Q. HOW MUCH WATER DOES AN R.O. SYSTEM USE?
A. The average system with the automatic shut-off valves uses approximately 25 litres per day, i.e., 10 litres of product water and 15 litres of water to the drain. However, the actual water flow is so slow that most water meters cannot measure the flow.
Q. DOES YOUR SYSTEM PRODUCE MORE WASTE WATER THAN OTHER SYSTEMS?
A. The purpose of the water that becomes waste water is to rinse the outside of the membrane so that it does not become clogged. Up to a certain point, the more waste water which is produced, the longer the membrane will last. Most R.O. systems have a ratio of waste water to drinking water of between 2:1 to 6:1. If a system has too low of a ratio, for example 1:1, you will probably need to replace the membrane frequently -- and often at an extremely high price. With some systems, you have to change the membrane every six months! On the other hand, with our system, we recommend that you change the FilmTec membrane only after three to six years -- at a cost of arround $75. So you see, R.O. systems are like cars -- the cost of having one is not just the initial purchase price, but the cost of maintaining it over several years. With our system, we give you both a reasonable purchase price and low maintenance costs.
Q. DOES THE SYSTEM NEED TO RUN 24 HOURS A DAY?
No, under certain circumstances an Automatic Shut-Off Valve can be used. It shuts off all the water coming into the system as soon as the tank is 90% full. Then when the tank is half empty, the valve also turns the inlet water back on. This means the prefilters will have an extended life. However, there are circumstances where a continuous flushing of the membrane is necessary. Consult your dealer to advise you on this option.
Q. CAN YOUR SYSTEM HANDLE HARD WATER?
Yes, if your water is 600 parts per million of hardness or less, we call this moderately hard water. With this level of hardness, it can go right into the R.O. system without a problem. However, if you have harder water, it might be a good idea to have a water softener because it removes calcium, magnesium, and iron which can impair an R.O. membrane. The negative side to running softened water through the R.O. system, is that a water softener normally adds salt to the water, and a regular R.O. membrane normally removes only 90% to 95% of the salt. Thus, if you are on a low sodium diet, it would be better not to add salt to your water before sending it through your R.O. system. The only downside to not softening really hard water is that you may just have to change the membrane more often.