How Much Does A Reverse Osmosis System Cost?

While all reverse osmosis systems filter water using the same fundamental technology, you’ll find two distinct types of reverse osmosis systems.

Whole-House Systems

Whole-house systems—sometimes also called “point of entry” systems—treat water at the point it enters your home from the main water line. These systems are great for homes using well water or rain water or homes with contaminants in the water undesirable not just for drinking and cooking but for bathing and other water uses.

Whole-house reverse osmosis systems can cost anywhere from $750 to $7,500 depending on the size of your home. The cost is high because these systems must be fully installed to the mainline of your home, which is a much more complex process than simply disconnecting a faucet.

Point of Use Systems

Point of use systems treat water at the “point of use”, usually a sink faucet. These systems are great because they treat the water right where you need it and don’t treat water used for showering, washing clothes and lawn care if you don’t need it. This extends filter life and wear on equipment.

Reverse osmosis filters installed directly on faucets can sometimes be slow, and the attachment can be quite bulky. Point of use systems also include undersink filters which treat water either instantly with tankless filter systems or which fill up a large tank that stores treated water under your sink to be ready when you need it. This helps keep the look and size of your faucet manageable and keeps your water pressure nice and strong.

Point of use systems can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 depending on the type (countertop, under-sink with tank or tankless) and the complexity of installation.

A commercial reverse osmosis system for use in a commercial space or in a large residential space may be much more expensive. These commercial systems must be much higher capacity to meet the needs of filtering and dispensing a large amount of water from multiple points of use, especially for restaurants, hotels and breweries. Commercial systems can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 with an additional installation cost of $500 to $2,000.

While some reverse osmosis systems are designed to be user-friendly to install with easy-to-follow DIY instructions, others require a complex knowledge of plumbing and would not be suitable for the average homeowner. It would typically be best to hire a qualified plumber for these systems.

Countertop systems and some under-sink installs can be quick and easy, while other under-sink systems (and certainly any whole home system) will likely require a plumber and incur an installation installation cost. Installation costs vary with the type of system but can run anywhere from $100 to $800 or more depending on the type of system. Complex whole home installs could be even more costly, and any price is likely to vary based on location and other factors.

The cost of a reverse osmosis system can be affected by a number of factors. Our estimates are rough—always add extra to your budget.

Size and Type

The price of reverse osmosis systems will vary depending on the size and type of the system. Countertop units can be just a few hundred dollars while under-sink units may run between $300 and $800. For $1,000 higher, you can install a whole-house system to treat all the water right where it enters your home on the mainline. Every faucet, showerhead and icemaker in your home can be supplied with filtered water using a whole-house system.

Filtration Process and NSF Certification

While all reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter microscopic contaminants from your water, some systems feature more intensive filters than others. The quality of the filtration system will often be reflected in the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification rating which guarantees the product filters out one or more specific contaminants.

The NSF standards for reverse osmosis filters which cover common contaminants and impurities present in and capable of filtration are: 42, 53, 58, 401 and P473.

Efficiency

Reverse osmosis is a simple, reliable and highly effective method to produce safe drinking water. When it works properly, it can remove virtually all the impurities in water, leaving only pure, fresh drinking water. Therefore, the efficiency of a reverse osmosis system is a measurement of how quickly the system can produce filtered water and how much water has been lost in the process. Most systems can produce over 2 gallons of filtered water per hour, but their efficiency depends on the RO membrane they use.

Brand

Let’s face it: filtering water is expensive. But the last thing you want is to go through the same headache of replacing your system every few years. Certain water filters on the market can last more than a decade before they need to be replaced, which is an investment worth making.

If you’re prepared to gamble on a newer product, you could save yourself a few hundred dollars—make sure the manufacturer has all the proper certifications and the system you choose has a good warranty.

Additional Features

Common add-ons include extra pumps to help boost pressure and increase both the efficiency and the flow rate of the system. These are especially common with tank systems that need to pump water back out of a tank at an appropriate pressure. Another common additional feature is a remineralization process which helps add important-for-humans minerals that the reverse osmosis process removes.

The remineralization also re-balances the pH of the water to the correct alkalinity which may reduce corrosion of your home’s pipes.

Understanding the true cost of operating a reverse osmosis unit takes more than simply calculating the system’s purchase price. It would help if you considered frequently overlooked factors such as maintenance, filter costs, energy usage, wastewater and brands.

Filters

On top of an initial price tag and labor costs, reverse osmosis systems contain multiple levels of filters you’ll need to change out. Depending on the manufacturer, the recommended lifespan for reverse osmosis membranes is one to three years. Annual filter and other maintenance costs may range from $50 to $100 a year, with higher costs for whole-home systems over point-of-use systems.

Electricity

In addition to filters and maintenance prices, reverse osmosis systems are notoriously inefficient compared to other filtration systems and create significantly more wastewater. Your water bill will reflect this wasted water, so additional water use fees are another consideration when installing a reverse osmosis system.

Wastewater

There are times when choosing the best water filter is easy, especially if you want clean water. However, if you’re concerned about water waste when using a reverse osmosis system, consider the size of the installation and how frequently it will be used. A small whole-home reverse osmosis system wastes more water than a smaller unit in your kitchen—you’d only notice the difference on your water bill if you were using a high-volume application.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is the opposite of the osmosis process, which involves pushing water through a semipermeable membrane that allows only specific molecules to pass through. This means reverse osmosis systems can purify water by removing impurities and contaminants.

The reverse osmosis process begins with pre-filtration, where larger particles and sediments are removed from the water stream to protect the RO membrane. Pressure is then applied to the water, forcing it through the semipermeable membrane, which blocks dissolved solids, minerals, bacteria and other contaminants and allows water molecules to pass through. This separation is based on molecular size and charge, ensuring the impurities are left behind while the pure water is collected in a holding tank.

RO filtration stands out due to its ability to purify water at a molecular level, which is a more advanced and thorough process compared to standard filtration methods. Unlike traditional filters that target specific contaminants using chemicals or materials, RO systems employ a semi-permeable membrane with incredibly tiny pores, approximately 0.0001 microns in size. This precision allows only water molecules to pass through while effectively capturing and removing a wide array of contaminants, including dissolved salts, organic compounds, bacteria and other minute particles.

What truly sets RO apart is its efficiency in reducing a vast spectrum of impurities that many other systems cannot address. The process involves applying pressure to push water through the RO membrane, leaving contaminants behind. This results in water that is not only cleaner and safer for consumption but also has a noticeably improved taste and odor. The capability of RO systems to deliver such a high level of purification makes them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial applications, ensuring access to high-quality water for drinking, cooking and other essential uses.

RO systems are highly efficient at removing impurities from water, providing clean and safe drinking water. They also reduce sediment and particles, offer convenience and cost-effectiveness, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Overall, RO systems deliver multiple benefits, ensuring purified water for various applications.

Reduced Contaminants

You’ve probably heard about RO systems if you’re an avid water drinker. These systems are highly effective in reducing contaminants in water, which means that the water you drink is cleaner and healthier than before. The semipermeable membrane used in the process can filter out impurities such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, sulfates and various dissolved solids. 

Less Sediment

RO systems are effective at removing sediment and particles from the water supply, including dirt, sand, rust and other solid materials that may be present. By eliminating these particles, RO systems help improve the clarity and appearance of the water, making it more visually appealing and more suitable for drinking.

Energy Efficient

RO systems have improved energy efficiency through innovative technologies, such as high-quality membranes and efficient pumps. These advancements minimize energy requirements and operating costs while promoting environmental sustainability. Smart controls and automation features further optimize performance and reduce energy waste. Overall, energy-efficient RO systems provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water purification.

When you begin researching reverse osmosis systems, looking for ones from a reputable brand is a great place to start. Many quality reverse osmosis filter brands have been around for decades and earned their reputation and solid customer base. They can afford to charge a premium because they will likely be around for years if you opt for their system.

Therefore, when doing your research, check out the best reverse osmosis water filters.

You may wonder whether you should install an RO system in your home. The answer to this question depends on several factors that vary from person to person.

First, consider the quality of your tap water. If it contains high levels of contaminants, such as dissolved solids, heavy metals or harmful bacteria, an RO system can significantly improve the safety and purity of your drinking water. It offers an efficient and reliable method of removing impurities, ensuring you and your family can access clean and healthy water.

Additionally, installing an RO system in your home can save money by reducing or eliminating maintenance costs associated with traditional water purification systems like filters and distillers. While there is an initial investment in installing an RO system, the long-term cost-effectiveness will likely outweigh any expenses associated with purchasing bottled water regularly.

Whether an RO system is worth it to you depends on your specific water quality concerns, preferences and financial situation. Assessing the quality of your tap water and considering what benefits and costs are involved can help you evaluate your priorities so you can make an informed decision.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.