Reverse osmosis water (RO water) is a healthy and affordable option for drinking water: it’s safer than tap water, but cheaper than bottled mineral water.
You can install a reverse osmosis system at your home and filtrate tap water yourself – or you buy RO water from a nearby, local store.
If you are searching for a convenient option to get some, we have you covered with this post.
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Table of Contents
- What is Reverse Osmosis Water?
- Where Can You Buy RO Water?
- 3 Reasons to Drink RO Water
- Buying a Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home
- Conclusion
What is Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse osmosis is a very popular method for water filtration that is used to provide cleaning drinking water to people all over the world. The method removes harmful compounds that are often found in the water we drink daily. Many of which can lead to serious health issues later on down the road.
During the reverse osmosis process, pressure and a semi-permeable membrane is used to purify the water by removing up to 1,000 different impurities and foreign contaminants.
One of the many reasons reverse osmosis water has become so popular recently, is because people are starting to realize the safety of their drinking water is up to them. It’s sad to say, but we can no longer depend on the Government or other appointed officials to ensure we have access to clean drinking water.
That’s why it is so important you take matters in your own hands. Making sure your family has access to clean, safe drinking water is one of the best things you can do.
Where Can You Buy RO Water?
You can get access to reverse osmosis water relatively easy. Most grocery stores, retail chains and gas stations sell it, for around $0.5 to $1 per gallon. At self-service RO water dispensaries, you can buy water for a cheaper price, from $0.3 to $0.5 per gallon.
Bottled RO Water
Here’s a list of supermarket chains which their own brands sell RO purified water in bottles, and the prices:
| Shop | Product example | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Great Value Purified Water, 16.9 fl oz, 35 Count Bottles | $3.33 | Visit shop |
| Walgreens | Nice! Purified Water, 16.9 oz x 24 pack | $2.99 | Visit shop |
| Target | Purified Water Good & Gather™, 1 gal | $0.99 | Visit shop |
| Kroger | Kroger® Purified Drinking Water, 32 bottles / 16.9 fl oz | $3.79 | Visit shop |
| WholeFoods | various Alkaline water | ? | Visit shop |
You can buy bottled, RO-purified water from popular brands almost anywhere, in grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations – they tend to be more expensive:
- Aquafina
- Dasani
- Essentia
- Nestle PureLife
Self-Service RO Water Dispensaries
In various stores, you’ll find self-service water dispenser machines, where you can fill bottles. A gallon costs below $0.5, which makes this option much more affordable – and eco-friendly because you don’t have to buy disposable plastic bottles.
Find locations with water dispensers from the following companies:
- FreshPure Waters: Location finder
- H2O to Go: Location finder (scroll down a bit)
- Primo Water: Location finder
3 Reasons to Drink RO Water
With so many kinds of water on the market, why should you opt for reverse osmosis water?
It Tastes Better Than Tap Water
Let’s be honest, tap water has a very stale and bitter taste. For most of us, drinking it can be quite difficult. The good news is, reverse osmosis water actually tastes pretty good.
Being that it is void of chemicals and debris, it has a very refreshing taste. Before going through the reverse osmosis process, the chemicals in the water can make it not as fresh as you would want it to be.
And no matter how you feel about reverse osmosis water, there is a noticeable difference you simply can’t deny.
Not everyone will have a positive response to water that has been treated using the reverse osmosis process. This is because some people prefer the taste of spring water over that of reverse osmosis water.
The big difference between the two is that unlike reverse osmosis treated water, spring water retains all of its natural minerals.
The good news is thanks to technology you are able to choose how many stages you want your drinking water to go through. Being able to do this gives you the freedom to decide exactly how you want your water to taste.
It Is Contaminant-Free
The biggest reason people use reverse osmosis water is because it is free of contaminants. The primary purpose of the reverse osmosis process is to get rid of particles and impurities that can be dangerous to your health.
While removing these harmful contaminants is crucial, it is sometimes found that the healthy minerals are also being removed.
But don’t worry, it is believed your body isn’t able to fully use the minerals found in the water. So technically, it isn’t something you should worry too much about.
Interesting to know: Can reverse osmosis remove chlorine?
It Will Help You Save Money
RO water is much cheaper than mineral water or spring water, but it’s safe, healthy, and tasty nevertheless.
However, over time, bottled water can get costly. While it may not seem like much now, if you buy a 24 pack of bottled water every time you go to the store, you are spending well over $200 a year in water alone.
That’s why you might be considering investing in a reverse osmosis system for your home.
Buying a Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home
You can get a top-notch reverse osmosis system for less than $200, and it will last for several years. That means you could be saving quite a bit of money in the end.
Let’s talk about a few of the different type of reverse osmosis systems you can invest in.
Here are 4 of the best reverse osmosis systems for sale on Amazon:
Express Water 5-Stage Residential Reverse Osmosis System (50GPD)
Check the price on Amazon
To ensure you always have access to safe and clean water, the Express Water 5-Stage Residential Reverse Osmosis System (50GPD) uses 5 different stages of filtration. And thanks to its NSF-certified 50 GPD (gallons per day) membrane and NSF-certified steel storage tank, you can be sure your family is getting the best drinking water for your home.
As far as installation goes, everything you need will be included in the package. Just know installation may take a while as there are quite a few parts you will need to put together.
One great feature of this system is the automatic shut off valve. Once the water reaches a certain level the system will automatically shut down.
iSpring RCC7P5 – 5-Stage Under-Counter Reverse Osmosis Water Filter with Quick Fitting (50GPD)
Check the price on Amazon
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, iSpring is one of the most popular brands on the market. This particular iSpring reverse osmosis system, model RCC7P5, is 100% automated. It uses 5 stages to filter the water and comes with a 50 GPD membrane. That means it can make enough water for the average-sized family home.
One of the things that make iSpring so popular is the fact they wet test all systems before they are shipped to the customer. This ensures you receive a leak free system and can install it as soon as you get it.
While the system does come with fittings, you may need to purchase additional ones as the fittings included may not fit your existing plumbing.
EcoPure ECOP20 Dual Stage Undersink Water Filtration System
Check the price on Amazon
If you want a system that keeps the mess at bay, you will love the EcoPure Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System. This system is sleek and very compact, so you never have to worry about it taking up too much space.
It can remove various contaminants including lead, chlorine, and cysts. You will basically be able to produce bottled water quality drinking water right from the comfort of your home.
This system comes with its very own chrome faucet to make it easy for you to get access to the water.
The faucet features a filter change reminder light, so you never forget when it’s time to switch out the old filter and add a new one. The filters are also encapsulated, making them quick and easy to change.
If you are looking for a simple, sort of plain Jane system that can get the job done, this is the one you want.
The only downside would be the fact you need batteries in order for the system to work. There is a set included with the kit, and they can last over 4000 hours.
APEC – Premium 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System (Ultra Safe, Built in the USA)
Check the price on Amazon
For those looking to buy American, the APEC – Premium 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System is one of the few systems built right in the United States of America.
It is ultra safe and has the ability to remove up to 99% of the contaminants and chemicals found in both tap and well water. Once the water has been placed in the system it will go through 5 stages and ultimately come out clean, crisp and safe for your entire family to drink.
The APEC ROES-50 is made using the highest quality materials you can find. It is also a noise free machine that is durable and can last for many years to come.
This reverse osmosis system is easy to install and just as easy to maintain. Simply replace the filters once or twice a year and you will always have access to safe, great tasting water.
APEC Water – Permeate Pumped Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System for Low Water Pressure Homes (Top Tier, High Efficiency, Built in the USA)
Check the price on Amazon
This is yet another system built in the USA. It is a top-notch system that has a very high efficiency rate. If you have low-pressure water in your home, this is the best system for you.
This state of the art system uses 5 stages to remove up to 99% of chemicals and contaminants from the water you drink.
This system features a patented permeate pump technology that increases the amount of pressure being delivered to the faucet. This allows water to flow faster through the system, which means you can produce more clean drinking water in a shorter period of time.
This system also comes with a lead free chrome faucet, JG tubing that is food grade and super capacity filters that have the potential to last twice as long as other filters on the market.
Hydro-Logic 31035 100-GPD Stealth-RO100 Reverse Osmosis Filter
Check the price on Amazon
The Hydro-Logic 31035 100-GPD Stealth-RO100 Reverse Osmosis Filter is one of the smallest systems on the market. But don’t let the size fool you. This system can do the job of systems that are twice its size.
The system is capable of removing up to 98% of chemicals and contaminants and can produce high-quality drinking water that is comparable to commercial bottled water.
One thing you do need to be aware of is the rate at which this system produces water. It is found to be a little slower than other reverse osmosis systems on the market. Even still, it can produce up to 100 gallons a day and is perfect for the average size family.
APEC Water – Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter (Portable, Installation-Free, Built in the USA)
Check the price on Amazon
The great thing about this system is that it’s portable. That means you can have access to clean, great tasting water on the go. The entire system is portable and require zero installation.
With zero installation required you are free to take the system with you everywhere you go. As long as you can hook it up to a sink you will be able to produce quality drinking water from virtually anywhere.
If you are always on the move and you have very little space to spare, the APEC Water – Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter (Portable, Installation-Free, Built in the USA) would be the perfect reverse osmosis system for you and your family.
The only downside is how slow it produces clean water. Your best bet is to take one day a week and fill up as many jars full of water as you can. This way you will always have clean drinking on hand when you need it.
Also read: Is bottled water distilled?
Conclusion
Finding a good quality reverse osmosis system that fits your needs does not have to be complicated or difficult. The key is to do a little research in advance so you will have an idea of what features are important to you.
And as far as price goes, with so many different options available you are sure to find one that fits your budget.
If you want to know more, check out our big informational guide on reverse osmosis systems here.
