1936 – 2026
90 years of better water.
From our founder’s vision that everyone, everywhere deserves to love their water, to serving cleaner, safer, better-tasting water to more than 170 million people across 90 countries.
90
years of innovation
170M+
people served annually
90
countries worldwide
Nine decades with progress behind every drop
1920s
Emmett J. Culligan builds the world’s first home water softener in his garage to give family and neighbors better water. He assembles it by hand and tests materials until water runs softer with fewer harsh minerals.
1930s
Culligan is founded in Northbrook, Illinois. Emmett introduces softener door to door, expanding access to cleaner, safer water across his local communities.
1940s
Our first independent dealer franchise is established. Culligan receives Navy E Award for wartime production, supplying zeolite to support efforts during WWII.
1950s
From a regional brand to a national name, Culligan grows to more than 500 dealerships. Culligan earns nationwide recognition from “Hey, Culligan Man,” marketing campaign, and advances service with automatic softeners.
1960s
The Aqua1 becomes the world’s first mass-produced reverse osmosis drinking water system. For the first time, people get high-performance filtration and ultra-high-quality drinking water straight from their own tap.
1970s
Culligan expands internationally, entering markets across Europe and beyond. We launch bottled water delivery service, and Zip Water introduces the world’s first instant boiling water dispenser.
1980s
New designs improve performance and make water filtration easier to integrate into daily life. Culligan Harvey introduces the first non-electric, under-the-sink water softener.
1990s
Culligan expands internationally, entering markets across Europe and beyond. We launch bottled water delivery service, and Zip Water introduces the world’s first instant boiling water dispenser.
2000s
Culligan launches advanced filtration technologies. Innovations like Firewall® and enhanced reverse osmosis systems expand access to advanced filtration with greater flexibility and performance.
2010s
Our Aquasential line introduces high-efficiency softeners and smart monitoring, improving performance while simplifying service and maintenance.
2020s
Culligan redefines modern hydration with Culligan Purity and C-sense technology. Smart systems track performance in real time, enable proactive service, and deliver personalized water experiences that reduce waste and improve hydration.
Today
What started in one man’s garage is now the world’s leading water services company. We serve 90 countries and 170 million people combining proven science, expert service, and a global network to deliver better water to homes, businesses, and communities across the globe.
Note: Not all solutions are available in every region. Talk to your local Culligan expert about the best way to transform your water.
Transforming water and the world since 1936.
For 90 years, our people have been the quiet forces transforming water.
Expert service
Local Culligan experts delivering personalized water solutions in your neighborhood, at your door, for your life. Every service visit is a promise kept
Proven science
Advancing water filtration through decades of rigorous innovation. Technology, science, and service working in perfect harmony to deliver results you can trust.
Sustainability
Get bottled water taste without the waste. Culligan’s solutions eliminate single-use plastic waste while protecting the planet’s most precious resource.
Life-enhancing water
Modern systems designed for homes and businesses, delivering cleaner, safer, better-tasting water every single day. Because when you take better care of your water, you take better care of your home, body and family.
Today and tomorrow
Rooted in science. Powered by service.
Built for what’s next.
Since 1936, our purpose hasn’t changed. But the world has. New contaminants. New industries. New needs. As the world evolves, we remain committed to advancing our solutions and expert service so families, businesses, and communities everywhere can enjoy water worth loving.
Get 90 years of
water expertise
Our Culligan water experts are ready to help you find the right solution for your water. Schedule a free consultation today.
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