Reverse Osmosis recommendation.

[Max78]

Wife and I are at the point where we would like to get an RO machine. we are on a well co-op and occasionally we get nasty tasting water. They used to run water tests and update us with what the tests came back with but they don't really do that anymore. When we first moved in they had to shut down 1 of the 4 wells due to arsenic being too high. I'm looking to doing some testing if anyone has any recommendations for that as well.

We are only looking for an under the sink system. Plans are to use it for the fridge and sink. For drinking and cooking.

Right now we are looking specifically at the NuAqua 100gpb unit. 7 stage with UV and remineralization, the unit with pump specifically but we do have high water pressure. I'm open to any recommendations though, this is just looks good to me but then again its all in the marketing and I honestly know very little about this stuff.

I would really like to get a USA made and supported if we can keep it under at or under $500.

I would greatly appreciate any and all recommendations!

NU Aqua Platinum Series 7 Stage Alkaline and UV Ultraviolet 100GPD RO System

Featuring our alkaline filter and UV sterilization to provide the most pure water that's perfect for all households. 100% Money Back Guarantee. 3 year warranty & Free Shipping.

nuaquasystems.com

 

[dcg9381]

I've done lots and lots of RO systems. They're all basically the same. They all work the same. I did have one high end high volume (American) system but it was a POS... After that, I just stuck with the standard under-counter systems in the 50-100 GPD range.

I seriously doubt that's an "American Made" system. It may be American marketed. Pretty much all the filters are universal (buy type and function). I just buy generic filters.

Don't get a pump if you don't need it, just another thing to fail. This one also has UV - the only reason why I use UV is because I'm on untreated water. UV will require annual replacement of the light. And the transformer will fail eventually.

We're on rain water, I just use a 2-3 state system with UV. But what you need to use depends on what's in the water.

Take a look at the particular UV replacement light - that's one of the gotchas, make sure you can get it at a reasonable price..

 

[mcj115]

I have a ~$120 system from the local TruValue and it is great! My wife considers herself a water snob and won't drink water from public water systems.
Before you buy that system assess the rest of your plumbing system you may or may not want/need all seven stages. Does your house have a UV filter otherwise? Does your house have a whole house filter already? With our home water pressure 60/40 we don't need an additional pump; I put the storage tank below the sink/kitchen floor in the ceiling of the basement so it has a slightly higher head pressure than if the tank were in directly the cabinet below the sink.

 

[Max78]

Thanks for the input.

We have no existing filter system at all I'm 100% sure of that. We are on a well and on several occasions we would get a bout of really foul smelling water so I would like to get the UV system for sure. Looking at the replacement filters and lights they all seem very reasonable, about $100 for the 1 year replacement set includes all filters and light, about $60 for the 6 month recommended filters. Seems like a fair price for clean water.

 

[P0234]

I ran an iSpring system for almost 10 years at the old house. Filters are cheap and the system held up well, no leaks though you do need to keep an eye on it after you change the filters. Plan is to get something at the new house but the well water tested so clean that I'm not sure I need anything at all.

 

[mike93lx]

Definitely test your water. I used a local lab in MA when I had a well and tested annually, including arsenic as the levels were high. They would provide sample bottles and I would do one from before my treatment (iron, hardness and arsenic) and one after.

 

[frankd]

We went with a water drop g3 tankless system and we love it. Installations relatively easy and straightforward. It doesn't take up nearly as much space as systems that have a tank. Filter changes are also incredibly easy. I also like the TDS display, although I guess it's kind of gimmicky. It's NSF certified and BPA free. I was Also looking at the ispring and aquasana systems as well but went with waterdrop due to the size and concern over bacteria growing in the tank.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you drink A LOT OF WATER (more than the 8-12 cups recommended) you might run into an issue where the trace minerals that have been removed can affect your health ! Happened to my sister.

 

[Zeke]

If you drink A LOT OF WATER (more than the 8-12 cups recommended) you might run into an issue where the trace minerals that have been removed can affect your health ! Happened to my sister.

True. Take supplements.

I wanted to add that after the period expires where you only need to change the sediment filter, it's nearly as cheap to buy a new one and you don't have to sanitize the tank and hoses. When they go on sale, get it then.

 

[allinon72]

I have an iSpring unit, 300GPD which is way way WAY more than I need, but the key is the booster pump. The higher the pressure, the longer your filters will last.

 

[P0234]

If you drink A LOT OF WATER (more than the 8-12 cups recommended) you might run into an issue where the trace minerals that have been removed can affect your health ! Happened to my sister.

I've read that's theoretically possible but apparently modern processed foods have enough of that stuff it's not an issue. They do sell remineralization cartridges for those worried about it.

 

[WisJim]

We got an Apec 50gpd system for around $200 in 2020 and like it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0ZGOZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mrpizza]

I have the ispring 75gpd with the alkaline mineral thing. Good water.

 

[Max78]

Ya the system that I'm looking at is a 7 stage with remineralization. We do take supplements but we are also trying to homestead as well so we are trying to limit processed foods and stuff. Its been fantastic for our health!

Sounds like any RO will work really. I have been looking up certifications though and A.O Smith seems like they have some good units. Reading into it it seems like a pump reduces waste which would be great for us, we are on a septic so I will have to plumb the waste to go to the garden or something.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

We've got an Apec branded system (one of the budget GPD versions) and the add-on mineral cartridge for taste. it also feeds the steam humidifier (pre-mineral filter. don't do post unless you want it full of lime in a season). probably upgrading to a bigger tank soon. I like to be able to fill a stock pot before it runs out. actual capacity per day (50 or 75GPD) is plenty.

 

[Max]

One thing to be aware of is that many RO filters keep running water against the RO filter even if the tank is full - and this wastes a lot of water. So I would look for one that has a shutoff valve. From what I could see the one you linked to does not shut off.

Here is an example valve by itself and not part of a system:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6RAYVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Depending on who you believe you’re going to be using 5-9 gallons of water for every gallon of water that you filter. So the last thing you want to do is have it keep running when the tank is full…

 

[Max78]

I can't multi quote on the phone.

Thanks for pointing me to the Apec brand, they have the ROES-PH75 6 stage system that looks like good system. The WQA seems to say it does what it says it does so thats good. Bonus points for being on Amazon and very affordable.

Turns out UV on an RO is kinda useless as the bacteria is captured in the filters so why care?

I didn't realize it would continue to push water through the system when its full, thanks for that valve! Its been added to the basket.

 

[Max]

I can't multi quote on the phone.

Thanks for pointing me to the Apec brand, they have the ROES-PH75 6 stage system that looks like good system. The WQA seems to say it does what it says it does so thats good. Bonus points for being on Amazon and very affordable.

Turns out UV on an RO is kinda useless as the bacteria is captured in the filters so why care?

I didn't realize it would continue to push water through the system when its full, thanks for that valve! Its been added to the basket.

FWIW I had an Apec for almost 20 years with no issues.

Note I just grabbed a quick shutoff valve off of Amazon to illustrate the type of valve needed. I have no idea if that specific one is any good, so you should read the reviews, etc.

 

[Max78]

FWIW I had an Apec for almost 20 years with no issues.

Note I just grabbed a quick shutoff valve off of Amazon to illustrate the type of valve needed. I have no idea if that specific one is any good, so you should read the reviews, etc.

Ya I found an Apec shutoff valve that I added to the cart. I appreciate the info!

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I can't multi quote on the phone.

Thanks for pointing me to the Apec brand, they have the ROES-PH75 6 stage system that looks like good system. The WQA seems to say it does what it says it does so thats good. Bonus points for being on Amazon and very affordable.

Turns out UV on an RO is kinda useless as the bacteria is captured in the filters so why care?

I didn't realize it would continue to push water through the system when its full, thanks for that valve! Its been added to the basket.

the systems that include a tank come with a built-in shutoff valve, it's basically negligence not to. I think only the CTOP systems do not.

 

[Max78]

Thank you everyone for all of the help. I wound up getting the APEC ROES-PH75 system, with the fridge water/ice maker kit. It does in fact have the water shutoff thing already installed so now I have a backup which is fine. I'm going to look into getting a silicone mat for under the sink and a leak detection shutoff valve under there. It seems very uncommon but leaks happen and I really don't want to deal with that mess.


Set it up last night and in typical man fashion I pressed the schrader valve on the tank because I'm an idiot and didn't read the warning card floating in the box. I pumped it back up to about 8 or so PSI after I realized my mistake.

I drained the first few tank fulls and look forward to using it later today.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Thank you everyone for all of the help. I wound up getting the APEC ROES-PH75 system, with the fridge water/ice maker kit. It does in fact have the water shutoff thing already installed so now I have a backup which is fine. I'm going to look into getting a silicone mat for under the sink and a leak detection shutoff valve under there. It seems very uncommon but leaks happen and I really don't want to deal with that mess.


Set it up last night and in typical man fashion I pressed the schrader valve on the tank because I'm an idiot and didn't read the warning card floating in the box. I pumped it back up to about 8 or so PSI after I realized my mistake.

I drained the first few tank fulls and look forward to using it later today.

make sure you set the pressure with the tank empty.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I have a 90 GPD APEC water system and I'm happy with it so far.

 

[mike93lx]

I have a 90 GPM APEC water system and I'm happy with it so far.

90 GPH, not GPM, right?

 

[Max78]

make sure you set the pressure with the tank empty.

Ya after I totally screwed it up I did a bunch of research before I filled it. Figured its the least I could do, haha.

Thanks!

 

[chris142]

You shouldn't drink RO water. It's similar to distilled water ( no minerals) and can make you sick.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

You shouldn't drink RO water. It's similar to distilled water ( no minerals) and can make you sick.

that's why I only drink Tito's

 

[P0234]

You shouldn't drink RO water. It's similar to distilled water ( no minerals) and can make you sick.

Is that why the American association of pediatrics recommends mixing baby formula with distilled water?

 

[mike93lx]

Is that why the American association of pediatrics recommends mixing baby formula with distilled water?

I think the fear is BS and misunderstood as well, but do you think that the formula could possibly add back the minerals needed?...

 

[P0234]

I think the fear is BS and misunderstood as well, but do you think that the formula could possibly add back the minerals needed?...

It absolutely does, just like the food you eat does as well.

Its another one of those things losers do to boost traffic to whatever (products, ideas, etc) someone is peddling. Sure, drinking RO water or Distilled water will kill you if that's all you consume. Just like eating too much salt will kill you.

 

[mike93lx]

It absolutely does, just like the food you eat does as well.

Its another one of those things losers do to boost traffic to whatever (products, ideas, etc) someone is peddling. Sure, drinking RO water or Distilled water will kill you if that's all you consume. Just like eating too much salt will kill you.

We are on the same page here

 

[Max78]

If you think RO water is bad to drink I wonder how you feel about people drinking the DI water where I work. . . .

The RO system we got has a remineralization stage so we get all of those good things back. I'll report back if I die due to a lack on minerals.

 

[P0234]

If you think RO water is bad to drink I wonder how you feel about people drinking the DI water where I work. . . .

The RO system we got has a remineralization stage so we get all of those good things back. I'll report back if I die due to a lack on minerals.

I’ve been using an RO system without a remineralization stage for 20+ years. I was going to add one here but our well is so clean that it doesn’t make sense. And it feels funny to drink tap water….lol.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

If you think RO water is bad to drink I wonder how you feel about people drinking the DI water where I work. . . .

The RO system we got has a remineralization stage so we get all of those good things back. I'll report back if I die due to a lack on minerals.

go have a McMurderBurger and Fries or you'll shrivel up and die!

 

[PCMusicGuy]

90 GPH, not GPM, right?

90 GPD actually. I fixed my post.

 

[mike93lx]

that's why I only drink Tito's

Handmade...lol

 

[bluedog225]

I ended up buying a “system“ from Restore. It was used, but in good shape. The previous owner even included in the box a printed out status of when the filters should last been changed. It was about 50 bucks for the whole deal. Having gotten it and played with it for a little while, it’s just a filter housings and a bunch of little connectors.

I bought a big box of new filter filters from Amazon. I think it was five of each type for 100 bucks. Along with one or two of the RO filters.

Another one showed up at Restore so I bought it for 25 bucks. It was in worse shape. But I like having all the spare parts. The second one also has a UV filter and a pump. Don’t know that I’ll need those things but it’s fun to check them out.

My point in all this is pick up a used system on craigslist cheap and build your own deal. The mark up on the new ones is pretty crazy.

 

[russ455]

Order# 57494- I had the worst experience with NU Aqua Systems. I paid for one-day expedited shipping, but the product took nearly three weeks to arrive. When I decided to return the item (unopened, in its original packaging), they hit me with a 15% restocking fee and refused to cover the shipping costs—despite their failure to deliver on time.

Did the shipping company lose the pkg? Can’t blame NU for that. or they didn’t ship for 3 weeks?

 

[dcg9381]

Turns out UV on an RO is kinda useless as the bacteria is captured in the filters so why care?
I didn't realize it would continue to push water through the system when its full, thanks for that valve! Its been added to the basket.

Bacteria is pretty small. As small as .2 micron. That's why the UV is at the last stage, so if anything makes it past the filters, the UV kills it.



I haven't found much "differences" in these systems in terms of how they work. The thing to look out for is the availability (and cost) of the annual UV light replacement and if you can get a new transformer. I'll buy them all day on Amazon for less than $250.

7-stage sounds pretty excessive to me, but depends on what the incoming water is.

 

[Bill T]

Off topic ,but this is a story my Mother would bring up on a regular basis... When I was young, we lived in the country. There were tarpaper shacks behind our house that were used to house sharecroppers. My siblings and I would always look forward to the folks coming in to these houses because they brought their families. Out in the country we did not have many kids to play with. One fall (I was 4 or 5 yrs.old), a family came in with a kid my age. When I told my mother I was going over to play with the new neioghbor kid. The last thing my mother told me before I went to play was " Don't drink any water while you are there - the well was hand dug and there are rats in the well". A few hours later I came back home. When I walked in the house, my mother asked If I had drank any water. I said " No , we drank kool-aid."