Drinking-water treatment
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane to separate a wide range of dissolved substances. It is a point-of-use decision: most residential installations serve a dedicated faucet at the kitchen sink, and sometimes a refrigerator line, rather than the whole property.
What this treatment does
- Reduces many dissolved solids, which is why RO water often tastes noticeably different from the same tap water untreated.
- Uses pre-filtration stages that protect the membrane from chlorine and particulate.
- Can be paired with a remineralization stage where the household prefers a different mineral balance and taste.
- Works well for cooking, coffee, ice and drinking water at a single location.
What it does not do
- It does not treat the water reaching showers, laundry or irrigation.
- It does not remove hardness from the rest of the plumbing, so scale on fixtures and appliances is unaffected.
- Performance claims belong to a specific certified model at specified conditions. A category-level claim that RO 'removes everything' is not accurate.
- It is not a water-safety assessment. A TDS meter reading measures dissolved solids — it does not tell you whether water is safe.
Suitability
Who might consider it
Suitability depends on the property and the supply, not on a general recommendation.
Common situations
- Households that want a clear improvement in drinking and cooking water at one location.
- Properties where a specific dissolved constituent has been identified in testing and an appropriately certified RO model addresses it.
- Condo residents who cannot modify building plumbing but can serve a kitchen sink.
- Households already using bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Information needed before selecting equipment
- Incoming water pressure, since RO output depends on it and some properties need a booster pump.
- Whether upstream chlorine or chloramine is present, which determines pre-filter selection.
- Hardness and sediment levels, which affect membrane life.
- Drain access under the sink, and cabinet space for the unit and storage tank.
- Whether a refrigerator or second faucet run is wanted, which affects tubing and pressure planning.
What affects installation
- Under-sink space for the manifold and pressure tank, or a remote installation with a longer run.
- A dedicated faucet, which requires an existing air-gap hole or a new countertop penetration.
- Drain connection for the concentrate line, made to code.
- Countertop material — stone drilling is specialist work and is confirmed before scheduling.
- Tankless RO options reduce cabinet space needs but require an electrical outlet.
Maintenance and ownership
- Pre-filters and post-filters are replaced on a schedule that depends on incoming water and usage.
- Membranes last longer than pre-filters but are replaced periodically.
- RO sends some water to drain. The ratio varies by system design and should be part of the decision.
- Sanitizing the tank and lines during filter changes is normal practice.
What affects cost
- Number of stages and whether remineralization or a booster pump is included.
- Tank-based versus tankless design.
- Faucet finish and whether a new countertop hole is required.
- Refrigerator or secondary outlet runs.
- Replacement filter and membrane intervals over time.
Pricing
How ClearCoast pricing works
We don't publish one-size prices because installed cost depends on your property, not on a product page. Every recommendation ends in a written quote you can review before anything is scheduled.
The cost factors for this service
- Number of stages and whether remineralization or a booster pump is included.
- Tank-based versus tankless design.
- Faucet finish and whether a new countertop hole is required.
- Refrigerator or secondary outlet runs.
- Replacement filter and membrane intervals over time.
How you get a real number
- You request a consultation and tell us the property type, water source and what prompted the enquiry.
- We confirm the serving utility for your address and review the available water quality information.
- We assess the installation conditions — point of entry, plumbing, space, drain and electrical — on site or from clear photos.
- You receive a written quote separating equipment, installation scope and expected maintenance, valid for a stated period.
- Nothing is scheduled until you approve the written quote; changes to scope are re-quoted, not assumed.
Your written quote lists the equipment, the installation scope, and the expected maintenance schedule separately, so you can compare it against any other proposal. If you would like to discuss payment options, mention it during your consultation and we will confirm what is currently available in writing. Read the installation cost guide for the full list of variables, or request your quote.
Equipment
HALO Water Systems — our main product line
ClearCoast's main product line is HALO whole-house water treatment equipment. HALO designs and manufactures its own valves, tanks and media for whole-home filtration, water softening and conditioning. Additional product lines are added as the catalogue is confirmed.
Model-specific performance and certification documentation is being collected. Until a model's data sheet is on file, we describe what a technology generally does rather than quote reduction figures, and we make no manufacturer authorization claim.
Questions
Reverse Osmosis questions
Is reverse osmosis better than a whole-house filter?
They answer different questions. RO addresses drinking and cooking water at one tap; whole-house filtration addresses water reaching every fixture. Many homes use both.
Does RO waste water?
RO systems send a portion of feed water to drain. The ratio differs by design, and it is a reasonable thing to ask about before selecting equipment.
Will RO water taste flat?
Some people prefer added minerals for taste. A remineralization stage is available where that is the preference.
Do I need a plumber?
Installation involves a drain connection and often a countertop penetration. ClearCoast confirms in writing who performs the work and under what contracting arrangement.
Let's find the right starting point for your water.
Tell us about the property and what you have noticed. We will confirm the water supply, explain what information is needed, and outline suitable options in writing.