Reverse Osmosis Systems in Colorado

RO removes dissolved contaminants at the molecular level — lead, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, sulfates, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and many other chemicals. It also reduces total dissolved solids (TDS), which is why RO water tastes noticeably different from tap. A well-specified RO membrane can reject 95–99% of dissolved contaminants.

Point-of-use RO is installed under a single faucet — usually the kitchen — and treats the water you drink and cook with. Whole house RO is installed at the main line and treats every tap, shower, and appliance. Whole house is more thorough but more expensive and produces more wastewater; POU is the most common residential setup.

Older RO systems could send 4–5 gallons to drain for every gallon produced. Modern systems with permeate pumps and high-efficiency membranes cut that to roughly 1:1 or 2:1. We specify efficient systems, and on well water the rinse water can be routed to outdoor use.

RO membranes typically last 2–5 years, depending on the system and your water. Pre- and post-filters are replaced more often — usually every 6 to 12 months. We keep the schedule on file and remind you when service is due. Skipping pre-filter changes is the #1 cause of premature membrane failure — the membrane clogs with sediment and chlorine damage that the pre-filters would have caught.

Yes. Properly specified RO is one of the most effective residential treatments for PFAS, often bringing levels below detection. If PFAS is the primary concern, we can test for it and design a system around it — see our PFAS removal services for more.

Some people describe RO water as flat because the dissolved minerals that give tap water its character are removed. A post-carbon polishing stage (which our systems include) and a remineralization cartridge are the usual fixes. Most people prefer the taste of properly treated RO once they're used to it.

Yes — NSF/ANSI 58 is the national standard for point-of-use reverse osmosis systems. It certifies contaminant reduction performance, structural integrity, and total dissolved solids reduction. We install systems that meet this standard.

Most point-of-use reverse osmosis systems in Colorado run between $800 and $1,800 fully installed, depending on the number of stages, whether a remineralization filter is added, and the system type (traditional tank vs. tankless). Whole-house RO runs more because it treats every tap. The only honest answer comes after a water test — we'll explain exactly what you're paying for and why. No pressure, no upselling.

TDS stands for total dissolved solids — the combined total of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in your water. It includes minerals, salts, and metals. RO reduces TDS dramatically, which is why RO water tastes different. A TDS meter is a quick way to verify your system is working — if the reading drops significantly after installation, the membrane is doing its job.

The RO membrane has extremely fine pores and is easily damaged by sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants. Pre-filters catch these before they reach the membrane — sediment filters remove particles down to 5 microns, and carbon filters strip chlorine that would otherwise degrade the membrane over time. Without pre-filtration, the membrane would clog and fail within months instead of lasting years.