pixel
PHL The Hathaway Group
Fred DeFelice Water Science in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor’s water quality affects everything from taste to scale and even pinhole leaks. In this episode, Fred DeFelice Water Science founder Fred DeFelice explains why traditional softeners can create new issues, and how whole-home filtration plus no-salt conditioning can protect plumbing and improve daily life.

Fred DeFelice Water Science — the Palm Harbor story

Raised in a family plumbing business and later a custom home builder, Fred moved to Florida and saw firsthand how local water chemistry differs. That experience launched Fred DeFelice Water Science in Palm Harbor, where systems are sized to a home’s flow demand (think simultaneous showers) rather than one-size-fits-all tanks.

Softening vs filtration—what homeowners should know

A conventional softener removes hardness minerals via ion exchange and adds sodium; it doesn’t purify water. Many then add under-sink RO, which can become acidic and needs maintenance. A better approach for many Florida homes is pairing catalytic carbon (great for chloramine taste/odor) with no-salt conditioning that keeps healthy minerals but prevents scale—ideal for tankless heaters and fixtures.

Outbound resources:
• Tampa Bay Water overview of regional supply and treatment: https://www.tampabaywater.org
• Pinellas County Utilities Water Quality (CCR): https://pinellas.gov/utilities/water-quality/
• Water Science (Fred’s company): https://waterscience.us

Whole-home filtration + no-salt conditioning

Water flows first through catalytic carbon to address chloramine and other contaminants, then through a no-salt conditioner that transforms minerals into non-adhering crystals. Benefits include:

  • Better-tasting water throughout the house

  • Less scale on fixtures and inside appliances

  • Gentler showers for skin and hair

  • Help reducing copper pinholes and protecting plumbing

Under-sink options for great-tasting drinking water

Many homeowners add an under-sink system that targets micro-contaminants while preserving an alkaline pH (or boosting it with a cartridge). It’s a simple way to ditch plastic bottles and enjoy cleaner-tasting water at the tap.
Stay connected with us: Join the Newsletter.

Maintenance, warranty, and right-sized design

Systems are professionally installed, warrantied for the long haul, and designed around real-world use. A straightforward media refresh every five years keeps performance on point.

Quick homeowner tips from Fred

  • Flush your water heater annually; sediment often ends up in showerheads and aerators.

  • A “sulfur smell” may be the drain trap, not the water—clean and disinfect it first.

  • If you’ve had slab leaks or copper pinholes, evaluate water chemistry and pipe type.

  • Trade in salt, save space and skip bottled water once your in-home setup is dialed.

Ready to learn more? Explore Water Science at https://waterscience.us and check local water reports via Pinellas County Utilities. Then catch the full conversation on the Palm Harbor Local Podcast.