The Best Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Won’t Stop Improving!

Summary

The AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis system, launched in 2016, remains a strong contender in water filtration even in 2024. It offers various options, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a remineralization filter, to address customer pain points. The system excels in contaminant removal and is IAPMO certified, ensuring water safety. Though easy to maintain and affordable, it requires manual refilling and generates wastewater. For renters or those seeking a portable solution, AquaTru is ideal, but homeowners may prefer an under-sink system for convenience.

Takeaways

• 💧 The AquaTru is still a viable countertop reverse osmosis (RO) system in 2024 despite being 8 years old.
• 🛠️ AquaTru offers multiple models, including a Wi-Fi-connected system and a remineralization filter for addressing common issues.
• 💰 The base AquaTru Classic model costs $449, with an additional $50 for the Wi-Fi version and $20 for the Alkaline remineralization filter.
• 🔄 AquaTru has low maintenance costs, calculated at $0.11 per gallon for filter replacements, making it affordable in the long term.
• 📉 It is highly effective in contaminant reduction, certified to NSF/ANSI standards for removing 83 contaminants, giving peace of mind about water quality.
• 📱 The AquaTru Connect app offers real-time data on filter life, TDS levels, and water usage, enhancing the user experience.
• 🧪 Lab tests confirm that AquaTru effectively removes contaminants like fluoride, chloroform, copper, and uranium, and the remineralization filter helps reintroduce minerals.
• ♻️ One drawback is that AquaTru produces wastewater, with one gallon wasted for every four gallons of filtered water.
• ⚡ The system requires electricity, which may not be ideal for off-grid use.
• 🏠 AquaTru is best suited for renters or those unable to install under-sink systems, though it’s slightly bulky for small kitchens.

Q & A

What makes the AquaTru unique among countertop reverse osmosis (RO) systems?

AquaTru was the first countertop RO system certified to NSF standards when it launched in 2016. It offers advanced contaminant reduction, is IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI standards, and includes features like a Wi-Fi-connected model and an alkaline remineralization filter.

How has AquaTru evolved since its initial launch?

Since 2016, AquaTru has introduced new options, such as a Wi-Fi-connected version and an alkaline remineralization filter. These updates have addressed common issues, offering better user experience and water quality.

What is the cost of maintaining the AquaTru system?

The ongoing cost of maintaining the AquaTru system is around $0.11 per gallon, making it one of the most affordable RO systems to maintain despite requiring three filters.

How does the AquaTru perform in terms of contaminant reduction?

AquaTru excels in contaminant reduction, removing up to 83 contaminants, including fluoride, chloroform, copper, uranium, and more. It is certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473.

What are some of the drawbacks of the AquaTru system?

Some drawbacks include the need to manually fill the unfiltered water tank, the production of wastewater during filtration, and its relatively bulky size. Additionally, it requires electricity to operate.

What improvements does the alkaline remineralization filter provide?

The alkaline remineralization filter replenishes certain minerals like magnesium and potassium that are lost during the filtration process. It also raises the water's pH from 7.3 to 10.7, making it more alkaline.

How does the AquaTru compare to gravity filters?

While gravity filters don’t require electricity and produce no wastewater, they are less effective at reducing certain contaminants like fluoride compared to reverse osmosis systems like AquaTru.

What are the advantages of the Wi-Fi-connected AquaTru system?

The Wi-Fi-connected AquaTru model provides real-time information on filter lifespan, TDS levels, water usage, and savings. It offers more convenience for users who want detailed performance data.

Is AquaTru suitable for renters?

Yes, AquaTru is ideal for renters because it is a standalone countertop unit that doesn’t require any invasive installation, making it portable and easy to use in various settings, including rentals.

What types of water contaminants did the AquaTru remove during testing?

AquaTru successfully removed contaminants like fluoride, chloroform, copper, uranium, strontium, molybdenum, barium, and disinfection byproducts during testing.