Why You Should Add a Carbon Filter to Your Water Softener (And Why Northland Water is the Best Choice)

Hard water is a common issue for many households, especially in regions with naturally high mineral content. Water softeners are a popular and effective solution for removing hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, preventing scale buildup, improving soap performance, and protecting plumbing. But while softeners solve one major problem, they don’t address everything lurking in your water.

Chlorine, odors, organic chemicals, and volatile compounds can still make their way through your plumbing—even with a softener installed. That’s where a carbon filter becomes a powerful addition. When paired with a water softener, a carbon filter delivers cleaner, fresher, safer water throughout your home.

Let’s break down why this combination works so well—and why Northland Water is the trusted choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their water quality.

How Water Softeners Work (and What They Don’t Do)

Water softeners use an ion exchange process to replace hardness minerals with sodium or potassium ions. This process prevents scale buildup and improves water’s ability to lather with soap. However, water softeners do not remove:

• Chlorine and chloramine used in municipal water treatment

• Sediment and particulate matter

• Organic compounds that cause taste and odor issues

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and some pesticides

  
  

Because of these limitations, softened water may still have an unpleasant taste, smell, or contain harmful chemicals. This is where a carbon filter becomes valuable.

What a Carbon Filter Adds to Your System

Activated carbon is incredibly porous, giving it a large surface area to trap contaminants through adsorption. When installed before your softener, a carbon filter can remove:

• Chlorine and chloramine

• Organic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides

• VOCs

• Some heavy metals

• Sediment and particulates (with the right media blend)

The result is water that’s not only soft but also clean, fresh, and far more enjoyable to use.

Key Benefits of Adding a Carbon Filter to Your Water Softener

1. Improved Taste and Odor

Chlorine is great for disinfecting municipal water—but not so great for drinking. A carbon filter removes chlorine and chloramine, giving you water that tastes crisp and smells clean. Coffee, tea, and cooking all benefit from this improvement.

2. Reduced Chemical Exposure

Activated carbon captures many organic contaminants that softeners can’t touch. This adds an extra layer of protection for your family, especially if your water source contains agricultural runoff or industrial byproducts.

3. Longer-Lasting Plumbing and Appliances

Chlorine can corrode pipes and wear down appliances over time. Filtering it out helps extend the life of your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and fixtures.

4. Healthier Skin and Hair

Softened water already helps reduce dryness caused by mineral buildup. Removing chlorine takes it a step further, reducing irritation and improving comfort—especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema.

5. Easy Integration and Low Maintenance

For an experienced contractor, carbon filters are simple to add to an existing softener system. They require minimal maintenance, and only periodic media replacement.

Real-World Improvements Homeowners Notice

• A family dealing with strong chlorine taste saw immediate improvement after adding a carbon filter—better drinking water and better-tasting meals.

• Homeowners with aging plumbing reduced corrosion and avoided costly repairs.

• People with sensitive skin experienced less dryness and irritation after switching to softened and carbon-filtered water.

  
  

Choosing the Right Carbon Filter

Northland Water can help you to select a carbon filter to pair with your softener, and will consider a variety of factors, including:

• Filter type: Carbon block filters offer tighter filtration than granular carbon.

• Flow rate: Make sure the filter can keep up with your household’s water demand.

• Certifications: Look for NSF certifications for chlorine and VOC reduction.

• Maintenance schedule: Understand how often the media needs replacement.

  
  

Why Homeowners Choose Northland Water

Upgrading your water system is an investment—and choosing the right partner matters just as much as choosing the right equipment. Northland Water stands out because they combine high‑quality products with unmatched local expertise and customer care.

Local Water Expertise

Minnesota has unique water challenges: high hardness, seasonal changes, chlorine-heavy municipal supplies, and varying iron levels. Northland Water understands these conditions and recommends solutions tailored to your exact water profile.

Professional Installation and Service

A system is only as good as its installation. Northland Water provides:

• Expert system sizing

• Clean, professional installation

• Reliable maintenance and support

• Fast service when you need it

This ensures your softener and carbon filter work together seamlessly.

Premium, Long-Lasting Equipment

Northland Water partners with trusted manufacturers known for durability and performance. Their systems are built to handle the region’s toughest water conditions.

Customer-First Approach

Homeowners appreciate their:

• Honest recommendations

• Clear explanations

• No-pressure consultations

• Transparent pricing

• You’re not just buying equipment—you’re gaining a long-term partner in water quality.

Complete Water Treatment Solutions

From softeners and carbon filters to iron filters and reverse osmosis systems, Northland Water offers everything you need under one roof.

Final Thoughts

Adding a carbon filter to your water softener is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s water quality. You’ll enjoy better taste, fewer chemicals, healthier skin and hair, and longer-lasting plumbing and appliances.

And when you’re ready to upgrade, Northland Water provides the expertise, service, and high-quality equipment to ensure you get the best results possible.