Water Filtration System or Softener

We have the Pelican whole house water filtration system. We love it. We have had it for a little over a year. It uses a lot less water than a reverse osmosis system and takes out a lot of the bad stuff in the water and leaves some of the good minerals. We love it. We did this for health, so we looked into sink units, but I wanted clean water to bathe in as well and this was easier to install. Another system that is similar is the Aquasana systems.

Does a water softener make the dirt taste go away? I don't think it does. And, some of the water around here really can taste like dirt! So, for that reason, I'd be inclined to go for the filtration system. If taste wasn't an issue, I'd go for the softener. (I'm no expert about any of this, fyi!)

Our refrigerator has a filter system and I use that water for drinking, cooking, etc.

Granted, our tap water does not smell or taste bad, we just prefer the filtered through the fridge option.

Good luck!

You want a water filtration system! If possible you want one with a reverse osmosis process. Unless it just really, really bugs you, you don't need a "whole house" system, just one for your sink drinking/cooking water.
All water softener does is help with hard water, which we don't really have here (FYI - I have read that water softener systems are extremely bad for the environment - not sure, now where I read it, but since then I have really been against them - that and my hair/face/body always feel slimy after washing)
My husband sells water filtration systems, but only for corporations - hence my limited knowledge of the process. I am not clear on who provides residential filtering systems, but they are costly, but worth the investment!!