At Orca Blue Water, every installation is about more than pipes, filters, and equipment. It is about the families who invite us into their homes, the concerns they have about their water, and the trust they place in us to provide an honest solution.
Some installations stay with you forever. This was one of them.
We had the privilege of installing a whole home water filtration system and reverse osmosis system for the Franklin family in North Carolina. Their home carried a powerful reminder of their daughter, Noelle Franklin
a bright, loving, and unforgettable little girl whose memory continues to inspire the people around her.
Noelle was known by her family and friends as a kind, joyful, and spirited six-year-old. Though she lost her life after a battle with stage 4 cancer, the love surrounding her family and the Noelle Strong Foundation
continues to honor the impact she made in such a short time.
We are grateful to the Franklin family for sharing their experience with Orca Blue Water. This is their story, their five-star review, and a reminder of why serving local families means so much to us.
Why the Franklin Family Chose Water Treatment
Like many homeowners throughout Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wilmington, and Eastern North Carolina, the Franklin family had been researching their home’s water quality in Clayton, NC. They were concerned about chemicals and other substances that can be present in drinking water, particularly the ongoing concerns many North Carolina residents have raised about PFAS.
Rather than making a decision based on assumptions, the family chose to invest in a customized water treatment setup that addressed two important areas:
- Reverse osmosis for drinking and cooking water
- Whole home filtration for water used throughout the house
These systems have different jobs, which is why they can work well together when a home’s water test and household goals support that combination.
What Reverse Osmosis Does for Drinking Water
A reverse osmosis system
is installed at a point of use usually beneath the kitchen sink to provide treated water for drinking, cooking, coffee, ice, and other daily needs. It uses multiple filtration stages and a specialized membrane to reduce a wide range of dissolved substances.
For homeowners concerned about man-made chemicals, including PFAS, reverse osmosis is often one of the most effective residential treatment options available. However, the exact performance depends on the system, water chemistry, installation, and ongoing maintenance. That is why Orca Blue Water believes testing and proper system selection should always come before broad promises or one-size-fits-all recommendations.
The Franklin family selected reverse osmosis because they wanted greater confidence in the water their family used for drinking and cooking. Their Maytag reverse osmosis system is backed by a lifetime warranty guarantee, including its parts, pieces, and internal chemistry. Orca Blue also provides annual service to replace filters and keep the system working as intended.
How Whole Home Filtration Protects the Rest of the House
While reverse osmosis focuses on drinking water at one location, a whole home filtration system
treats water before it travels through the home’s plumbing. That means treated water can reach showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and other fixtures and appliances.
For North Carolina homeowners, whole home treatment can be especially valuable when water contains hardness minerals, chlorine, sediment, iron, or other concerns identified during testing. Hard water minerals can create scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, forcing equipment such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines to work harder over time.
A properly selected system may help homeowners reduce mineral buildup, improve the feel of their water, and protect the appliances they depend on every day. Many customers also tell us they notice cleaner-smelling water, less residue on fixtures, and skin and hair that feel less dry after installing water treatment equipment designed for their specific water conditions.
A Smooth, Professional Installation Experience
For the Franklin family, the installation process was simple and efficient. Their system was installed in approximately three hours, and they described their experience as smooth and five-star.
At Orca Blue Water, every installation follows a careful process. We start by reviewing the home’s water test and plumbing layout. Then, we install the equipment properly, include a bypass valve for future service, flush the new system, check every fitting, and verify everything is operating correctly before we leave.
We also obtain the appropriate permit before modifying a home’s main water line. This is an important part of doing the job correctly and protecting the homeowner. Water treatment should never be installed carelessly or without attention to local plumbing requirements.
Why Customized Water Treatment Matters
There is no universal “best” filtration system for every home. City water and well water can have very different characteristics. Even two homes in the same neighborhood may have different needs based on plumbing, water use, hardness, chlorine levels, iron, pH, and the homeowner’s goals.
That is why Orca Blue Water begins with a complimentary in-home water quality test. We test for total dissolved solids, chlorine, pH, and when applicable iron for well water. From there, we explain the results in plain language and recommend options based on what is actually in the water.
Our systems are fully customizable. Whether a homeowner needs a whole home filtration system, water softening, reverse osmosis, well water treatment, or a combination of solutions, we build a plan around the home not around a sales script.
Honoring the Noelle Strong Legacy
We are honored to have met the Franklin family and to have been welcomed into their home. Their story is a reminder that every customer has a life, a family, and a reason for wanting the best possible environment at home.
We encourage anyone who feels called to learn more about Noelle’s memory to support the Noelle Strong Foundation on Facebook. Her family’s love for her is deeply felt, and her legacy continues through the people and community who remember her.
FAQ
Do I need both a whole home filter and reverse osmosis?
Not always. A water test helps determine whether your home would benefit from whole home treatment, reverse osmosis, or both systems together.
Can reverse osmosis help with PFAS concerns?
Reverse osmosis can reduce many dissolved contaminants, including certain PFAS compounds, when correctly selected, installed, and maintained. Testing is the best first step for understanding your water.
What does a whole home filtration system treat?
Depending on the configuration, it may address chlorine, sediment, hardness minerals, iron, and other water-quality concerns identified in testing.
How long does a water treatment installation take?
Most installations can be completed in a few hours, although timing depends on the equipment selected and the home’s plumbing setup.
How can I schedule a free water test?
Orca Blue Water offers complimentary water quality testing for homeowners throughout Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wilmington, and Eastern North Carolina. Schedule a test to learn what is in your water and explore an affordable, customized solution for your home.