Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Under-sink water filter options?

I'm looking at installing an under-sink water filter with a separate dispenser faucet. I live in a condo in northern Virginia outside of Wash DC and I'm on county water. I'm new to this stuff, so I don't really know what to look for.

I was going to get the H2O US4, which is a 5-stage filtration and purification system and has a lifespan of 35,000 gallons.

H2O US4:
Link (http://www.h2ofilter.net/product.asp?i=337)

But now after browsing this forum, I'm seeing Reverse Osmosis mentioned, like the Watts Premier system for sale at Sam's Club.

Watts Premier:
Link (http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?mt=a&n=0&coe=0&oidPath=0%3A-23542%3A-43701%3A-43703%3A-43647%3A966112)

Both filtration systems are about $170, which is about as much as I want to spend on this.

Which system is better? I will say that I'd prefer the US4 because of the size, since my cabinet space under the sink is pretty limited. Also the US4 has a 35,000 gallon lifespan, which sounds like a lot to me. But I'll get the RO if that's a far better system.

An RO will give you the equivalent of "bottled" water.

The Watts is a good unit and uses standard filters and membrane. Watts has been around a long time and isn't going anywhere.

Sam's Club has it at a great price and the one here sells a replacement filter kit for under $30 (a great deal).

As always, free advice is worth what you paid for it

Thanks for the reply. I'm not a member of Sams, so I guess I have to join to buy an item there. I have a membership at Costco, but I don't know if they sell the Watts system there.

Does the Watts Premier RO system require any electric power supply? There's no electrical outlets under the sink, just the wiring to the in-sink disposal.

I'm not a member of Sams, so I guess I have to join to buy an item there. I have a membership at Costco, but I don't know if they sell the Watts system there.

The Watts RO they sell at Coscto is slightly different from the one at Sam's. IIRC it uses a non-standard membrane. I'd get a buddy to buy the one at Sam's for me.

Here's the Sam's Club RO ...
http://www.wattspremier.com/watts/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=25&CATID=1

Here's the Costco RO ...
http://www.wattspremier.com/watts/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=162&CATID=1

Does the Watts Premier RO system require any electric power supply? There's no electrical outlets under the sink, just the wiring to the in-sink disposal.

No AC required for either RO

Overall, an RO is a better choice. Even a cheap RO has technology that makes water 'cleaner' than any multi-stage filter. An RO has a semi-permeable membrane that seperates flux water (drinking water) and the concentrate water that is washed down the drain. Take a look at the link below.

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/h2oqual/watsys/ae1047w.htm

Special features to look for when choosing an RO. Make sure that it has an automatic shutoff valve so that water doesn't continuously run when the tank is full. Locally available repalcement filters. Optional ice-maker hook up.

Some good options. A TEE cold-water feed is better than a saddle valve. Some have membrane flushes; these will keep the membrane clean and last amny times longer. Designer faucet. Deionization filter which will remove nearly all remaining TDS from the water. A TDS meter that helps you monitor membrane functions.

When you say you have 'country water', does that mean it comes from a rural water treatment plant or a well servicing the condos? Does your water have chlorine? That can make a big difference in your selection of water treatment equipment.

The cost of the unit CAN reflect on quality. Look at warranties and certifications. Make a good selection as your drinking water is very important.


Andy