You definitely need a water softener, in our opinion. Our 12-year softener that needs no maintenance (a wonderful feature about a water softener) recently became clogged with the calcium, lime, etc., that is in the city water, and we had it repaired which turned out to be an easy fix and very cheap repair. I could tell it stopped working because there was white residue on everything and the teapot had a yucky coating on it each day instead of clear water (we also have a filter - it's a coffeemaker but we drink green tea). I thought to myself, "This is what people are drinking that don't have a water softener??!!! YUCK!!! I found Hanson Soft Water (Menomonee Falls - 262-251-8740) on Angie's List. Very top of the all "A's" list, Super Award Winner, nothing but positive reviews. I was so impressed with Tina on the phone who told me that, unlike other companies, they do not solicit via mailers and sell you something you don't need. Jason came to fix ours and was quick, personable, professional and really knew his stuff. Tina told me they have honest, reliable referrals that they know in the trades and have used for years so, from now on, I will be calling them for tradesmen referrals. Buy a softener from them and tell them Nancy Fritz recommended them. You will be very happy. read more