For many Yakima homeowners, the answer is a reverse osmosis system. Here’s why it’s one of the most effective and practical solutions available.

What Reverse Osmosis Actually Does

Reverse osmosis (RO) works by pushing water through an extremely fine semi-permeable membrane. These membranes have pores small enough to block contaminants at the molecular level. The result is water that has been stripped of the vast majority of dissolved solids, chemicals, and impurities.

Most under-sink RO systems use a multi-stage filtration process: a sediment pre-filter to catch particles, a carbon filter to remove chlorine and organic compounds, the RO membrane itself, and a final polishing filter before the water reaches your tap. The rejected contaminants are flushed away, and what comes out is clean, clear drinking water.

Why It’s Particularly Valuable in the Yakima Valley

Yakima homeowners face a combination of water quality challenges that RO handles exceptionally well.

Nitrate. As documented by the EPA and Washington State Department of Ecology, elevated nitrate levels in Lower Yakima Valley groundwater are a serious, ongoing concern. Reverse osmosis is one of the few home treatment methods proven to reduce nitrate effectively, essentially removing 85–95% in a properly maintained system. If your household relies on a private well, this alone makes RO worth considering.

PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been detected in wells near the Yakima Training Center. High-quality RO membranes are highly effective at reducing PFAS concentrations, making RO one of the recommended treatment approaches by environmental health agencies.

Hard water minerals. The Yakima Valley is known for hard water which can indicate elevated calcium and magnesium. While a water softener is typically the best solution for whole-home hard water, an RO system at your drinking tap will remove residual hardness, giving you noticeably better-tasting water for drinking and cooking.

Chlorine and disinfection byproducts. City of Yakima water is treated with chlorine, which can affect taste and smell and leave behind chemical byproducts. The carbon filtration stages in an RO system remove chlorine and these compounds before they reach your glass.

Arsenic. Third-party testing of Yakima’s municipal water has flagged arsenic levels that exceed certain health guidelines. RO is one of the most effective technologies for reducing arsenic in drinking water.

What to Expect From a Home RO System

A standard under-sink RO system provides clean water at a dedicated tap. Typically installed next to your main kitchen faucet. A small storage tank holds filtered water so it’s ready on demand. Whole-home RO systems exist but are less common for residential use; most homeowners opt for point-of-use systems at the kitchen sink.

Maintenance is straightforward: pre-filters typically need replacing every 6–12 months, and the RO membrane itself lasts 2–5 years depending on your water quality and usage. A local water treatment professional can set you up with a maintenance schedule that keeps your system performing at its best.

The ongoing cost is minimal compared to buying bottled water, and far better for the environment.

The Right System for Your Water

No two Yakima homes have identical water. A household on city water in Selah has different needs than a family on a private well near Granger. That’s why it matters to work with someone who knows Central Washington’s water chemistry, not a big-box store selling one-size-fits-all solutions.

At Independent Water Yakima, we test your water first, then recommend a system matched to what’s actually in it. We install, service, and maintain RO systems across Yakima and Kittitas Counties and we back our work with the same local expertise we’ve built since 1986.

Ready to find out what’s in your water? Contact us for a free water analysis and we’ll walk you through your options.

1. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Hard water is one of the most widespread issues in Yakima Valley. The region naturally contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to:

• White chalky deposits on faucets and fixtures
• Soap that doesn’t lather well
• Dry skin and hair
• Mineral buildup inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers
• Reduced water pressure over time

A professional water specialist can test your water hardness and recommend a tailored softening system that removes these minerals before they cause damage. Independent Water Yakima installs and services high-efficiency water softeners built specifically for Central Washington’s water profiles.

2. Sediment and Sand in Water

Residents who rely on wells or live in rural parts of Yakima County often experience sediment in their water supply. This may include:

• Sand
• Silt
• Rust flakes from older plumbing
• Organic particles

Sediment can clog fixtures, damage appliances, and make water appear cloudy or dirty. A professional filtration company can install whole-home sediment filters, spin-down filters, or multi-stage systems to keep particulate matter out of your water, and out of your pipes.

3. Iron and Manganese Staining

If you’ve noticed orange, brown, or black stains in sinks, toilets, or laundry, iron or manganese may be the culprit. These minerals occur naturally in Central Washington groundwater and may also come from aging private wells.

While staining is a cosmetic issue, excess iron and manganese can also affect taste and odor. Professional water technicians use specialized filtration media and oxidation systems to remove these minerals safely and effectively.

4. Chlorine and Chemical Taste/Odor

Municipal water in Yakima is treated with chlorine to keep it safe from bacteria, but that can leave an unpleasant taste or smell. For many homeowners, chlorine also dries out skin and affects the taste of coffee, tea, and cooking water.

A professional can install a carbon filtration system that removes chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chemical byproducts, leaving clean, fresh-tasting water from every tap.

5. Bacteria or Contaminants in Well Water

Many Yakima and Central Washington residents rely on private wells, which means they are responsible for testing and maintaining water quality themselves. Common concerns include:

• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrates from agricultural runoff
• Sulfur odor (“rotten egg smell”)
• High turbidity

Certified water professionals can conduct comprehensive water testing and provide treatment solutions such as UV purification, reverse osmosis, and chemical-free disinfection systems designed for rural properties.

Why Professional Water Filtration Matters in Yakima

Water quality issues vary from home to home, especially in a region with such diverse water sources. That’s why working with an experienced local provider makes all the difference. Independent Water Yakima brings:

• Accurate water testing based on Central Washington water conditions
• Custom solutions rather than one-size-fits-all systems
• Ongoing maintenance and service so your system performs long-term
• Access to high-quality equipment not found in big-box stores
• Local expertise, ensuring your system matches Yakima’s unique water chemistry

Professional installation helps ensure your system is sized correctly, operates efficiently, and provides reliable clean water throughout your home.

If you’re ready to improve your home’s water quality, schedule a water test or filtration consultation today. A cleaner, safer, better-tasting water supply is just one professional visit away.

It’s too easy to let convenience push sustainability aside. Here’s why we believe the water treatment systems for Central Washington are so important. 

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of bottled water cannot be ignored. The production of plastic bottles is a significant contributor to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Each single-use bottle of water leaves a substantial carbon footprint. Reducing your consumption of single-use plastics is an easy way to conserve resources and minimizes the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans.

Cost Effectiveness

We know it’s easy to add that giant case of bottled water to your grocery cart. It seems like such a good deal right? While bottled water may seem inexpensive on a per-bottle basis, the costs do add up over time. The alternative is an up front investment in a water purification system, (countertop filter, under-sink system, or whole-house filtration) that will pay off in the long run. No more monthly expenses of bottle purchases and you’ll reduce the hassle and expenses of disposal and recycling. 

Health Benefits

Bottled water comes from a variety of unknown locations. The marketing ploys of these bottled water companies are amazing! In contrast, if you have  a water treatment system (reverse osmosis, carbon filters, etc.)  in your house you can be assured that you know exactly the content in your water that you’re consuming every day. A wide range of contaminants can be removed and your family can have access to clean drinking water with the turn of the tap.  

Convenience

No more hauling heavy cases of bottled water in from the garage or worrying about running out of water at inconvenient times. With a purification system installed, you have continuous access to clean water whenever you need it. Drinking water, cooking, and even making coffee is so easy and safe. 

Quality Assurance

With a reputable water purification system, you can rest easy knowing that your water meets or exceeds regulatory standards for safety and quality. Our systems come with rigorous testing to ensure effective removal of contaminants while preserving essential minerals.

Get Started Today

It’s a no brainer! By opting for a water purification system instead of bottled water, you’re actively supporting sustainable practices, making your family healthier and sleeping better at night knowing your drinking water is safe. 

Whether you choose a point-of-use filter or a comprehensive whole-house system, the benefits are clear. Give us a call and request your FREE water consultation from our water experts. We’ll help you take the leap towards sustainability and healthier living.

Although you may be using more water, reducing your water bill this summer is possible. There are some simple changes that you can implement to save water and money on your water bill during the hottest months of the year. We’re going to give you some tips on changes you can make indoors and outdoors to save on water during the summer.

Ways to Save Water Indoors

To make up for the extra water use outdoors, you can change your indoor water usage. Here are some ways to reduce your indoor water usage in the summer.

• Only wash full loads of laundry, as needed – Not only will your washing machine run more efficiently when you run full loads, but you will also be using your water more efficiently.
• Fix leaky faucets – Leaky faucets can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year! So while a few drips don’t seem like a lot, they can add up.
• Water your plants with dehumidifier water – Let your dehumidifier pull double duty. First, it draws water out of the air to make you more comfortable, but you can then use the water it removes from the air to water your plants. Dehumidifier water can even be better than tap water for your plants because it doesn’t contain fluoride or chlorine as tap water does.
• Showers instead of baths – You use less water in a shower than you would in a bath. Also, if you make it a short shower, you’re saving even more.
• Get a low-flow showerhead – A low-flow showerhead uses less water while giving you the feeling of normal pressure.
• Invest in a water softener – Soap doesn’t work well with hard water. That means longer wash and rinse cycles to get the same clean you would get with soft water.
• Keep cold water in pitchers in the refrigerator – Having cold water ready to go will keep you from leaving the water running to get a cold refreshing drink.

Ways to Save Water Outdoors

A large part of the increase in water use during the summer is outdoor water use. Take a look at these tips on ways to reduce outdoor water usage.

• Know when to water your lawn – When you water your lawn during the day, the heat will evaporate the water. By watering your lawn in the morning, you give the water a chance to soak into the ground. You should also only water your lawn enough to keep it healthy when you’ve had little rain.
• Change the way you wash your car – Instead of using a hose to wash your car, use a bucket. Leaving a hose running the whole time will use a significant amount of water. Take your vehicle to a commercial car wash to save even more water. Many commercial car washes recycle rinse water and use water-conserving equipment.
• Cover your pool – You can lose a few inches of water each week if you leave your pool uncovered. Covering your pool stops evaporation, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Leave your grass longer – The shorter you mow your grass, the more the soil can dry out and burn your grass. You create shade and cut down on evaporation by leaving your grass longer.
• Change up your landscaping – You can make a couple of changes to your landscaping to help save water. First, choose plants that don’t need a lot of water, and that can flourish during droughts. Or, stop using grass and plants altogether. Terraces and rock gardens are easy to maintain, don’t use water, and can make a beautiful addition to your property.

Trust Your Water To the Experts at Independent Water Service, Inc.

Your water bill doesn’t have to break the bank in the summer. With a few simple changes, you can cut out water waste and lower your bill.

Independent Water Service, Inc. has been serving Central Washington since 1986. We offer a variety of services such as drinking water solutions, water softeners, and solar-powered water heaters, to name a few. In addition, our experts can analyze your water and recommend the best system for your home or commercial space.

For a FREE water analysis, contact us today!

A water utility bill is likely to see this happen, but don’t worry, there are reasons for the increases and solutions to help lower your bill, and you don’t need to be a detective to figure them out. Read on to find out the most common reasons why your water bill keeps increasing and how you can get the cost down and keep it down every month.

Common Reasons Your Bill Increased

1. Running/Leaky Toilet

Toilets account for 31% of a home’s water usage on an average day. A leaky toilet can really do a number on your water bill. The rubber flapper inside the toilet tank can wear out over time which causes water to leak constantly into the toilet bowl. A leaky flapper can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Over the course of the month, the cost of all that leaked water can add up to a pretty large amount, accounting for your bill increase. 

How to Fix

The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve. If the flapper at the bottom of the toilet tank doesn’t seal tightly, water will leak into the toilet bowl. Replace the faulty parts or call a plumber for help.

2. Faucets That Drip

A dripping faucet can also account for a higher bill, as it can leak up to 20 gallons a day and up to 1,000 gallons a year if you have a number of leaky faucets. 

How to Fix

Check for leaks and that all your faucets are closed tight. A steady drip could mean the washer is worn and needs to be replaced. A step more is replacing your faucets if they are old and don’t work well anymore.

3. Water Line Leaks

Broken, leaky water pipes can result in the most serious and expensive leaks. The causes of cracks and breaks in water lines can range from old age to tree roots and burrowing animals. All which can do a good amount of damage to your water line. 

How to Fix

Shut off all the water to your home and if your meter continues to run, chances are you have a water line or irrigation line leak. You will need to contact your city’s water utility department to figure out your next steps.

4. Faulty Water Softener

Your water softener’s backwash cycle is pre-set to regenerate regularly, so if the system gets stuck it will cycle continuously and waste water while doing so. The softener tank may even overfill and fail to empty.

How to Fix

If the softener tank is overfilling, the float valve may not be working properly. If water isn’t going into the tank, the float switch could be stuck. Otherwise, the motor may be faulty. Try to identify the issue before you call in an expert to fix it.

5. Changes in Water Usage

Since you use water at your own leisure, noticing when you are taking more of it than usual can be hard. And because you control this reason for increase, it can go unnoticed until you get the bill.

Everyday events can affect your water usage, like getting a new roommate or having family stay over, refilling your swimming pool, watering newly planted shrubs and trees or grass, and even installing a new appliance can all have a noticeable difference on your water bill.

How to Fix

The best way to fix this is to just be aware of any changes in your lifestyle and activities that could have an impact on water use.

6. Water Rate Increase

Keep an eye on any information you may get from your city’s utility services as they will normally notify you of an increase before it happens. Unfortunately, water rates do increase from time to time. 

How to Fix

Water is a valuable resource and it is not infinite, so while there is nothing you can particularly do to fix this issue, keeping abreast of new information about your city’s water utility is a great way to stay informed about your water bill. 

A Water Service That Won’t Break the Bank

 Independent Water Service has proudly been serving Yakima and Kittitas counties since 1986. We offer a free water analysis test to help you discover what types of services would benefit you and your family. We provide easy to install and maintain systems that save you time and money in the short and long term with many benefits to you and your home’s value. 

For a free quote, give us a call today with any questions. Independent Water Service’s expert technicians are here to provide you with the best service. 

Here’s what you can do to combat low water pressure and some advice on how to fix the problem, so you can get back to washing, cleaning, cooking, bathing and all the other wonderful activities good water pressure affords us.

Top Causes for Low Water Pressure

1. Clogged/Blocked Fixtures and Faucets

One of the main causes of low water pressure is from faucets or fixtures that are clogged by rust, limestone or other minerals. These clogs make it so water flow is impeded and ultimately stripped of its initial pressure. It can also reduce the quality of the water you are getting from your tap as well. Clogged aerators or screens on faucets are also a surefire way to lower your effective water pressure

How to Fix: To unclog either faucets or fixtures, you can attempt to remove and clean the affected parts and soak them in de-mineralizing compounds. If you are unable to fix the issue this way, it may be time to consider calling a plumbing professional.

2. Valve Issues

There are two main shut-off valves that control the water flow in your home: one is at your meter and one is in your home. If either one of these valves is partially or fully turned off, it can cause your water pressure to decrease. The reason may be that when the water was turned off last time, it wasn’t turned all the way on again. Valves can be finicky, so double check each to make sure. 

How to Fix: Check the valve at your water meter first and see if it’s all the way ON. Keep in mind that sometimes city workers are the only ones who have full access to your outside meter, but you should still be able to at least see the valve’s position. Call the city if it has been turned partially or fully off. Next, check your home valve and turn on all the way if it is not. Make sure to work the valve back and forth to turn on and it should begin to pressurize again. Never force the valve.

3. Corroded Plumbing

Clogged pipes or fixtures is one thing, but finding out your plumbing is corroded is another thing entirely. While sometimes you can get away with one or two pipes being replaced, with extensive corrosion, you will need to redo your entire home’s plumbing system. Steel pipes have a finite lifespan of between 20-50 years, and brass/copper/iron pipes can be expected to last between 40-80 years. Many homes are older and have been remodeled to be sold, but, a lot of times piping is left as-is since it can be quite pricey to redo the entire home’s plumbing. 

How to Fix: Replace the pipes or the piping system that is corroded. Make sure to use modern materials that are highly durable so you won’t have to worry about this issue again. You may also wish to install a water softener to help sediment from building up as well.

4. Leak in Water Main

If your water bill is going up, but you aren’t using any more water than normal, you could be experiencing a leaky water main. 

How to FIx: Call your city’s water department and have them come and check out the line ASAP. 

5. Leak in House Plumbing

A big thing to look out for if you have low pressure and some of the easier fixes aren’t at fault, the cause could be leaky plumbing in your house. This is very important to rule out early on, so make sure you are keeping an eye out for swollen wood, musty smell, or drips in your home.

To Fix: Turn your water off and call a plumber ASAP.

Hard Water Clogging Up Your Pipes?

Independent Water Service can recommend and install the right water filtration system for your specific needs. We offer free water analysis and help you choose which system works for you. Our free water analysis checks for softness, impurities and other factors that may affect your household or business’ water. We offer systems for both residential and commercial spaces.
We proudly serve Yakima and Kittitas Counties and have been your local trusted water service since 1986. Call to schedule your free water analysis today!

Water refining (also called water conditioning) is one way we can treat water at home or in the office to ensure that everyone has clean, clear, fresh water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Understanding the reasons to condition water and how these systems work is integral to getting the most out of the process and it can end up saving you time, hassle and money. Here are some of the most important questions that can help you understand and whether a water refiner/conditioner system is the best choice for your needs.

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that has a high level of calcium and magnesium in it. All water starts out soft, but as it filters through the ground, it picks up high levels of these minerals. When hard water comes into your home, the minerals contained in it can cause irritating issues like discoloration on clothing and itchy, dry, uncomfortable skin. These minerals leave deposits that form when hard water is heated, which a US Geological study has found can reduce the life of appliances, raise hot water costs, clog pipes and more.

What is soft water?

Soft water is water that has low levels of calcium carbonate and other ions in it. To be classified as soft, water needs less than 85.5 parts per million of calcium carbonate. As a basis to start with, rain water starts out soft, but as it hits the ground and picks up other minerals, it becomes “hard water”. 

What does a water refiner do?

A water refiner not only takes out hard water minerals, but it removes contaminants like chlorine as well as removes any bad taste and foul odors from the water. A water refiner can also filter out some more common particulates found in water like pesticides, hormones, arsenic, iron and lead. Did you know your water can contain these foreign bodies?

What is the difference between water softeners and water conditioners?

It’s important to understand the difference between water softeners and water conditioners so you can get the proper water treatment solution in your home or business. Let’s go over what each can and can’t do for you.

A water softener can:

• Remove calcium and magnesium from your water
• Reduce scale build-up
• Reduce soap and detergent use
• Reduce dry skin issues caused by hard water

A water softener can’t:

• Take out harmful chemicals like pesticides and chlorine
• Remove bacteria and viruses from water
• Make tap water healthier to drink

A water refiner/conditioner can:

• Reduce scale build up
• Remove additional chemicals from water
• Remove chemical smell from water
• Saves money by using less water than a water softener 
• Change the chemistry of the particles in hard water

A water refiner/conditioner can’t:

• Remove hardness particles from water
• Lower TDS (total dissolved solids) in water
• Stop scale build-up off of appliances, dishes ,showers, etc.

Which one do I choose?

Now that you have a better understanding of what each of these water filtration systems does, you can better decide if a softener or a refiner is the best choice for you. Water refiners/conditioners filter water and remove chemicals and impurities, but keep the minerals. If you want to reduce water hardness, then water softener is the choice for you.

Keep in mind both these systems have their limitations, so it’s all in what you need the filtration system for. It’s important to note that soft water from an ion exchange water softener contains sodium ions, which adds sodium to the water. Your water won’t taste salty (salt and sodium are different) but if not regulated, it can have high levels of sodium, so always make sure to have a water assessment done if you have high blood pressure. To that same point, water refiners don’t add sodium. 

Whether you refine or soften your water, just make sure to decide which one is best for your home or business before you start shopping.

Need a quality filtration system?

Independent Water Service can recommend and install the right water filtration system for your specific needs. We offer free water analysis and help you choose which system works for you. Our free water analysis checks for softness, impurities and other factors that may affect your household or business’ water. We offer systems for both residential and commercial spaces.

We proudly serve Yakima and Kittitas Counties and have been your local trusted water service since 1986. Call to schedule your free water analysis today!