A decent under-sink RO system costs $150 to $600. Replacement filters run about $50 to $100 per year. That’s a lot of tap water you could buy for free.
The installation is a pain. You’ll need to drill a hole in your counter or sink. Your spouse will sigh. “Is this really necessary?”
But once it’s done, you feel like a water wizard. You’ll pour a glass and smirk at your “normal” tap-drinking friends. It’s a status symbol for hydration nerds.
The Wasted Water Problem
Let’s circle back to the 3:1 waste ratio. If you drink 2 gallons of RO water per day, you’re tossing 6 gallons down the drain.
That’s like flushing a toilet six extra times. For the environment, it’s a facepalm. For your water bill, it’s a slow bleed.
Some systems have “permeate pumps” that reduce waste. But they’re add-ons, and they make the whole thing louder. Your kitchen will sound like a tiny spaceship.
