Looking for a TDS comparator

Bill -

I have an RO system and use a WP-2000 from Sprite Industries that was included with my APEC RO system. You can purchase this unit at:

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/parts-miscellaneous.htm

Scroll down to:

TDS Meter —digital water
quality tester

High quality meter to test Total Dissolved Solids in water, range (0-2000 ppm)

$39.00 USD

As an example: running water from my well reads ~ 300 ppm; water out of my RO reads 18 ppm. When the RO figure reaches 60 ppm I replace the filters only. This may be every 6 - 10 months since the water in the well is very dynamic. The more often you change the filters the longer the membrane will last, which can be from 1 ½ to 3 years, or so. The www.freedrinkingwater.com site has some very useful information. One thing I would like to point out; the RO system will be more efficient the softer your water is because a water softener can act as a pre-filter to take out hard minerals; i.e., make the water soft. I therefore use a water softener between my pump and the water coming into the house and RO system. You also want to have your pH as close to 7.0 as possible. Since I live in Florida and my well water passes through miles of crushed shells I don't have to worry about the pH, just the putrid taste (without the RO), which I might add, the RO system makes the water taste better than bottle water. You can also physically tell how 'clean' your water is by the ice cubes it makes. The less TDS in your water the more crystal clear your cubes will be.

Make sure you have a shut-off valve on your RO holding tank for changing the filters and also 'T' into your RO tank line to go to your refrigerator, if you have water/ice maker.

Check local aquarium supply store. They'll have everything you need to test water quality.