We found that the selection process for RO units i...

We found that the selection process for RO units is a minefield. Most impartial reviews identify the same units/companies that appear to match a fairly well defined set of consumer/buyer criteria. The US Water unit is not evaluated?? The criteria include acceptable quality, function well, easy to install, and are reasonably priced. The technical data for the systems rarely address where the unit is made only where it may have been assembled (In the US usually of Chinese or Taiwanese parts), little or no information about use of proprietary filters, and the guarantee is usually 1 year although some say 3 years.

So you read through the significant complaints or weak points for these units and comments include: leaky filter assemblies due to cracks, broken plastic valves or fittings, or they waste too much water. You will read in some of the reviews that the units should provide good service for 2-3 years when you can then buy another unit....really?

Ok so we purchased US Water because it has a history of great reviews. Dealing with the representative was easy and straightforward. He answered all my questions and then some. This unit did not appear to be sold on Amazon although some other retail outlets may handle some of their products. The source of the great reviews are that they have an all US manufactured unit albeit with quality fittings from a UK manufacturer based in the US.

We wanted to spend the money at home not in China and have that reflected in quality and years of service. Also we wanted a system that could receive industry standard filters and components. So we will see how the shipping and installation go forward and will review the unit operation when operable. Like many purchasers we only have the information that is available on line and depend on company integrity, customer reviews and impartial commercial ratings to make a sound decision. If there is any wrong or misinformation in the decision chain then our choice may not be the best one.

So I installed the system on April 23 after some minor difficulty mounting the extra microbe filter and mineralization unit. I installed it in the garage near the garage sink and clothes washer. Most of the hoses were adequate to reach the municipal water source and sink for used water disposal or further use. We will use the disposed water for washing clothes and watering plant.

After going through the recommended sanitation and rinsing/flushing process I filled a gallon jug with processed water and measured the amount of disposed water to determine the real ratio of clean water to that used for processing. The first two gallons of processed water was white and cloudy. The dissolved solids indicated by the TDS indicator was 30ppm. Our Crystal Geyser bottled water was 75ppm and the tap water was 225ppm. The disposed water from the system registered 230ppm.

The interesting result from the system was that one gallon of processed water used almost 3 (three) and (1/2) one half gallons not the (1) one gallon advertised by the company literature. Is this claim an exaggeration, a misrepresentation, or a system malfunction?? I will be in touch with the company to determine why this system is not functioning as advertised. In general the unit appears well made and designed. I did install a saddle to support the filter assembly as it only has 2 screws to suspend the assembly. In the Arizona heat plastic and all else degrades quickly so the extra support will be helpful. At this point it is difficult to determine if the money spent was a wise investment!

April 27 and the company is quick to provide technical support and address any request for needed parts. I gave the system 2 stars due to the false advertising claim that you will get 1 gallon of processed water at a price of 1 gallon of used water. The reality is 1 gallon to 3 gallons under ideal conditions. For those users who are buying this unit in order to minimize their overall waste or carbon footprint...you will have to live with reusing or wasting all that precious water!!