Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Saint Augustine?
- 2 What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Saint Augustine?
- 3 Can Residents in Saint Augustine Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
- 4 How Often Should Residents in Saint Augustine Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
- 5 Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Saint Augustine?
How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Saint Augustine?
If you decide to have a reverse osmosis system installed at your home in Saint Augustine, you can expect to spend around $450. There are many factors that contribute to your final price. Some of the biggest factors are listed below.
Cost Factor: Brand
As with most products, you’ll pay more for certain brands than others. We’re familiar with the different brands on the market and we can discuss which ones are dependable and which brands are overpriced for what they offer. Together, we can help you choose a brand name that fits your budget and meets your family’s needs best.
Cost Factor: Type
Reverse osmosis systems come in several varieties that are sold at different price points. Countertop and under-the-sink systems are much cheaper than whole-house systems and the range in prices can span thousands of dollars. We’ll help you explore the different types of systems to help you determine which one is best. The price of the system you choose will be included in your final bill.
Cost Factor: Stages and Features
Reverse osmosis systems offer filtration with a variety of stages. Some systems have only three filtration stages while others can have up to seven stages of filtration. With each additional stage added to your system, you can expect to pay a higher price. Many systems also come with additional features like enhancing the alkalinity of the water in your home. If you choose a reverse osmosis system with extra bells and whistles over a basic model, you can expect the price to be higher as well.
What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Saint Augustine?
According to Saint Augustine’s most recent water quality report, the city’s water meets all the state and federal standards for safety and the city’s tap water is considered safe for consumption. Unfortunately, the state and federal standards still allow for contaminants to still be present in your water supply at low levels. These contaminants are usually harmless but can be dangerous for small children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. Some of the most common contaminants in Saint Augustine’s water are listed below.
Nitrates
Nitrates are especially common in the water supply in private wells and they can be very dangerous to your health. At high levels, nitrates can be especially harmful to babies, causing what is known as blue baby syndrome. This condition occurs when nitrates disturb the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the baby’s body, causing their skin to turn blue. If your water contains nitrates, it’s important to find a way to have them eliminated and a reverse osmosis system is an excellent solution to your problem.
Lead
Saint Augustine’s water supply is treated so that it does not contain lead, but this contaminant can leach into the water from your home plumbing system. Old pipes contain lead and as they corrode, this contaminant can silently leak into your water at home. Old sodder can also contain lead in places where plumbing parts and fixtures were connected years ago. Lead can be very dangerous for small children and pregnant women, even in very small amounts. A reverse osmosis system will effectively eliminate any lead that comes through your pipes.
Chlorate
Saint Augustine uses a chemical called chlorate to disinfect the water supply so that it’s clean and safe for consumption. Unfortunately, this chemical is dangerous for vulnerable people to consume at high levels. Children, especially, are at risk of developing nervous system problems and anemia. Chlorate has also been proven to cause enlarged thyroids in patients who have consumed large amounts. A reverse osmosis system will effectively eliminate chlorate from your water supply so you don’t have to worry about these health risks.
Haloacetic Acids
Haloacetic acids occur in the water supply when disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter that is present. When high levels are consumed over many years, these very dangerous chemicals can cause severe health problems including bladder cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer. They can also cause reproductive problems in adults, especially in pregnant women.
Radium
If consumed in very large amounts, radium can cause serious health effects. Fortunately, most of the contaminant will be flushed out of your system in urine, but the remaining amount is stored in your tissues. Radium can weaken your immune system, causing patients to develop anemia. Radium can also cause other serious issues like the formation of cataracts, fractured teeth, and several types of cancer. A reverse osmosis system will effectively remove radium from your water supply so you don’t have to worry about potential health risks each time you fill a glass from the tap.
Trihalomethanes
Although they’re used to disinfect the water supply and control water contamination, trihalomethanes are very dangerous to your health. If consumed at high levels, these chemicals can cause cancer of the bladder, colon, and rectum. They can also affect your nervous system and reproductive system and can cause jaundice. If you’re concerned about trihalomethanes in your water supply, have your water tested. A reverse osmosis system will eliminate the contaminant so you can have peace of mind.
According to Florida’s Department of Health, the most common causes of water contamination include bacteria, nitrates, and lead. To know exactly what’s coming down the pipe, it’s important to have your water supply tested by a professional. That way, we can determine what kind of reverse osmosis system is best for your home and safest for your family.
Can Residents in Saint Augustine Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
According to the Environmental Working Group (or EWG), a reverse osmosis system will significantly reduce all the contaminants that are found in Saint Augustine’s water supply. Some of those contaminants include:
- Chlorate
- Chromium
- Haloacetic acids
- Radium
- Trihalomethanes
If you choose to have a reverse osmosis system installed in your home, you can rest assured that your drinking water will be filtered so that it’s completely safe for consumption by even your most vulnerable family members. The crisp, fresh taste is just an added bonus.
How Often Should Residents in Saint Augustine Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
Reverse osmosis systems only work effectively when the filters are replaced regularly. There are several filters that need to be replaced occasionally and it’s important to keep up with the regular maintenance. If neglected, your system can get clogged or damaged, requiring further (and costly) maintenance from a professional. Here are the filters and membranes that require replacement.
Sediment Pre-Filter
Replace the sediment pre-filter every six to twelve months. You can expect to change it more often if your water has high turbidity, but Saint Augustine’s water is generally pretty clear. Since your turbidity level is low, you can get away with having your pre-filter replaced each year and your system will still work effectively.
Carbon Pre-Filter
You should also replace your carbon pre-filter every six to twelve months. If you wait too long, your system won’t work as effectively and you’ll risk affecting the quality of your system’s membrane. Once your membrane is shot, you’ll need to have it replaced as well, much sooner than its two-year lifespan.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Expect to replace your reverse osmosis membrane every 24 months. If you forget or neglect to have it replaced every two years, you run the risk of forfeiting the quality of your water. An old membrane will allow contaminants to pass through and your tap water will no longer be as safe.
Carbon Post-Filter
Change the post-filter every 12 months to ensure that it keeps doing its job effectively. Don’t wait until the water tastes bad to change the filter, because if the flavor is affected, it’s already too late. You’ll risk affecting the water’s quality if you neglect to replace the carbon post-filter.
Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Saint Augustine?
The short answer is, no, you don’t need a water softener, but it will certainly work alongside your reverse osmosis system to keep your water contaminant free. Saint Augustine’s water is considered hard to very hard and that can mean big problems for your reverse osmosis system. Hard water is tough on pipes and can create a scale buildup that will reduce the lifespan of your system’s membrane. Hard water can also damage your reverse osmosis system, causing it to work extra hard to remove contaminants from the water supply.
Most homeowners in Saint Augustine choose to have a whole-house system installed so they can avoid problems with hard water. With this setup, a water softener and reverse osmosis system work together to deliver crystal clear, safe, and delicious drinking water to your family. The water softener will also help to prolong the life of your reverse osmosis system.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional about your water supply to determine the best route for your family’s needs. Together, we can help you determine whether you need a water softener to work alongside your reverse osmosis system.
