All water distributed by New Kent Public Utilities is naturally soft, therefore, the installation of a water softening systems should not be necessary and is not recommended. Other types of water treatment systems may remove trace minerals and contaminants, or alter the taste or odor of the water. Treatment systems may be applied to the entire residence (to prevent mineral staining), or to the point of use (to improve taste & remove contaminants from drinking water). Please note these treatments systems often remove disinfectant as well, leaving the customer's water and plumbing vulnerable to bacterial growth. Public Utilities strongly recommends customers base their decision to purchase an individual water treatment system on water quality results provided by an independent, qualifed and certified laboratory, and not not necessarily on sample results provided by the treatment system vendor.