Does reverse osmosis contribute to the well being of your family (especially your children)?
Is it safe?
Are reverse osmosis’ costs reasonable and manageable?
I don’t blame you for taking precautions. These systems aren’t cheap and it’s your right to know what you’re signing up for. If you’re looking for a straightforward answer, then yes, reverse osmosis systems are worth every penny.
However, I want to be reasonable and back the answer with facts.
Did you know that young children are 5 times more vulnerable to heavy metals such as Lead and Arsenic? Lead can drastically affect your child’s IQ and even alter his/her behavior. However, reverse osmosis water is clear of heavy metals.
There are many other benefits of drinking reverse osmosis water. This still hasn’t stopped people from wondering whether RO water is bad for you (read about it here). This post should help dispel any mistaken beliefs regarding this.
Reverse osmosis in simple words
Reverse osmosis is the latest trend in the water treatment industry. It purifies normal contaminated tap water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane and several other filters in a system.
There are a lot of RO systems in the market varying in price, size, and functionality.
The three most popular types are:
- The standard under-the-sink system
- Countertop system
- Whole-house system
How much does a home reverse osmosis system cost?
On average $150-$500. Of course, the prices vary from one manufacturer to another and are affected by several factors.
I snooped around and even found several RO systems under $100!
However, you need to be careful, the cheaper the price, the more you’re compromising on quality, and the higher your maintenance costs. You can, of course, think about buying a water softener, that’s a solid alternative with arguments in it’s favor, but reverse osmosis systems come with its own benefits in terms of purifying the water.
Factors affecting reverse osmosis costs
Size
This has a lot to do with your household’s daily water requirements. If you’re looking for a small and simple system for everyday use such as drinking and cooking, then the under-the-sink system is for you.
However, some want to supply their entire house with clean purified water. Their best pick would be the more expensive whole-house system. However, its installation and maintenance costs are higher compared to the standard and countertop RO systems.
Functionality
It’s safe to say that all reverse osmosis systems are unique. Each has its add-ons, efficiency, and production rate.
A standard RO system has 4 filters. However, there are others with 5 or more.
The more the filters, the higher the price. This is because each filter has its intended purpose. Some systems come with re-mineralizing filters that re-inject essential minerals and elements lost during the purification process.
Small to Medium-level reverse osmosis costs
The Countertop System
It’s the cheapest reverse osmosis system in the market at $60-$450.
It’s also the easiest to install and doesn’t require professional plumbing. Just buy one and set it up on your countertop in less than an hour. All you need is a guidebook and peace of mind (when the kids are in school).
The Under-the-sink System
The under-the-sink system is the mid-level factor in the group. It’s also the most popular one.
A single unit can be bought for $100-$500. Unlike the countertop system, this one needs some drilling, fitting, and plumbing skills. Some of you experienced dare-devils can handle it, but it’s best to seek professional help (especially for the drilling part). Fortunately, some suppliers offer free installation services.
Reverse osmosis whole house costs
The whole house RO system is a heavy investment. You need to have a minimum of $500 to afford a simple whole house system.
The average price for a decent whole house RO system is $1500-$2500. This price also includes the purchase of a light-weight pump and an atmospheric tank. In addition to that, you’ll also have to cater for the installation costs.
A Real-life Expenditure Mock-up of Reverse Osmosis Water vs Bottled Water
According to Statista, the average size of a household in the US is 2.52 people. I rounded it off to 3 people per household.
Take note that:
- Bottled water can be bought at an average price of $0.25 per liter
- Tap water is at $0.0017 per liter
- The annual cost of maintenance, membrane, and filter replacement for an under-the-sink RO system is $90
- The price of a decent high-quality reverse osmosis system is around $300
- A healthy person should drink at least 2 liters of water every day (6 liters in total)
- A high-quality RO system wastes 4 liters of water for every 1 liter of pure water made (A waste factor of 5)
Let’s do the math!
For Reverse Osmosis water: $0.0017/liter x 6 liters/day x 5 (the waste factor) x 365days = $18.615/year
For bottled water: $0.25/liter x 6 liters/day x 365 days = $547.5/year
Savings made in 1 year from drinking water: $547.5 – $18.6 – $90 (maintenance) = $438.9 (That’s almost half a thousand dollars!)
You’ll save $138.9 in the first year of purchasing your new RO system ($438.9 – $300 = $138.9 in the first year).
What about my family’s health? Is Reverse osmosis water safe? What about de-mineralization?
It’s true, de-mineralization was a problem with old RO systems. However, the new, modern, and sophisticated systems have inbuilt filters that re-inject essential minerals and elements lost in the purification process.
Modern RO systems produce alkaline water. Ever heard of Pi-Water? It has miraculous benefits such as:
- Boosts body’s immune system
- It possesses powerful hydrating properties
- It slows down your aging process
- Has calcium and magnesium minerals that are crucial for healthy bones
