(1) Make sure the company you choose is an experienced and reputable water treatment company.

(2) Make sure you fully understand the maintenance requirements on the equipment you are purchasing. It's best to understand the details of treatment equipment maintenance before you buy. Determine what maintenance will be done by the treatment company and what your responsibility will be.

(3) Once you have made a purchasing decision, get everything in writing including a detailed warranty and maintenance agreement.

(4) Consumers should educate themselves as much as possible about the quality of their current drinking water supply.

(5) Water treatment devices can improve the quality of water by reducing health hazards such as bacteria, chemical pollutants and other toxic substances or help remove nuisance problems such as odors or hardness.

(6) Get references from customers of the company you are considering and follow up by speaking to them about their experience with the company.

(7) Choose a reputable, established company that has been doing business in your area for a few years.

(8) Choose a service company that can maintain and repair the equipment you are purchasing.

(9) Ask the company you are considering if they guarantee their work in writing.

(10) If you are getting more than one bid make sure it is based on the same equipment so you can compare apples to apples.