Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Georgetown?
- 2 What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Georgetown?
- 3 Can Residents in Georgetown Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
- 4 How Often Should Residents in Georgetown Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
- 5 Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Georgetown?
How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Georgetown?
The amount of money you will pay for a reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown can vary depending on a few factors. Your water and filtration needs may differ from other homeowners, so we can only give you an average cost based on past work. Most installations will average between $295 and $985. If you need an exact quote, we can help. Here are some cost factors to keep in mind.
Cost Factor: Size of Reverse Osmosis System
Most homeowners decide to get an under-counter reverse osmosis system and tank installed under their kitchen counter. These can come in different sizes and most people choose three to six stages of filtration. You will also have the choice of adding a seventh stage, which is UV light for sanitation. The more filtration steps you choose, the higher the price tag. You will also need to decide how big your pressure tank will be.
Cost Factor: Filtration Choices
On top of the filtration stages, you will also need to choose the type of filtration. These will often include; the sediment pre-filter, carbon pre-filter, semi-permeable membrane, and the post-filter for when the water leaves the tank. If you decide to go with a bigger system with more stages, you will need to figure out which additional filters you want to include. This will add to your cost for reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown, Texas.
Cost Factor: Brands and Extra Features
Everything you buy today comes in several different brand choices. There are well-known brands of reverse osmosis systems available. If you need help deciding on one, we can help. Your best bet is to go with one that is trusted by plumbers and comes with a warranty.
What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Georgetown?
The primary reason homeowners ask us for reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown is due to water contaminants. Unfortunately, the city has quite a few compounds that make people uncomfortable, especially folks that already have health problems. Here are some of the common water contaminants in Georgetown.
Chloroform
During the process of chlorinating your drinking water, chloroform is released into the air. Some people will mention a “chlorine” smell when they take a shower. This is likely what they are smelling. The EPA classifies chloroform as a Group B2, a probable human carcinogen. They can’t rule out whether it causes cancer because there is not enough evidence yet. Here are some possible side effects of chronic inhalation of chloroform in humans:
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Depression
- Irritability
- Kidney problems (animal studies)
Although there is insufficient evidence to know what level of chloroform is “safe”, most people would rather eliminate it altogether. A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown will remove chloroform from your drinking water.
Bromoform
Although this chemical is used in many manufacturing industries, like fire-resistant chemicals, and for waxes, most people are exposed to it through their tap water. This contaminant is caused when water is sanitized by chlorine, bromine, or bromine compounds. This contaminant has been tested as high as 3.2 PPB. Some side effects of bromoform ingestion include:
- Slowing or delayed brain function
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Liver tumors (animal studies)
- Intestinal tumors (animal studies)
Bromoform is classified as a Group B2, a probable human carcinogen. This means that there is insufficient evidence to say whether it causes cancer but that it can’t be ruled out as a cause. Measurable levels of bromoform can be seen in human blood tests. You can eliminate this contaminant from your drinking water with a reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown.
Chromium (hexavalent)
Chromium is a natural part of the environment and is found in rocks, soil, plants, animals, and volcanic dust. There are two primary forms of this element:
- Trivalent chromium, AKA chromium-3, is found in most fruits, vegetables, grain products, yeast, and meats. This is essential to human health.
- Hexavalent chromium, AKA chromium-6, is also found naturally in the environment due to the erosion of chromium deposits. It can also be released into the environment by industrial companies by accident or on purpose, causing pollution.
The assessments so far indicate that chromium-6 is the more harmful of the two at higher amounts. Although they don’t yet know what that “amount” is. Currently, it is set at a total chromium of 0.1 mg/per liter, which may be too high and is being reconsidered. A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown will remove all forms of chromium, giving you better peace of mind.
Dibromochloromethane
This contaminant occurs in your water due to regular chlorination of public tap water. This process is necessary to reduce bacteria and viral growth in the water. Dibromochloromethane is formed when chlorine reacts to other chemicals in the drinking water. Dibromochloromethane has historically been used as an ingredient in pesticides, fire-extinguisher fluids, and refrigerator fluid.
Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to know what kind of long-term health effects you can expect from exposure at low levels. Many scientists suggest any level above the EPA’s 0.1 PPM could result in liver cancer and other liver problems. A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown can remove dibromochloromethane from your family’s drinking water.
Bromodichloromethane
This particular chemical is a byproduct that’s produced when chlorine or chemicals with chlorine are added to drinking water. The reason this chlorine is added to the water is to kill bacteria. Too much bromodichloromethane has been known to cause these health problems in lab animals:
- Cancers
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Decreased immune response
- Higher risk of miscarriage
- Decreased birth weight
The possible health effects of children exposed to bromodichloromethane are not yet known. This contaminant ranges between 0.0-20.3 PPB in Georgetown’s municipal water supply. Reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown can remove this byproduct from your family’s drinking water.
Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is formed when chlorine is used to disinfect municipal water supplies. It is also used in the medical and scientific fields for tattoo removal, chemical face peels, and removing warts. The EPA has set 0.060 mg/L or 60 ppb for an acceptable limit. However, there is no established safe amount for ingestion. Here are some known health issues with high exposure to DCA:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Infertility
- Fetal developmental problems
- Eye problems
- Nervous system issues
- Cancers
Although dichloroacetic acid does have some medical uses, it does not belong in our drinking water. A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown will remove DCA from your drinking water.
Nitrate
Nitrates usually find their way into the drinking water supply from industrial and agricultural sites. They come from septic tank waste, fertilizers, and manure. This is a natural organic compound and it is considered safe at very low levels. However, at high levels, you may see these health problems:
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disorders
- Blood poisoning
- Higher risk of cancer
- Blue-baby syndrome
The nitrate in Georgetown is measured around 0.08-3.51 in the site locations they test. The EPA has set its upper recommended limit to protect against blue-baby syndrome at 10 mg/L. It is important to note that nitrates are also added to the food supply. Therefore, if you have even moderate nitrate in your water, it may be too much when combined with other sources you might be ingesting. A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown will remove nitrates from your drinking water.
Can Residents in Georgetown Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
A reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown is a big decision for most residents. You might be trying to weigh the added costs with the benefits. We can’t tell you if reverse osmosis is right for you or your situation, but we can share some of the benefits.
- People with reverse osmosis notice a cleaner taste and better smell.
- Food tastes better when it is cooked in filtered water.
- Less sodium is better for people with high blood pressure.
- Safest water for cancer patients.
- It is free from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and lead, which is better for your health.
- Residents with reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown have better peace of mind.
How Often Should Residents in Georgetown Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
If you have a family of four and a pet, you are using roughly the average amount of household drinking water as most Americans. If this is the case, you may want to replace your pre-filter every 3-4 months. This is because they will be working harder in Georgetown. The other filters will typically last 12 months with this amount of use. Your reverse osmosis membrane should last between 2-3 years. If, on the other hand, you are the only one using your system, all of your filters will last you longer.
Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Georgetown?
Hard water is a problem in Texas, with most cities averaging at or above 200 ppm, mostly from excess minerals. Georgetown municipal water is very hard, which is noticeable as white crusty residue on your fixtures and dishes. The residue also affects your plumbing, washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. All of which won’t last as long if they work harder due to hard water.
This problem is causing many residents to install water softeners and a reverse osmosis system installation in Georgetown. Is this necessary? It all depends on how strongly you and your family feel about your water quality. Your reverse osmosis system will likely be installed in the kitchen sink and your fridge water port. This is going to give you great, clean drinking water. The rest of your home will still be hard water.
If you want to bathe in clean, soft water, you will need a water softener. This will also make your clothes less stiff, your skin will be less itchy, and your hair will be softer because it won’t have a hard water residue on it. Moreover, mineral buildup from hard water puts extra strain on your reverse osmosis system, so while you don’t need to install a water softener with your RO system, we highly recommend it.
