Getting ready to pull the trigger on an ECM Synchronika that I would like to plumb in to Houston-area tapwater.

I know that I need some combination of water softening and filtration. Clive Coffee advises, "We encourage you to seek local expertise before deciding on a filtration or softening system."

Anyone have a suggestion for "local expertise" in the Houston area? I don't mind paying a extra for someone who knows what they are doing to set up the water line and proper system for my machine.

I'm also in Houston and was considering Pelican since they now have install services available... I don't have a machine plumbed in, but was thinking of an under-sink system... Of course, a whole-house system would be nice too because our water tastes bad!