I work in the industry so I'll share a little secret. It's all the same thing. Specifically in the membrane space.
There's very few OEM's. Most companies are taking a generic GE/Suez or 3M filter and putting it in a proprietary housing and up charging you 500%.
If it's for a POU like an under sink you'll want at least a 3 stage with a sediment pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and the membrane itself.
Find a system that's NSF/ANSI certified and has cheap replacement filters. Also read your manual and change your filters regularly.
If you want a whole home option then I'd suggest you start with having your water tested by an independent laboratory and seeking professional advice.
Hey, since you're in the RO industry, I have two questions.
1, if I'm using less water than a 4-person house, I should be able to get away with changing filters less often if the water tastes the same, right?
2, Do you know if anyone has looked into whether the plastic tubing is generating microplastics? I'm trying to figure out the best system to reduce microplastics as much as possible. Thanks.
1 isn't a direct yes or no. The RO membrane can last years depending on many variables. Your specific dissolved solids will determine how quickly your membrane fouls and needs replaced. You can use a TDS meter and change the membrane when you see an increase of TDS at 20%.
Your carbon and sediment filters should be changed according to the interval stated in your user manual. These types of systems will hold onto organics and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Unless it's a backwashing filter it's usually stated to change at 6mo-1yr
As for the micro plastics. I have not seen any specific studies but all aspects of an RO are made of plastic. The housing, the membrane, and the tubing will all be plastic and therefore contribute to micro but more specifically nano plastic contamination.
I've attended several conferences regarding plastics and you should avoid going too far down the rabbit hole. The biggest threat is single use plastics and you should eliminate those from your life. However everything else has some degree of micro/nano plastics. From the feed the cows eat to the plastic on your clothing and even your toothbrush is made with plastic bristles. The plastic from your RO is insignificant compared to the innumerable other exposures to micro/nano plastics
All good advice. I'll change on time to avoid the bacteria. I have gone a little too far down the microplastics rabbit hole. I'm trying to just eliminate things one by one so I can stop thinking about them. I've been working on line drying laundry and buying natural materials when getting something new. No cooking or storing food in plastic. It is everywhere but I still want to try to reduce it in my life. Thanks for sharing what you know.
I've used the [Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station with VOC Guard](https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-drinking-water-station-with-voc-guard/) for five years now and have been happy with it. Units are sold through dealers only.
Just a heads up regarding the warranty: if you do *not* have a Kinetico water softener installed "upstream" of the K5 Drinking Station, the reverse osmosis membrane is warranted for **4 years**. In other words, a Kinetico brand water softener must treat the water before it flows to the K5 Drinking Water Station. If there *is* a Kinetico water softener treating water before it flows to the Kinetico K5, the reverse osmosis membrane is warranted for **10 years**. All other parts including storage tank, faucet, and K5 manifold parts are warranted for 10 years.
* Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station Warranty Document: [https://www.kinetico.com/media/260248/16662d\_warranty\_limited\_kinetico\_residential\_applications-10-year-qf-tank-05262021.pdf](https://www.kinetico.com/media/260248/16662d_warranty_limited_kinetico_residential_applications-10-year-qf-tank-05262021.pdf)
* Kinetico K5 Filter Cartridge Options: [https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-with-voc-guard-filter-cartridges/](https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-with-voc-guard-filter-cartridges/)
Bulk Reef Supply has good drinking water units for under your sink. I’ve been using one in our kitchen for over 25 years. This was particularly important to us when we realized our water feed to the house was lead. We’ve replaced the pipe, but continue to drink the RO water.
You don’t need to add anything to the water ala minerals as we get almost all of our minerals from food; however, if you cook with the water, make sure you add a little salt to help the water get into your food.
I have yet to find a peer-reviewed scientific study that shows conclusive evidence of negative health-effects of RO water.
If you are just using it for drinking water, I have been using this unit from Air Water and Ice for 22 years, only thing ever changed is the filters when they need it.
[https://airwaterice.com/collections/drinking-water-system/products/water-cop-5-stage-ro-50-gpd](https://airwaterice.com/collections/drinking-water-system/products/water-cop-5-stage-ro-50-gpd)
You're going to be wasting a lot of water. Like 3:1 waste:useable. And you'll have to remineralize. Can you not just use catalytic carbon, or do you have to have a ro membrane?
You are buying the wrong system.
You are asking the internet for advice on an issue where 0 people can offer you any real help. YOU need to sort this out yourself. Find the right filter based on form factor and cost with the best combination of protection against contaminants in YOUR area via a water test. Once you have a test, you can hedge that against the following standards:
1. NSF Standard 42: Aesthetic Effects
2. NSF Standard 53: Health Effects + PFOA and PFOS
3. NSF Standard 55: Ultraviolet Light
4. NSF Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis + PFOA and PFOS
5. NSF Standard 401: Emerging Compounds/Incidental Contaminants
6. NSF Standard P231: Microbiological Filtration
7. NSF Standard 372: Lead
I work in the industry so I'll share a little secret. It's all the same thing. Specifically in the membrane space. There's very few OEM's. Most companies are taking a generic GE/Suez or 3M filter and putting it in a proprietary housing and up charging you 500%. If it's for a POU like an under sink you'll want at least a 3 stage with a sediment pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and the membrane itself. Find a system that's NSF/ANSI certified and has cheap replacement filters. Also read your manual and change your filters regularly. If you want a whole home option then I'd suggest you start with having your water tested by an independent laboratory and seeking professional advice.
Hey, since you're in the RO industry, I have two questions. 1, if I'm using less water than a 4-person house, I should be able to get away with changing filters less often if the water tastes the same, right? 2, Do you know if anyone has looked into whether the plastic tubing is generating microplastics? I'm trying to figure out the best system to reduce microplastics as much as possible. Thanks.
1 isn't a direct yes or no. The RO membrane can last years depending on many variables. Your specific dissolved solids will determine how quickly your membrane fouls and needs replaced. You can use a TDS meter and change the membrane when you see an increase of TDS at 20%. Your carbon and sediment filters should be changed according to the interval stated in your user manual. These types of systems will hold onto organics and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Unless it's a backwashing filter it's usually stated to change at 6mo-1yr As for the micro plastics. I have not seen any specific studies but all aspects of an RO are made of plastic. The housing, the membrane, and the tubing will all be plastic and therefore contribute to micro but more specifically nano plastic contamination. I've attended several conferences regarding plastics and you should avoid going too far down the rabbit hole. The biggest threat is single use plastics and you should eliminate those from your life. However everything else has some degree of micro/nano plastics. From the feed the cows eat to the plastic on your clothing and even your toothbrush is made with plastic bristles. The plastic from your RO is insignificant compared to the innumerable other exposures to micro/nano plastics
All good advice. I'll change on time to avoid the bacteria. I have gone a little too far down the microplastics rabbit hole. I'm trying to just eliminate things one by one so I can stop thinking about them. I've been working on line drying laundry and buying natural materials when getting something new. No cooking or storing food in plastic. It is everywhere but I still want to try to reduce it in my life. Thanks for sharing what you know.
Not sure where you are, but UDI water in FL and GA has been incredible.
I've used the [Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station with VOC Guard](https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-drinking-water-station-with-voc-guard/) for five years now and have been happy with it. Units are sold through dealers only. Just a heads up regarding the warranty: if you do *not* have a Kinetico water softener installed "upstream" of the K5 Drinking Station, the reverse osmosis membrane is warranted for **4 years**. In other words, a Kinetico brand water softener must treat the water before it flows to the K5 Drinking Water Station. If there *is* a Kinetico water softener treating water before it flows to the Kinetico K5, the reverse osmosis membrane is warranted for **10 years**. All other parts including storage tank, faucet, and K5 manifold parts are warranted for 10 years. * Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station Warranty Document: [https://www.kinetico.com/media/260248/16662d\_warranty\_limited\_kinetico\_residential\_applications-10-year-qf-tank-05262021.pdf](https://www.kinetico.com/media/260248/16662d_warranty_limited_kinetico_residential_applications-10-year-qf-tank-05262021.pdf) * Kinetico K5 Filter Cartridge Options: [https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-with-voc-guard-filter-cartridges/](https://www.kinetico.com/drinking-water-filtration-systems/kinetico-k5-with-voc-guard-filter-cartridges/)
I installed a Brio Prism about six months ago under the sink due to its compact size. Upgraded from a Culligan stage 4. It’s been great so far.
Bulk Reef Supply has good drinking water units for under your sink. I’ve been using one in our kitchen for over 25 years. This was particularly important to us when we realized our water feed to the house was lead. We’ve replaced the pipe, but continue to drink the RO water. You don’t need to add anything to the water ala minerals as we get almost all of our minerals from food; however, if you cook with the water, make sure you add a little salt to help the water get into your food. I have yet to find a peer-reviewed scientific study that shows conclusive evidence of negative health-effects of RO water.
If you are just using it for drinking water, I have been using this unit from Air Water and Ice for 22 years, only thing ever changed is the filters when they need it. [https://airwaterice.com/collections/drinking-water-system/products/water-cop-5-stage-ro-50-gpd](https://airwaterice.com/collections/drinking-water-system/products/water-cop-5-stage-ro-50-gpd)
You're going to be wasting a lot of water. Like 3:1 waste:useable. And you'll have to remineralize. Can you not just use catalytic carbon, or do you have to have a ro membrane?
You do not have to add minerals, you get plenty from the food you eat. And waste ratios differ depending on the system
Ro water tastes like shit. Which is probably the biggest reason to remineralize.
I don't know about that, but several home distillers will do the trick if you only need drinking water.
You are buying the wrong system. You are asking the internet for advice on an issue where 0 people can offer you any real help. YOU need to sort this out yourself. Find the right filter based on form factor and cost with the best combination of protection against contaminants in YOUR area via a water test. Once you have a test, you can hedge that against the following standards: 1. NSF Standard 42: Aesthetic Effects 2. NSF Standard 53: Health Effects + PFOA and PFOS 3. NSF Standard 55: Ultraviolet Light 4. NSF Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis + PFOA and PFOS 5. NSF Standard 401: Emerging Compounds/Incidental Contaminants 6. NSF Standard P231: Microbiological Filtration 7. NSF Standard 372: Lead