining a balanced diet that provides you with an adequate supply of important vitamins and minerals.

However, for those who do want to add healthy mineral into their drinking water, or if you’d just prefer the flavor of water with a bit of mineralization, we offer the Mineral Plus Flexfiltration cartridge which can be included in the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station.

What are the effects of the chlorine in our drinking water?

Canada has been chlorinating its water supplies for over one hundred years. It is through this treatment method that we have been able to virtually wipe out water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. It is what lies beneath the surface of the population’s concerns over chlorine’s effect on the taste and odour of their water that has sparked heated debate. Debate has centered on the safety of chlorine with respect to its potential as a carcinogen. When chlorine breaks down organic material, it creates byproducts that can damage the heart, kidneys, nervous system and lungs. These byproducts also increase the incidents of certain types of cancer. Many articles have been written about THM’s ( trihalomethanes) and their impact on our health. This is well worth your investigation. Data showing these results prompted the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States to respond with limits to the amount of chlorine byproducts permissible in drinking water. Eliminating the byproducts of chlorine should be a primary objective in any personal water treatment plan.

How can I protect myself and my family from lead in drinking water?

Drinking water generally carries lead from plumbing that has been connected with lead solder (outlawed in 1986) or from outdated water distribution lines. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water. Some sources suggest running your tap water for a couple of minutes before filling a glass to flush any accumulated lead from the water line (lead dissolves into standing water over time). However, this is not a foolproof solution, as there is no way of knowing whether all of the lead has been removed and since lead can still dissolve into running water. Never use hot tap water to prepare drinks or meals as hot water attracts more lead than cold water does. If you need hot water, heat cold tap water on the stove or in a microwave. In their informational brochure, ‘Living Lead Free,’ the American Water Works Association recommends having your water tested for lead to find out whether you should take action. Your local Kinetico water expert can have your water analyzed by a laboratory and help you decipher the results. Use a carbon drinking water filter or reverse osmosis system that has been certified to protect your drinking water from lead. Check that the manufacturer’s claims have been verified by the Water Quality Association or NSF International; not all systems are certified for lead reduction.

Don’t water filters remove fluoride from my water?

Fluoridated water has been a hot topic of concern in recent years, as scientists and health officials challenge its safety and effectiveness. The issue has always been around effectiveness and the proper control or management. Too much fluoride can be more damaging than having none. Once added to our water supply, fluoride can be tricky to remove. Many common jug and faucet filters are effective at removing large impurities from water, but leave elements like fluoride behind. Various filtration systems claim to eliminate the fluoride in your water, but consumers should be wary. It is advisable to check that you are using a filtration system that has been certified by the Water Quality Association of NSF international as one capable of removing fluoride additives. The use of a reverse osmosis filtration system is recommended as the most efficient and effective method for eliminating fluoride from your water.

Water Economics

How expensive are water treatment systems?

A whole home water treatment system will pay for itself in many ways. Treated water helps your water heater run more efficiently, reducing energy bills. Treated water is easier on your pipes, plumbing fixtures and your water-related appliances resulting in fewer repairs and related costs. Additionally, treated water requires less detergent to wash clothes and dishes. It also saves on the amount of shampoo and conditioners you use. Also, a drinking water system is much more economical than purchasing bottled water for your home.

Is filtered water less expensive than bottled?

What about those bottles of water that so many people have become attached to? First, they’re expensive — sometimes costing more than $1.00 per liter, which translates into 800 to 4800 times the cost of tap water. Second, they’re cumbersome to tote, and you have to go to the store to purchase them. Third, all of those plastic containers must be recycled, or they’ll crowd landfills. And finally, depending on the source of the bottled water, it may be nothing more than filtered municipal water. In fact, contrary to the popular image of remote Alpine meadows and unspoiled streams, bottled-water sources are often near metropolitan areas. Also of interest is the fact that Federal standards for bottled water are no stricter than standards for tap water. That means that federal regulations only require bottlers to test for a handful of the hundreds of known chemical contaminants. In-home drinking water systems, which have also boomed in popularity in recent years, deliver the same benefits and more, without the inconvenience. And best of all, they’re actually less expensive than bottled water with a Kinetico VX Plus Deluxe delivering better than bottled water for as little as 7 cents a liter.

I have heard that treated water can actually improve the performance of my water-related appliances. Is this true?

Did you know that your hot water tank is the second largest energy user in your home? That’s right! Only your heating and air-conditioning system uses more. Hard water scale can coat the inside of a water heater and drastically reduce its heating efficiency. Greater fuel consumption and higher utility bills are a result when the appliance has to heat water through a layer of rock. According to a study commissioned by the Water Quality Research Council and conducted at New Mexico State University, water heaters work 22-30 percent less efficiently with hard water, driving up utility bills unnecessarily. With soft water, you’ll not only protect your hot water tank and make it last longer, but you’ll also save money on your energy bill.

How much electricity does it take to operate a Kinetico whole home water treatment system?

Kinetico’s whole home water treatment system provides non-electric operation. There’s nothing to plug in, no buttons to push, timers to set and reset or adjustments to make. There won’t be an increase in your electric bill. And you won’t have any problems with power outages or surges. Best of all, there are no expensive electrical components to repair or replace.

Water In Your Life

What exactly is soft water?

Water very commonly contains hardness elements such as magnesium and calcium, dissolved rock, hence the description of hard water. Soft water is when these minerals are removed through a process known as ion exchange. If you have hard water, you may see staining or scaling build up on your sinks, tubs, showers and clothing; scaling deposits on your glassware; and damage due to scale in your pipes and appliances. You will also notice less lather from your shampoos/soaps and a filmy dryness feeling on your skin. Often, types of skin irritations are tied to hard water. All of these are symptoms of the need for softened water. Hard water can also produce a rock-like scale that builds up in pipes, water heaters, plumbing fixtures, dishwashers and other water-related appliances. This scale will reduce water flow, clog valves and vents and create maintenance problems reducing the life of your appliances.

I live in the city. Isn’t my water already treated by the municipality?

Your city water supplier is not required to provide you with soft water. Many municipalities reduce the amount of hardness to some degree. But according to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85 percent of cities are still supplied with hard water. Your city is required to provide you with water test results that show water hardness; just call the number on your water bill. Many people that use city water choose to soften it to save money on soaps and cleaners, protect their plumbing systems from scale buildup, protect their water-using appliances from hard water scale, provide better water for bathing, healthier skin and hair and eliminate hard water spots, among other things.

How do I Know if my water is hard?

Your local Kinetico water expert can provide a water analysis for hardness, iron, pH and total dissolved solids, typically at no cost to you. Depending on the testing equipment they use, they may be able to perform other tests. They can also direct your water sample to a specialized water testing organization that can provide a more detailed analysis of your water for you. Your local Kinetico water expert will help you interpret the results and determine if any treatment is necessary.

What are the benefits of treated water?

Soap and detergent usage can be dramatically lowered with soft water. Since the water is already soft, cleaning agents have no hard minerals to react with and overcome. This allows cleaning agents to lather more readily and work more effectively. In fact, a large proportion of the ingredients in most soaps and detergents consist of chemical “water softeners” added to prevent the reaction between the detergent and the hard minerals present in most water (the reaction that forms a sticky residue or soap curd). Since, such chemicals are not necessary for cleaning with soft water, less soap is required. Soft water households experience considerable savings on laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, hand soap and many other cleaning products. Given that soft water contains no scale forming minerals, it leaves the inside of plumbing and water-using appliances free of solidified rock. Appliances operate more efficiently and last longer when using soft water. Leading appliance manufacturers, including Maytag, have recognized the problems caused by hard water and recommend the use of home water softeners to help their own products operate more efficiently. In addition, calcium and magnesium, the two minerals that make water hard, might actually have some adverse effects on the foods you eat and the beverages you drink. First, hardness minerals can detract from the taste of the water, as well as any beverage or food made with water, such as coffee, concentrated juice, soup or even gelatin. Other water contaminants can affect foods by imparting bad tastes or unhealthy compounds. Second, some foods, especially fresh vegetables, don’t cook or taste as good when prepared with hard water because the calcium combines with a protein in vegetable skins, making them tough and sometimes shriveled.

What if I move?

If you want to take your Kinetico system with you, you can simply exclude your whole home treatment system from your real estate contract and take it with you. Your lifetime warranty is good all over the world. A Kinetico dealer can help you reinstall your unit and provide you with service in most locations. Whether in Malaysia or Brazil, France or Australia, Kinetico has a water treatment solution for you. Covering more than 80 countries worldwide, Kinetico is there to meet your needs. Our four wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, the U.S., Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom provide full coverage of Canada and Western Europe. Elsewhere, our network of highly qualified, independent business partners is there to determine the best Kinetico solution for your water problem.

Water Problems

Why does my water have funny tastes or odours?

It depends on where your water comes from. In its natural state, water is colourless, tasteless and odourless—and you should expect nothing less for the water in your home. Common chemicals used in water treatment, natural minerals and bacteria, or man-made contamination may be acting behind the scenes to give your water funny tastes or odours, such as a “rotten egg” smell or a musty, earthy or metallic taste. When Kinetico hydrates your life, we thoughtfully and completely remove the sources of these annoyances so your water is clean, fresh and enjoyable.

Why is my water cloudy?

Cloudy water can be caused by a number of natural and man-made factors. Whatever the reason, murky water gets in the way of enjoying the water in your home. After Kinetico hydrates your life, your water is restored to its clean, clear self and once again becomes a welcome friend for drinking and bathing.

Why are there stains in my sink, my bathtub and my toilet?

Stains can be caused by iron, minerals, natural acid in your water or a combination of these. These stains are usually orange, black or bluish green. As anyone who has tried to clean them can tell you, these stains can be difficult to remove and they come back quickly after cleaning.

How can better water make my appliances last longer?

Hard water is brutal on appliances. The minerals in the water build up inside pipes, sapping water pressure, using more energy and making your appliances work harder and wear out faster. Your water heater, for example, is likely the second-biggest energy user in your home. When your life is hydrated by Kinetico, you’ll spend 30% less energy heating your water, and your appliances will last longer too.

Why are there spots on the hard surfaces throughout my home?

You have hard water—that is, your tap water brings dissolved minerals along with it. These minerals are left behind as the water that carries them is dried or evaporates. These spots can show up on hard surfaces throughout your home like your countertops, stainless steel appliances, glassware and even your car if you’re washing it with untreated, hard water. When your life is hydrated by Kinetico, your water is freed of these minerals—so spots no longer form and your appliances stay attractive, clean and bright.

Why are my clothes, towels and sheets stiff?

You have hard water—that is, your tap water has dissolved minerals in it. Over time, these minerals build up in the fabric, trapping detergent and preventing it from rinsing away. Machine-drying clothing that’s filled with mineral and detergent residue literally bakes them into the fabric, robbing it of colours and brightness. Your clothes may look dull and flat and feel rough to the touch. Hydrating your life with Kinetico means you can look forward to fluffier towels and softer, longer-lasting clothes.

Why do I have dry skin and hair?

There are two common causes for this. The first is hard water—dissolved minerals that are in your tap water. Hard water prevents soaps and shampoos from lathering fully and rinsing away completely, leaving a film on your skin and hair. If you’re connected to a public water supply, the second common cause for dry skin and hair are the chemicals used to keep public water safe. When you experience life hydrated by Kinetico, these problems stop cold, and your hair and skin welcome the change.