It wasn’t long ago that I found myself increasingly frustrated with the quality of my tap water. The taste was off, I worried about hidden contaminants, and the sheer volume of plastic bottles accumulating in my recycling bin was becoming an eyesore. I knew I needed a reliable solution for clean, great-tasting water at home, not just for drinking but for cooking and even my indoor plants. Ignoring the problem felt like a compromise on health, convenience, and environmental responsibility, with the potential for long-term complications ranging from plumbing issues to health concerns from unseen impurities.
For anyone contemplating a significant upgrade to their home water supply, understanding the landscape of water filtration is paramount. The primary goal of any such system is to remove impurities, improve taste, and provide peace of mind regarding water safety. People typically seek these systems to address issues like hard water, chlorine taste, sediment, or more serious concerns about heavy metals, fluoride, or emerging contaminants. An ideal customer for a robust system like the APEC Water Systems RO-90 is someone who prioritizes comprehensive purification, desires a constant supply of high-quality water, and is willing to invest in a durable, long-term solution. They might live in an area with questionable tap water reports, have specific health concerns, or simply want the best for their family.
However, this type of sophisticated reverse osmosis system isn’t for everyone. If you have extremely low water pressure (below 40 PSI consistently), you might find the system’s efficiency compromised, potentially leading to more wasted water and slower tank refills without additional equipment like a booster pump. Similarly, if you only need basic filtration for taste and odor, a simpler, less expensive carbon filter might suffice. Those on a very tight budget or who rent and cannot make modifications to their plumbing might also find this kind of under-sink installation challenging. Instead, they might consider pitcher filters or countertop units for more temporary or less invasive solutions. Before committing, consider your current water quality (a TDS meter can be very helpful), your available under-sink space, your household’s daily water consumption, and your comfort level with DIY installation or hiring a professional.
Showcasing the APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series
The APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series is a top-tier, Supreme Certified High Output 90 GPD Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System. It promises unlimited ultra-fresh, clean, and great-tasting water right in your home, aiming to eliminate the need for costly bottled water. When you purchase this unit, it comes complete with the main filtration system, a 100% lead-free designer chrome faucet, JG high-grade tubing, and JG Quick Connect fittings for easy installation. Unlike many generic RO systems on the market, the RO-90 Ultimate Series stands out with its premium components, including a genuine Dow Filmtec reverse osmosis membrane, which is considered an industry gold standard for rejection rates. While some market leaders might offer similar GPD ratings, APEC focuses on robust construction and certification to deliver superior, consistent performance. This specific system is ideal for homeowners who demand the highest level of water purity and appreciate a durable, long-lasting investment. It might not be the best fit for those seeking the absolute cheapest entry point into filtration or those who cannot meet the recommended water pressure requirements, as this could impact efficiency.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its advantages and a few drawbacks:
Pros:
* Superior Filtration: WQA certified to remove nearly all impurities, including arsenic, chlorine, lead, fluoride, heavy metals, and 1000+ contaminants.
* High Output & Capacity: 90 GPD (Gallons Per Day) provides a generous supply of purified water, with large capacity filters designed for fewer change-outs.
* Premium Components: Features genuine Dow Filmtec membrane, lead-free faucet, and reliable JG Quick Connect fittings for a leak-seal.
* Improved Water Taste: Consistently delivers ultra-fresh, clean, and great-tasting water.
* Ease of Maintenance: Simple and intuitive filter replacement, with a filter lifespan often exceeding expectations.
Cons:
* Waste Water Ratio: The system produces a significant amount of wastewater for every gallon of pure water, which can be a concern for some users.
* Water Pressure Dependent: Optimal performance requires adequate incoming water pressure (ideally 50 PSI or higher); lower pressure can lead to slower production and increased waste.
* Tank Capacity: The stated 4-gallon tank capacity is not entirely usable due to the air bladder.
* Initial Setup Time: Installation, especially if drilling for the faucet, can take a few hours for the mechanically inclined, and the first few tanks of water must be drained.
Features and Benefits: My Long-Term Experience
Having lived with the APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series for an extended period, I can confidently share my insights into its core features and the tangible benefits they’ve brought to my daily life.
Unrivaled Filtration Prowess with WQA Certification
The most compelling aspect of the APEC RO-90 is its exceptional filtration capability. This system isn’t just a basic filter; it’s a multi-stage reverse osmosis powerhouse. It’s WQA certified, meaning it has been independently tested and approved to remove an astounding range of impurities – we’re talking arsenic, lead, fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, and over a thousand other contaminants. My tap water used to register around 225-360 PPM (Parts Per Million) TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), a level that always made me wary. With the RO-90 Ultimate Series, that number consistently drops to an impressive 15-20 PPM. This dramatic reduction in TDS is a clear indicator of the system’s effectiveness.
Why is this important? Beyond the peace of mind, it directly impacts health and even the longevity of appliances. Reducing fluoride, for instance, has been a personal interest, as some sources suggest its interference with neurotransmitters. While individual results vary, I’ve noted a distinct feeling of improved well-being, potentially linked to consistently drinking ultra-purified water. For cooking, especially with appliances like coffee makers, rice cookers, or instant pots, removing hard minerals and salts prevents scale buildup, extending their lifespan and ensuring purer flavors in food and beverages. This isn’t just about clean water; it’s about cleaner living.
High Output (90 GPD) and Efficient Water Delivery
One common complaint about older or less robust RO systems is their slow water production. The APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series addresses this head-on with its 90 GPD (Gallons Per Day) rating. This means it can produce up to 90 gallons of purified water in 24 hours under ideal conditions. In practical terms, this translates to a much faster fill rate from the faucet. I recall one user mentioning that with good incoming water pressure (around 75 PSI), filling glasses felt like a dream, even with the standard 1/4” tubing. This “high output” feature is crucial for busy households or individuals who consume a lot of water, preventing the frustration of waiting for the tank to refill.
However, a crucial point here, as many users highlight, is the dependency on adequate incoming water pressure. The system thrives on at least 50 PSI. If your home’s pressure is lower or fluctuates significantly, you might experience slower output and a less favorable pure-to-waste water ratio. This is where considering a permeate pump becomes highly beneficial. A permeate pump (like the Aquatec ERP-500 that some users recommend) can significantly increase system efficiency, reduce wastewater, and speed up tank refills, making the 90 GPD rating more consistently achievable even with slightly lower pressure. It’s an optional upgrade but one that dramatically enhances the user experience and overall value of this high-output RO system.
Durability and Premium Component Quality
The claim of “supreme quality” isn’t just marketing fluff for the APEC Water Systems RO-90. From the moment I unboxed it, the robust construction was apparent. This system is designed and engineered with premium components built to last for years. The heart of any RO system is its membrane, and APEC uses a genuine Dow Filmtec reverse osmosis membrane – widely recognized as a gold standard in the industry for its high rejection rates and longevity. Beyond the membrane, the system includes a 100% lead-free designer chrome faucet that feels substantial and looks elegant on the countertop. The use of JG high-grade tubing and JG Quick Connect fittings is another testament to its quality. These fittings provide secure, leak-free connections that are incredibly easy to work with during installation and maintenance, significantly reducing the risk of frustrating drips or spills under the sink. This attention to detail in component selection translates directly into a durable, reliable reverse osmosis drinking water filter system that truly offers peace of mind.
Simplified Installation and Hassle-Free Maintenance
Despite its advanced capabilities, the APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series is surprisingly user-friendly when it comes to installation and maintenance. The manual, as many users have attested, is exceptionally thorough, well-indexed, and includes plenty of useful diagrams. Even for someone with limited plumbing experience, following the step-by-step instructions (and taking ample time) makes installation manageable. Color-coded lines further simplify the process. My own experience, even with drilling a new faucet hole in a challenging countertop, confirmed that the guidance provided is excellent.
Maintenance is equally straightforward. The system is designed to make identifying and replacing filters intuitive and easy. The large super capacity filters are a significant benefit, as they deliver 2X impurity removing capacity compared to smaller, all-in-one filters that clog quickly. This means fewer filter change-outs, saving time and effort. Typically, the pre-filters need replacement annually, while the RO membrane itself can last 3-5 years, depending on your incoming water quality and adherence to the pre-filter change schedule. The availability of US-based customer support, known for being helpful and knowledgeable, further enhances the overall ownership experience, ensuring any questions or minor issues can be promptly addressed.
Taste, Health, and Lifestyle Transformation
Perhaps the most immediate and enjoyable benefit of the APEC Water Systems RO-90 is the dramatic improvement in water taste. Gone are the metallic, chlorinated, or otherwise unpleasant flavors of tap water. Instead, you get ultra-fresh, clean, and crisp-tasting water that makes hydration a pleasure. I’ve found myself drinking significantly more water throughout the day, and family members, even those who claim not to be “taste snobs,” have noticed and appreciated the difference.
Beyond taste, the health implications are profound. Knowing that virtually all impurities, including potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, have been removed brings immense reassurance. This extends to cooking, where the absence of contaminants allows the true flavors of food to shine, and to my indoor gardening, where eliminating salt buildup has led to healthier plants. The convenience of having unlimited pure water on demand also eliminates the hassle and environmental impact of buying bottled water, representing a tangible saving of money and time over the long run. It’s truly a lifestyle upgrade that pays dividends in health, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Addressing the Wastewater Concern
It’s important to openly address one of the primary “disadvantages” often brought up with reverse osmosis systems, including the APEC Water Systems RO-90: the wastewater ratio. RO systems work by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane, separating pure water from concentrated waste. While highly effective at purification, this process does lead to some water being flushed down the drain. Reports vary, but a common ratio for systems like this can be around 1 gallon of pure water to 3-6 gallons of wastewater, depending on incoming water pressure and temperature.
Initially, I tracked my wastewater output carefully, and it indeed appeared to be around a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for my setup once the system was fully charged and operating efficiently. While this might sound like a lot, it’s crucial to understand that this waste primarily occurs during tank refill cycles. For an average family consuming 2-3 gallons of purified water daily for drinking and cooking, the additional water usage, when spread across a month, often translates to a negligible increase in the water bill. Compared to the cost and environmental impact of purchasing bottled water, it’s still a net positive. For those particularly concerned, installing a permeate pump (as mentioned earlier) can significantly improve this ratio, and exploring options like routing the wastewater to a greywater system for irrigation are also possibilities. While not as efficient as some newer tankless RO systems that claim ratios as low as 1:1 or 2:1, the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of this premium water filter system remain very strong.
Social Proof (User Insights)
I’ve scoured the internet and found that many users echo my positive sentiments about the APEC Water Systems RO-90. One long-time user, on their second system, praised the genuine Dow Filmtec membrane for its elite rejection rates, confirming a TDS drop from over 200 PPM to under 20 PPM, leading to excellent tasting water. They emphasized the importance of maintaining proper incoming water pressure and recommended a permeate pump for optimal performance and quicker tank fills. Another customer, living in Israel, highlighted the system’s effectiveness against heavily treated and desalinated water, achieving a TDS reduction from 260 PPM to 15 PPM, and praised the easy installation, quiet operation, and responsive customer service. Several reviews lauded the incredibly thorough and helpful installation manual, even for DIY novices. Some users, having switched from other brands, particularly noted the APEC system’s superior fluoride rejection and WQA certification as key factors for health benefits, including improved memory and sleep. While some pointed out the waste water ratio and the need for adequate pressure, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive regarding the water quality, ease of installation, and overall value.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The persistent problem of questionable tap water quality, whether it’s undesirable taste, odors, or the silent threat of unseen contaminants, is a valid concern that deserves a robust solution. Ignoring it not only affects the enjoyment of your daily hydration but can have long-term implications for your health and the lifespan of your kitchen appliances. The wasteful cycle of bottled water, with its environmental cost and recurring expense, is also a significant complication many wish to avoid.
The APEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series stands out as a formidable choice to tackle these issues. Firstly, its WQA certification and use of a genuine Dow Filmtec membrane guarantee top-tier filtration, providing genuinely pure and safe drinking water that vastly surpasses typical tap water. Secondly, the high 90 GPD output, especially when supported by adequate water pressure or an optional permeate pump, ensures you have a continuous, ample supply of great-tasting water on demand. Lastly, its durable construction and user-friendly design make it a reliable, long-term investment that is relatively easy to install and maintain. For anyone seeking to transform their home water quality, this reverse osmosis system is an exceptional fit. To learn more and experience the difference yourself, Click here to check the product out.