I generally do not remove damaged leaves. When the plant is through with them, it drops them. I do usually give damaged leaves a gentle little tug to see if they will release, but I don't cut them off or pull them off if they do not come gently. Some of this damage looks like it could simply be nutrient water splashing on the lower leaves. Your plant is so bushy and compact that some splashing on the lower foliage is inevitable.
I don't understand the statement about your well water--only softened to below 50 PPM? In general, you are not going to want to water with softened water, at all. There is a reason that outside hose bibs and kitchen cold water supply are not (generally) soft water beyond the cost of the salt--it contains high amounts of sodium--something not good for either humans or plants. Do you have an outside hose bib or yard hydrant that is connected before the softener? I would advise getting this water tested and if it is not too high in dissolved solids, I would use that water. If it is borderline, you can get filters that connect to your hose and removes things like heavy metals and chlorine. Otherwise, I would get an RO or use bottled water.