reverse osmosis drinking water systems

Kat answers:

I market these for a living. They are not that difficult to install. Most water systems come with very detailed instructions, and should have all the fittings and hardware you need for installation. However, if your hubby isnt the handy man type, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to do the installation for you.  You can connect them to your refrigerator in most cases also.  Several water treatment companies also sell them, and  they will install them for you if you buy theirs. (some of these can be very expensive though) Reverse osmosis is the way to go, but you will definately save money if you purchase and do your own installation.  If you have a stainless steel or metal sink you may need to drill a 1 1/4 inch hole for the faucet. Hopefully you don’t have granite or marble countertops those are much more difficult to drill. If you have a soap dispenser you can remove it and put your faucet there. You will need to drill a 3/8″  hole high in the drain line under your sink for the r.o waste water to drain to and you will likely need a 3/8″x3/8″x1/4″ T threaded adapter for the feed line.  Good luck!!

Kat answers:

That is the correct order. (I am assuming you are on a well system) Hydrogen Sulfide Gas is sometimes in the water and gives it a “rotten egg” smell. It’s usually removed by chlorinating the well or a holding tank of water, and installing a Reverse Osmosis system, and changing your filters and membranes following the manufactures’s recommendations. I would recommend an NSF certified, carbon block water filter, such as Multi-Pure.

Kat answers:

Reverse Osmosis is the only proven way to remove chromium 6, fluoride, arsenic and many other contaminants that regular point of use water filters do not take out. The downside to R/O systems is they can waste up to 3 gallons of water per 1 gallon of filtered water. Multi-Pure carries a zero waste retro fit kit for $200 though, that you can install onto your RO system so you no water goes down the drain unused. Reverse Osmosis systems are the most advanced home water filtration device that removes most unwanted contaminants that can be found in tap water. Check with the manufacturer for a complete list of contaminant removed by that system. And always look for the NSF seal to make sure the contaminant reduction claims can be verified.

Kat answers:

Unfortunately, I do not recommend buying bottled water. Those big 5 gallon jugs are known to leach a chemical called bpa (bisphenol a) Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body’s own hormones and may lead to negative health effects.] Early development appears to be the period of greatest sensitivity to its effects. Regulatory bodies have determined safety levels for humans, but those safety levels are currently being questioned or under review as a result of new scientific studies.

In 2009 The Endocrine Society released a statement expressing concern over current human exposure to BPA

In addition, plastic bottles contribute to much of the plastic pollution in our environment. I would recommend purchasing a water filter for your tap. You’ll save money in the long run, be helping our environment, and reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals that may be in your drinking water.

Kat answers:

Actually, that is not a bad price in my opinion, (if it does indeed include installation. Yes, you should have a RO system along with a water softener. Water softeners raise the TDS(total dissolved solids) in water with excess sodium. It’s not healthy to drink all that sodium. You can get a system much cheaper than that, not installed but installation usually cost about $200-$300 dollars. Installation would be up to you. You could save up to 3-4 hundred dollars.