Drinking Water Filter...sans RO

[Mark SF]

So I purchased an individual canister to add a stage to my RO/DI for my upcoming tank build and it sparked an idea about a low cost, low maintenance water filter for drinking.

For the record, my water's input ranges from about 40-70ppm throughout the year, so the quality is already above average. My real concern is heavy metals and toxins from the water's infrastructure than the water source, as Hetch Hetchy feeds San Francisco's water supply from run off from the Sierra's. I also have extremely limited space under the sink and I want this to be low cost.

My idea was to outfit a single stage filter, and I was thinking a carbon block would be really effective, providing particulate filtration (1 micron?) as well as VOC/metals. Am I on the right track here? I would assume that the water flow would be quite high, maybe even too high with less contact time because there isn't the RO to slow it down? Is there anything I'm missing?

Lots of questions but in my head it makes sense!

 

[madweazl]

I drink the RO/DI water...

 

[brianbigoats]

Do not drink DI water it is lacking the minerals that you need and can remove some from your body think about biology class and the principal of osmosis

I would not worry about water in The City it is some of the best in the state

 

[madweazl]

Do not drink DI water it is lacking the minerals that you need and can remove some from your body think about biology class and the principal of osmosis

I would not worry about water in The City it is some of the best in the state

Sure, if your diet is absolutely abysmal.

 

[biophilia]

They sell ZeroWater pitchers in all the major chain stores right next to the Brita pitchers. ZeroWater is basically just a DI cartridge screwed into a pitcher so I find it hard to believe drinking RODI water is bad for you long-term. I've been drinking 0 TDS water daily for 2 years now and haven't died yet! I'm personally much more concerned about lead in the pipes than I am about mineral leaching issues.

 

[Mark SF]

Do not drink DI water it is lacking the minerals that you need and can remove some from your body think about biology class and the principal of osmosis

I would not worry about water in The City it is some of the best in the state

I agree we have great water, but it’s my 1907 building that has me concerned.

I think a single carbon block would be less efficient than a sediment and carbon block, but will provide awesome results.

Thanks for the input!

Also, I think the reason that you are advised not to drink DI water is because the resin in the canister type we use in our systems is not NSF. Maybe ZeroWater created an NSF certified DI - also, I liked the taste of the water better from a Brita or simple charcoal filter than when I used ZeroWater.

 

[sawdonkey]

I agree we have great water, but it’s my 1907 building that has me concerned.

I think a single carbon block would be less efficient than a sediment and carbon block, but will provide awesome results.

Thanks for the input!

Also, I think the reason that you are advised not to drink DI water is because the resin in the canister type we use in our systems is not NSF. Maybe ZeroWater created an NSF certified DI - also, I liked the taste of the water better from a Brita or simple charcoal filter than when I used ZeroWater.

I’m no expert, but I’ve read that the reason not to drink DI water is because it is devoid of minerals and when in your system, will try to reach equilibrium by sucking minerals out of your body. I’m surely saying this incorrectly, but that’s the idea.

 

[davocean]

I don't know how the bay area differs from socal, but our water is terrible, 430 tds, no way I'd drink tap unfiltered.

I do not drink DI, I just hit the bypass and switch to RO.

 

[Billdogg]

I had Russ at Buckeyehydro build my ro/di with a T after the sediment and carbon filters that runs up to my refrigerator for ice and water. No pitchers to refill, no costly frig filters to buy, and because the T is before the ro membrane, it doesn't cause any wear on the membrane.

 

[Opus]

Drinking RO/DI water is not bad for you because of the lack of minerals. That is just an "internet rumor". Now as stated, the DI is not food grade so it is not certified safe, but most likely will not hurt you.

To the OP question, I have a similar setup under my sink. I bought one of those faucets that hook up to the ro line and installed it in the third hole of my sink where the air gap would be. Since as you stated the water is passing thru very fast I actually use 2 canisters, both carbon blocks. Now my water is around 400+ tds usually and it doesn't bother me drinking it but the wife says she can taste a difference. Not sure 2 is really necessary since you only have 1 carbon block in the refrigerator.

 

[Mark SF]

Thanks again, think I settled on the single carbon block for the drinking water.