Custom Water Treatment Systems

Gerry Bulfin of Clean Water Store on the Less Stressed Life Podcast

Gerry Bulfin of Clean Water Store on the Less Stressed Life Podcast

We’re excited to share that our founder, Gerry Bulfin, was recently featured on the Less Stressed Life podcast hosted by Christa Biegler, RD. Episode 448 is a wide-ranging conversation on everything water filtration. It’s one of the most practical, no-nonsense discussions we’ve heard on the topic.

 

Have you ever wondered what’s really in your water, where to start with testing, or how to choose the right system without overspending? This episode is worth a listen before you start on the path to clean water at home.


What Gerry and Christa Cover

The episode cuts through the noise on a topic that can feel overwhelming. Rather than chasing the “best” filter, Gerry walks through how to think about your water based on what’s actually in it. Whether you’re on city water or a private well, find out first what problems you’re realistically trying to solve.

Here are some of the highlights:

There is no one-size-fits-all water filter. The right system depends entirely on your water source, what’s in it, and what you’re trying to fix — aesthetic issues like taste and staining, or health concerns like PFAS, nitrates, and heavy metals.

City water can pick up contaminants after it leaves the plant. Old distribution pipes, lead at the service line, and biofilm in aging infrastructure can all affect what actually comes out of your tap — even if the treatment plant report looks clean.

Hard water causes more damage than most people realize. Scale buildup in pipes and appliances, laundry issues, and effects on hair and skin are all common — and often mistaken for other problems.

Iron and manganese are among the most common well water issues in the US. They affect water quality, appliances, hair color, and more. A dedicated iron filter is usually the right first step — not a water softener.

Activated carbon is excellent for chlorine, but it has limits. For dissolved contaminants like fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, lead, and PFAS, reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive point-of-use options available.

Testing before buying saves money and frustration. Gerry’s straightforward advice: know what’s in your water before choosing a system. A lab test now is far cheaper than fixing the wrong system later.


Listen to the Episode

 

🎧 Search “Everything Water Filtration with Gerry Bulfin” on your favorite podcast platform, or find it at Less Stressed Life Episode 448.


Exclusive Offer for Listeners

As a thank you to Less Stressed Life listeners, we’re offering 15% off water testing or any whole house system at Clean Water Store.

Use code LESSSTRESSED15 at checkout at cleanwaterstore.com and you’ll automatically be entered to win a Portable Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filter with UV Purification — a $230 value.


Not Sure Where to Start?

If the episode got you thinking about your own water, the best first step is always testing. We offer everything from simple at-home kits starting around $50 to full laboratory panels for well water that cover minerals, metals, bacteria, pesticides, and more.

Shop Water Test Kits

Explore Whole House Systems for Well Water

Explore Whole House Systems for City Water

Visit Our Learning Center 

Have questions? Our team — no commissions, no pressure — is here to help you figure out what your water actually needs.

Like, Share, and Join Our Community
Gerry Bulfin

Gerry Bulfin is the founder and owner of Clean Water Systems & Stores, Inc. (Clean Water Store) in Santa Cruz, California, which he started in 1986. He is a WQA Master Water Specialist, WQA Certified Installer, California Grade II Water Treatment Operator, and California Licensed Contractor (C-55 Water Conditioning), CSLB #1003944. Gerry is a long-time member of the Water Quality Association (WQA), the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and shares practical, test-based advice on choosing, installing and maintaining well and city water treatment systems.

Recent Posts

Why Does My City Tap Water Smell Musty or Earthy Right Now?

If your tap water has started smelling or tasting a little "off" this week: earthy,…

3 months ago

Why Does My Well Pressure Drop in Summer? (And What it Costs to Fix)

If your water pressure has been weaker than usual this month, you're not imagining it.…

3 months ago

Is Your City Testing for This?

Is Your City Testing for This? Every year, your water utility sends out a report.…

3 months ago

Acid Neutralizer vs. Soda Ash for Well Water: Which One Do You Need?

Article last updated July 2026 If your well water is acidic, with a pH below…

3 months ago

What Water Treatment System Do I Actually Need? A Buyer’s Guide by Symptom

Most homeowners come to us knowing something is wrong with their water. The smell, the…

3 months ago

Carbon Backwash Filter for City Water: What It Does, What It Doesn’t, and How to Size It

If you are on city water and dealing with chlorine taste and odor, chemical smell…

3 months ago