I'm looking for someplace to compare features of 'reverse osmosis' systems. Any suggestions?

I'm looking for someplace to compare features of 'reverse osmosis' systems. Any suggestions? Trying to compare 3 stage and 4 stage systems, and price.

Asked by az 50 months ago Similar questions: someplace compare features 'reverse osmosis' systems suggestions Environment > Energy.

Similar questions: someplace compare features 'reverse osmosis' systems suggestions.

Here is Consumer Reports' take... This is from their May 2007 issue. Cost Cost per year (replacement filters, etc. ) Rating Kenmore (Sears) Elite 38556 300 80 75. Whirlpool Gold WHER25 (Lowe’s) 160 62 74.

(A CR Best Buy) Culligan Good Water Machine AC30 900 50 73. GE Profile SmartWater PXRQ15F (Home Depot) 260 100 72 All reverse osmosis units are rated Very Good or Excellent in lead removal, chloroform removal, resistance to clogging, and bad-taste removal. All are Poor in flow rate (the rate at which they produce filtered water.

) All but the Culligan have a filter-life indicator to show when you need to replace the filter (or The Whirlpool and the the GE are Quick Picks, and the Whirlpool is a Consumer Reports Best Buy as well. About those two, CR says "These reverse-osmosis filters are excellent at removing common contaminants and are the only kind certified to remove arsenic. Both have indicator lights to show when the filter needs changing and will automatically shut off when the filter is full.

The Whirlpool trades a lower price for a smaller storage tank, 1.7 gallons compared with the GE’s 2.5. Both should be installed by a pro, which costs roughly $200 to $300." They don't mention 3-state vs. 4-stage. But I would think all you care about is how effective they are, not exactly how they work.

About reverse-osmosis filters generally, they say, "- Best for removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, and is the only filter certified to remove arsenic. - But requires plumbing modifications and must be periodically sanitized with bleach. Is extremely slow and creates 3 to 5 gallons of waste water for every gallon filtered.

Takes up cabinet space. - Price $160 to $450. " So if you get the Whirlpool, you should expect to pay $160 for the unit plus $200 for installation, or $360 total.

Plus you will also throw away 4-5 gallons of water for each gallon of filtered water you get. But CR also says that you might not need reverse osmosis filtering, if you don't have arsenic or other filtering needs that call for reverse osmosis. They recommend looking at your water quality and choosing the filter that will suit your needs.

They recommend you check your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which the EPA requires all water systems to provide their customers each year.It is usually mailed to you, printed in newspapers, or posted on your local government’s Web site. They further recommend you get your water tested, either by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for the names of state-certified testing labs or for your local health authority, which might offer low- or no-cost test kits, or check out www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. Or you can use the Watersafe All-In-One Drinking Water Test Kit, about $18, is another option."It provided quick, accurate results for chlorine, lead, nitrate, nitrite, two pesticides, pH, and total hardness in our tests.

Results for bacteria were less reliable and required waiting 48 hours. Ultimately, you might find you don’t need a water filter." I did that, and found my water was very good quality.

The brown color came from the pipes inside the building itself, and were only an appearance and taste issue. So I got a top-rated countertop water filter, which cost only $50, and works great, no installation required. Hope this helps!

Good luck! .

Answer from Past President of Ga. Hospital Engineers Society From a Past President of the Georgia Hospital Engineers Societyhttp://www.waterfiltercomparisons.net/WaterFilter_Comparison.cfmhttp://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/h2oqual/watsys/ae1047w.htmRO units use a lot of water. They recover only 5 to 15 percent of the water entering the system.

The remainder is discharged as waste water. Because waste water carries with it the rejected contaminants, methods to re-cover this water are not practical for household systems. Waste water is typically connected to the house drains and will add to the load on the household septic system.An RO unit delivering 5 gallons of treated water per day may discharge 40 to 90 gallons of waste water per day to the septic system.

Reverse osmosis is a proven technology that has been used successfully on a commercial basis. One of the better known uses of RO is the removal of salt from seawater. Household RO units typically deliver small amounts (2 to 10 gallons per day) of treated water and waste 3 to 20 times the amount of water treated.

RO units range in cost from $300 to $3000 and vary in quality and effectiveness. Replacement membranes cost $100 to $200 and filter cartridges around $50. The water treatment industry is extremely regulated.

Companies that market undocumented products, or make uncertified claims are heavily restricted as to how and where they can sell their products. Beware of products that offer different Performance Claims in different states.CA, WI, IA, and several other states, prohibit uncertified claims. You will see the fine print stating something like except in CA, WI, IA, and so forth.

Like there is something different about the water in those places? Well actually, yes especially in FL, WI and SD. You will want to look for performance claims that have been certified by NSF, UL or the CA.

Dept. Of Health. See also Consumer Reports for water filter comparisons.

Reverse osmosis (RO) has become a common method for the treatment of household drinking water supplies. Effectiveness of RO units depends on initial levels of contamination and water pressure. RO treatment may be used to reduce the levels of: 1.

Naturally occurring substances that cause water supplies to be unhealthy or unappealing (foul tastes, smells or colors).2. Substances that have contaminated the water supply resulting in possible adverse health effects or decreased desirability. A Typical Home RO System Includes: particle filter, reverse osmosis membrane unit, pressurized treated-water storage container, carbon adsorption post-filter, and separate treated-water tap.

The system is normally located beneath the kitchen sink since it is used to treat water for drinking and cooking purposes.RO systems consist of the pre-filter, RO membrane unit, a pressurized storage tank for the treated water, a post-filter and a separate delivery tap for the treated water supply. The water supply entering the RO unit should be bacteriologically safe. RO units will remove virtually all microorganisms but they are not recommended for that use because of the possibility of contamination through pinhole leaks or deterioration due to bacterial growth.RO units with carbon filters may also reduce the level of some SOCs (soluble organic compounds) like pesticides, dioxins and VOCs (volatile organic compounds like chloroform and petrochemicals).

An RO unit alone may not be the best solution for these types of contaminants, but installing a properly design-ed RO unit to reduce the levels of other contaminants may provide a reduction in SOCs and VOCs. Before installing any water treatment system be sure to have the water tested. The test will identify the bacteria and level of minerals that are present.

Interpretation of the test results will help determine whether treatment is needed and what type of system or systems to consider. The intended use of the water (drinking only, drinking and cooking, laundry, or all household uses) will also help determine the extent of treatment needed and the type of system to select.RO systems are not appropriate for treating water supplies that are contaminated by coliform bacteria. Treatment of contaminated water supplies should be considered only as a temporary solution.

The best solution is to remove the source(s) of contamination and/or obtain a new water supply. Sources: Spartan Caver Says: .

Here is a list of numerous R.O. Systems I have attached a search of reverse osmosis systems at ratings.net. You'll find various R.O.Systems, with some ratings by customers and can review their features. http://www.

Ratings.net/summary. Cfm? Action=shopping.

Com&searchvalue=osmosis&searchtype=&api_url=http://api.shopping. Com/scripts/GSIsapiExt. Dll/linkin_id-8003787/Keyword-osmosis&CFID=3846260&CFTOKEN=61412354 Sources: http://www.

Ratings.net/summary. Cfm? Action=shopping.

Com&searchvalue=osmosis&searchtype=&api_url=http://api.shopping. Com/scripts/GSIsapiExt. Dll/linkin_id-8003787/Keyword-osmosis&CFID=3846260&CFTOKEN=61412354 .

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I would like to purchase an external DVD burner for under $100.00. What features do I need - any suggestions on model?

I need a "best value" (cost to quality to features) vacuum cleaner (PORTABLE with long extensions). Suggestions?

Have you ever been someplace you've felt a strong connection to even though you hadn't been there before.

Want to "shake a tailfeather" for Valentines Day. Someplace mature(over 40) but fun. NY/NJ area.

Any suggestions?

I want durability and features she can use herself.

Please compare the various options for heating systems in a house with regards to the annual operating cost...

I was wondering why cats and dogs need so much vaccine and shots compare to human with a weaker defense systems.

I can't for the life of me locate any Tab soda in Denver, CO. Anyone have suggestions? (NOT the energy drink).

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.