Reverse Osmosis filter?????

[korybaugus]

I know this is totally random, but I'm wondering if anyone is knowledgeable about these? I'm looking for something to remove chlorine and fluoride from my drinking water.
Thanks.

[thatbasskid597]

My dad installed one in the kitchen, and one up in the master bath. They're awesome! You will be glad you got one.

[beelzelboss]

We have one in our kitchen. They are a little labor intensive, replacing certain filters every few months and such. We refill all of the bottled water we have, and it saves money on having to keep buying more and more.

[kesslari]

They do a great job. The water tastes good, and they are way cheaper than bottled water. Go for it!

[bongomania]

Of course taste is subjective, but IMO water that has been filtered sufficiently to remove all contaminants has also been filtered sufficiently to remove all flavor. Some people add chelated minerals to their super-filtered water, to give it flavor. I just use a PUR pitcher filter, which removes just enough of the contaminants to be safer and tastier. It's not as hard-core of a filter obviously, but it's way cheaper and is "good enough" since our local municipal tap water is actually very clean, it tests well.

[Jazz Ad]

I agree that it takes the taste away. It's efficient though.
Another issue with reverse osmosis is that people don't change the cartridge filter often enough. When it's full, it releases elements in the water instead of retaining them.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Maybe it's just because I live in a place where the drinking water is pretty good, but, whenever I've tried filtered water it is almost tasteless and pretty unpleasant.

(Tap water around my parts is better than bottled IMO)

[Auzzie-Phoenix]

Same thing happened when my parents got a water treatment system. The tap water used to taste great. Now it's flavorless. Mom wanted it because of the hard water buildup on the faucets.

Back on track to your question they do sell a filter system that hooks into the main coming into the house. A whole house filter removes the need to keep track of multiple filters, but it is much more expensive upfront.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I dare say I could see hard water being an issue (especially with washing machines and dishwashers), thankfully it's pretty soft round these parts.

Probably cheaper in the long run having a larger whole house filter?

[Auzzie-Phoenix]

Really I would assume that it would cost about the same as 2 or 3 individual filters in terms of regular maintenance. The startup cost would be the more expensive part. However you would save a bit of maintenance by maintaining one filter system rather than multiples.

[Chebass88]

STOP!!! Do NOT get an RO filter for chlorine removal. Reverse Osmosis membranes are highly susceptible to damage by chlorine. For chlorine removal, you need an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon has a great capacity for chlorine.

First off, read your local water report. Is there anything else you might need to remove? Different activated carbon blocks (filters) remove different things, and you can tell this from the side of the packaging.

Point-of-entry (POE) filters - this treats all the water coming into the house. This is a lot of water, so you will need a large unit, along the lines of the "Big Blue" cartridges. Make sure it has activated carbon, not just the sediment filter. This will also treat all of your shower, bathroom sink, clothes washing, etc. water. A bit higher cost to purchase, but it may be the most economical in terms of $/gal treated.

Point-of-use filters (POU) - this is where the conventionally sized filters come in. This can refer to something under the sink with a dedicated faucet, a pitcher, or a refrigerator filter. I'd recommend the under-sink filters to put under your kitchen sink, with a dedicated faucet. Whirlpool makes some decent ones. This way you can also cook with de-chlorinated water. You can find these at Lowes or similar brands at the Home Depot.

Hope this helps!

ian

[FL Knifemaker]

I run one in the kitchen and a second high capacity one for my aquarium water. As mentioned above, the prefilters must be tailored to your water conditions and changed often.

[korybaugus]

Thanks for the replies! Do you mind letting me know the brand and models y'all have decided on? I'm having trouble deciding.

[syciprider]

We use it to make fresh water on newer Navy warships.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Maybe it's just because I live in a place where the drinking water is pretty good, but, whenever I've tried filtered water it is almost tasteless and pretty unpleasant.

(Tap water around my parts is better than bottled IMO)

Same here. The tap water at my house tastes great with just a little ice to keep it cold! 7 miles away at my parents house and it tastes like crap!

[Southpaw5]

I understand removing chlorine but why would you want to remove flouride from your water?

[korybaugus]

fluoride is berry berry bad for you..

[Southpaw5]

I see you enjoy cavities.

Flouride is not bad for you, rotten teeth are

Do you still think immunizing causes autism as well?