I have read through several pages of questions and responses and appreciate all of the advice given. I still have two questions: I was looking at the "Whole House WH-99" system from Lapure ([url=http://www.conditionedwater.com]Conditioned Water[/url]), but if I understand correctly it encapsulates...not softens...right? Is that bad? I am also looking at a Whirlpool water Softener (WHES40), but my wife says that she does not like the feel or Taste of soft water (our city water tastes really good but is very hard...lots of calcium). I guess my question is if I filter the water like the fridge does will it still "taste" like soft water? Thanks, Jeff009

I have a somewhat variable iron level in my raw well water, for this reason we have a birm type iron filter in place. Generally speaking this works fine however, there is often a trace of iron turbidity, a slight iron smell & taste. None of this is too bad, but I would like to clear up the last little bit. To this end I called in the local techs to give my system a look. Their position is that my well pump, at 20+ years old, has a reduced flow which disallows the venturi air injector to inject air and this reduces the precipitation rate of iron within the filter and this is why our water has this slight iron within in it. They propose one of two solutions: replace the well pump or install an air pump onto the injector. They inicate they can replace the pump for approximately $500 or install an air pump for approximately $600. I would be inclined to simply 'polish' the drinking water in the kitchen/refrigerator with a carbon filter for about $50 and be done. BUT, the mechanically inclined yankee in me keeps telling me that I could surely install a very cheap air pump myself. Anyone have any thoughts on the topic?