Why homeowners choose reverse osmosis
- Better taste for drinking, coffee, tea and ice, without the mineral or chlorine taste
- No more buying, carrying and recycling bottled water
- Removes the extra sodium a water softener adds, so softened homes still get good drinking water
- Reduces dissolved solids, plus contaminants such as lead, nitrates and arsenic when the system is certified for them
- Peace of mind for well owners near farmland, where nitrates are a common concern
- Clear ice cubes and less scale in kettles and coffee makers
How it works
Water passes through a sediment and carbon pre-filter, then a reverse osmosis membrane fine enough to hold back dissolved salts and many contaminants. A final carbon filter polishes the taste before the water reaches its own faucet at the sink.
The system fits under the kitchen sink. You keep your regular tap for washing up and use the reverse osmosis faucet for drinking and cooking.
Reverse osmosis on well water
On a private well, we test the water first. Hard water, iron or sulphur should be treated before it reaches the membrane, so we often pair reverse osmosis with a softener or iron filter. Reverse osmosis is not a substitute for disinfection: if your well has bacteria, a UV system is the right fix.
What to look for in a system
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Certification | NSF/ANSI 58 certification for reverse osmosis, with the specific contaminants listed |
| Tank or tankless | A small storage tank is simple and affordable. Tankless units save space and deliver water on demand |
| Remineralization | An optional stage that adds calcium and magnesium back for taste |
| Filter changes | Pre and post filters roughly every 6 to 12 months, the membrane every 2 to 3 years |
Where we can help
We provide reverse osmosis drinking water service in Guelph, Puslinch & Aberfoyle, Erin & Hillsburgh, Rockwood & Guelph/Eramosa, Fergus & Elora and Ayr & North Dumfries.
Helpful guides
- Is Guelph Water Hard? What It Means for Your Home
- What Size Water Softener Do I Need? A Guide for Guelph-Area Homes
- Reverse Osmosis vs Bottled Water: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Questions about reverse osmosis drinking water
Does reverse osmosis remove the minerals from water?
Yes, along with most other dissolved solids. Most people prefer the clean taste. If you would like minerals back, a remineralization stage adds calcium and magnesium after the membrane.
Is reverse osmosis worth it on Guelph city water?
Guelph water is safe to drink, but it is hard, and many homes add a softener. Reverse osmosis gives you low-sodium, great-tasting drinking water at the kitchen sink, which is why it is a common pairing with a softener.
Does a reverse osmosis system waste water?
Some water is used to rinse the membrane. Modern systems are much more efficient than older ones, and a permeate pump or tankless design can reduce the waste further.
How much maintenance does it need?
Change the pre and post filters about once a year and the membrane every two to three years. We can set up a reminder schedule when we install it.