Reverse Osmosis Systems in Mequon, WI

Reverse Osmosis Systems in Mequon, WI

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are one of the most effective ways for Mequon homeowners to improve drinking water quality, reduce dissolved solids, and remove contaminants that affect taste, odor, and safety. Whether your home uses municipal water from Lake Michigan or a private well, an RO system can address specific concerns common in this area — from seasonal road salt impact on private wells to potential lead risks in older plumbing.

How reverse osmosis works and what it removes

Reverse osmosis pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks dissolved salts, metals, and many organic compounds while allowing water molecules to pass. Typical contaminant reduction ranges for residential RO systems:

• Total dissolved solids (TDS): 90 to 99 percent
• Lead: 95 to 99 percent
• Nitrates and nitrites: 85 to 95 percent
• Fluoride: 85 to 95 percent
• Arsenic: 90 to 99 percent (species dependent)
• PFAS: commonly 80 to 99 percent, depending on chain length and system design
• Cysts and most bacteria: high removal when combined with pre- and post-filtration; RO is not a stand-alone method for microbiologically unsafe water

These figures vary based on feed water quality, pressure, temperature, and whether the system uses accessories such as permeate pumps or booster pumps.

Under-sink vs whole-home RO: which fits Mequon homes?

Under-sink RO (point-of-use)

• Purpose: Dedicated drinking and cooking water at one sink.
• Typical production: 10 to 75 gallons per day, commonly rated at 50 GPD for household models.
• Waste ratio: older units 3:1 to 4:1 (waste:product); modern high-efficiency units or those with permeate pumps can reach 1:1 to 2:1.
• Space and installation: compact; installs under the kitchen sink with a small storage tank and separate faucet.
• Best for: homes on municipal water that want superior drinking water quality or older homes concerned about lead or chlorine taste.

Whole-home RO (point-of-entry)

• Purpose: Treats water for the entire house for every tap.
• Typical application: Used when feed water has very high TDS, specific contaminants across the whole supply, or when homeowners require RO-quality water for appliances.
• Considerations: Much higher upfront cost, larger footprint, increased wastewater, and need for substantial pre-treatment (softening, sediment filtration) to protect membranes from scaling and fouling.
• Best for: well water with very high dissolved solids, salt intrusion, or specialty needs like high-purity water throughout the home.

Typical system components

• Pre-filters: Sediment and carbon filters to remove particulates, chlorine, and organics that would damage the RO membrane.
• RO membrane: The core membrane that rejects dissolved solids and many contaminants.
• Storage tank: Holds treated water for immediate use at the faucet.
• Post-filters: Final carbon polishing stage to improve taste and remove any remaining odors.
• Optional components: Booster pump (for low incoming pressure), permeate pump (improves efficiency), UV sterilizer (for microbiological safety), remineralization filter (adds back healthy minerals and balances pH).

Installation requirements and site considerations in Mequon

• Water source: Confirm whether your home is on municipal supply or a private well. Private wells in Mequon should be tested for bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and seasonal contaminants before selecting an RO design.
• Water pressure: Most RO membranes perform best above 40 psi. Low-pressure homes will need a booster pump.
• Hardness and scaling: Hard water shortens membrane life. Pre-treatment with a water softener or scale inhibitor is recommended if hardness is elevated.
• Space and drain access: Under-sink systems need cabinet space and a drainage connection. Whole-home systems require space for larger tanks, pumps, and pre-treatment equipment.
• Wastewater disposal: RO rejects concentrated brine that must be routed to a drain. In rural settings with septic systems, confirm compatibility or consider waste-handling options.

Routine maintenance and performance monitoring

• Pre-filters (sediment and carbon): Replace every 6 to 12 months depending on water quality and usage.
• RO membrane: Replace every 2 to 5 years. High TDS, low pressure, or poor pre-filtration shorten membrane life.
• Post-filters: Replace every 6 to 12 months.
• System sanitization: Annually, or any time the system is opened for service.
• Performance checks: Use a TDS meter to check permeate vs feed water TDS. A significant rise in permeate TDS or reduced faucet flow are signs filters or membrane need service.
• Testing: For well water, conduct a full lab test annually; for municipal supplies, baseline testing before installation and periodic checks if you suspect changes (lead, seasonal contaminants, or taste/odor changes).

Certification, testing, and assurance

Select RO units certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for contaminant reduction claims. Ask for manufacturer performance data showing reduction rates for specific contaminants of concern. A third-party lab test of your water before and after installation provides the most reliable confirmation that the system meets your expectations.

Expected water production and waste ratios

• Typical residential under-sink RO: 10 to 75 gallons per day. A 50 GPD membrane is common and adequate for kitchens and drinking needs.
• Waste water: Expect 1:1 to 4:1 waste:product. Efficiency improves with higher feed pressure, lower feed TDS, permeate pumps, or booster pumps.
• Whole-home RO: Sized to demand; production and waste vary widely and require professional sizing based on household flow rates and peak usage.

Cost factors and financing considerations

• Factors that affect price: system type (under-sink vs whole-home), membrane capacity, included pre- and post-treatment, need for booster pumps or softeners, installation complexity, and local plumbing modifications.
• Typical ranges:
• Under-sink RO systems: generally range from a few hundred dollars for basic DIY models to a few thousand dollars for professionally installed, high-efficiency systems with advanced features.
• Whole-home RO systems: significantly higher, often several thousand to tens of thousands depending on capacity and pretreatment needs.
• Financing: Many homeowners use home improvement loans, payment plans through retailers or manufacturers, or energy and water-efficiency financing where available. Consider total cost of ownership: installation, annual maintenance, replacement filters and membranes, and water waste.