The History of Culligan

At Culligan, our mission has always been to deliver clean, safe water to homes and businesses around the world. For over eight decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the water treatment industry, setting the standard for innovation, quality, and service.

A Legacy of Innovation: The Beginnings of Culligan

Culligan was founded in 1936 in Northbrook, Illinois, by Emmett Culligan. With a deep understanding of water chemistry and a passion for improving water quality, Emmett created the first water softener designed for residential use. This innovation revolutionized the way people treated hard water in their homes and laid the foundation for Culligan’s future success.

Culligan’s Patents and Innovations

Culligan holds over 200 patents related to water treatment technology, showcasing our dedication to research and development. These patents cover advancements in:

• Water Filtration Systems: Cutting-edge designs for whole-home filtration and point-of-use systems.
• Water Softeners: Highly efficient softening systems that reduce hard water issues while minimizing salt and water usage.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Innovative RO technology for removing impurities and delivering pure, great-tasting water.
• Smart Water Technology: Systems that incorporate IoT (Internet of Things) technology for real-time monitoring and control of water quality.

These patents not only highlight Culligan’s technical expertise but also our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient water solutions to our customers.

What Makes Culligan Different?

1. A Customized Approach to Water Treatment

No two homes or businesses have the same water challenges. That’s why Culligan provides tailored solutions based on your specific needs. From water softeners to advanced filtration systems, we design systems that address the unique qualities of your water.

2. Global Reach with Local Expertise

Culligan operates in over 90 countries, with a network of locally owned dealerships. This combination of global resources and local expertise ensures that customers receive personalized service backed by world-class technology.

3. Award-Winning Products

Culligan’s water treatment systems have received numerous awards for their innovation, efficiency, and design. Our solutions are certified by leading industry organizations like NSF and WQA, ensuring the highest standards of performance and safety.

4. Commitment to Sustainability

Culligan is dedicated to reducing environmental impact. Our water systems are designed to conserve water, energy, and salt. Additionally, our bottleless water coolers and refillable bottles reduce plastic waste, making Culligan an eco-friendly choice.

5. Exceptional Customer Service

The cornerstone of Culligan’s success has always been our focus on customer satisfaction. Whether it’s installation, maintenance, or repair, our Culligan professionals are here to ensure your water system operates flawlessly.

Culligan’s Vision for the Future

As water quality challenges continue to evolve, Culligan remains committed to addressing them with innovative solutions. From tackling emerging contaminants like PFAS to developing smarter water systems, Culligan is leading the way in ensuring safe, clean water for generations to come.

Why Choose Culligan?

When you choose Culligan, you’re choosing a company with a rich history of innovation, a dedication to customer satisfaction, and a commitment to protecting the planet. With over 200 patents, a global presence, and decades of expertise, Culligan stands out as the trusted leader in water treatment.

Whether you need softer water, cleaner drinking water, or a complete water filtration solution, Culligan is here to help.

Ready to get started with Culligan? Schedule your free water test here.