A water softener is typically installed to remove hard water minerals (magnesium and calcium) and dissolved iron or manganese in the water through a technology called Ion Exchange. To remove particulate iron or manganese, a properly sized sediment filter is required. Hard water can make it very difficult to clean dishes, glassware, showers and bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures. It can also make it difficult to wash your skin and hair as the hardness inhibits soaps and shampoos from fully doing their job. Showering in soft water is a noticeable change in experience if you have hard water. Additionally, hard water can eventually have damaging affects on your plumbing distribution system as well as on water using appliances. Hot water heaters can have their useful lives reduced due to hard water, for example.

High Efficiency Water Softener
BAD TASTES & ODORS, SEDIMENT 
In addition to the above systems, there are many other types of systems to remove bad tastes & odors, sediment and many other objectionable minerals and contaminants in the water. Starting with a water test will dictate the right approach. For more information on common bad odors & tastes in New England water supplies, see the link at https://h2ocare.com/bad-odor-taste/.
In summary, controlling your home’s water quality is attainable through proper water testing and equipment specification with today’s available water filtration technologies at a reasonable price. Proper on-going maintenance is also critical to maintain a consistent level of great water quality.
SOURCES OF NEEDHAM TOWN WATER
Needham draws potable water from two separate sources. The primary source is the Charles River Wellfield, which has been the major source of water since the 1930’s. Water is drawn from the wellfield and treated at the adjacent Charles River Water Treatment Facility. The Town’s secondary source is the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), mostly in the summer when water usage is highest. In addition, Needham has emergency connections to provide and receive water from the towns of Wellesley and Dedham, MA. The Needham Annual Water Quality Report can be seen at the following link Needham H2o Quality Report.