Water filtration systems and softeners are popular with Utah homeowners and businesses alike.
Unfortunately, many questions and myths surround these systems. If you try to find answers online, it’s easy to get even more confused, because it’s difficult to determine whether information is accurate or simply part of someone’s sales pitch.
For anyone who may be considering adding a filtration system at their home or business, one of the questions we receive is about the amount of water waste these systems potentially produce.
How Much Water Do RO Systems Waste?
Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems are the gold-standard for removing pretty much everything but water from your water – including pathogens, organic and inorganic elements, scale and even radioactive contaminants.
To accomplish this objective, RO systems use a complex process of transfer through semi-permeable membranes and special filters. The process does produce some waste but, in exchange for the exceptional results RO systems produce, its usually not enough to outweigh the benefits.
Some systems – such as the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station – use innovative technology to minimize waste while still producing the best Utah drinking water available today.
How Much Water Do Whole-Home Filtration Systems Waste?
Whole-home filtration systems use a different process and different types of filters than RO systems use. And, while they don’t provide the ultra-filtered results that reverse osmosis does, they do an exceptional job at removing chlorine and other chemicals.
They also don’t waste water in most cases.
As you might imagine, you have dozens (maybe hundreds) of different filtration systems to choose from. Your results will depend on the type of filtration system you choose. The Kinetico Whole House Filtration system uses cutting-edge carbon filtration technology to remove smelly, bad-tasting and potentially harmful chemicals and also includes a water softener to remove the hard water minerals. And, as effective as the carbon filter is, it can last for up to ten years under normal use.
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System for You
The right answer for you might be a combination of solutions, depending on your goals and the specific issues you have at your location.
If your water quality is particularly poor – meaning it contains chlorine and other contaminants in addition to having a high mineral content – you may want to consider installing an RO system at your kitchen sink. This way, you will have exceptional quality water handy for drinking and cooking purposes. This is also ideal for giving your glassware a final rinse, to eliminate those annoying water spots.
Adding a whole-home filtration or soft water system will improve your water sufficiently to reduce wear and tear on plumbing fixtures, faucets and appliances. Your skin and hair will feel better, you’ll use less soap and shampoo, and your laundry will get cleaner than ever before.
And, by choosing this combination of filtration systems, you’ll minimize water waste and save money too.
Start by determining the specific issues present in your water. Kinetico offers water testing for homeowners and businesses throughout northern Utah. Based on the results, we can recommend the most efficient and water-wise options for your needs and your budget.
Contact us today to request an estimate for your Utah water filtration or softener system.