If I have a water softener, do I also need a water filtration system?

Not necessarily. A water softener is designed primarily to remove hardness minerals through ion exchange. Depending on the equipment and water conditions, it may also address limited amounts of clear-water iron.

Filtration systems target different problems, such as sediment, chlorine, sulfur odors, nitrates, arsenic, PFAS, or bacteria. Testing is the only reliable way to determine whether your home needs a softener, a filter, or a system that combines multiple treatment stages.