Drinking Water Systems

Drinking water systems are an essential component of any household, ensuring that your water is safe to drink, pleasant tasting, and free of harmful contaminants. As municipal water quality varies and concerns about pollutants grow, more families are turning to home water filtration systems for peace of mind and improved health. Whether you’re concerned about chemicals, sediment, or hard water affecting your home’s water supply, having the right filtration system can make all the difference.

Kohley’s Superior Water offers a variety of drinking water systems designed to meet the specific needs of your home and family. From advanced reverse osmosis systems that strip water of impurities to robust ion exchange units that soften hard water, we provide tailored solutions backed by expert advice and professional installation. Our focus on providing the best quality and customer service ensures that you receive top-tier water treatment solutions and ongoing support to maintain the purity and taste of your water year after year.

What Are the Different Types of Drinking Water Systems?

Drinking water systems vary widely to cater to different needs and preferences. The primary types include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis units, ultraviolet purification systems, distillation, and ion exchange systems, each designed to improve water quality in specific ways. The two most popular systems of these are:

• Activated Carbon Filters: These systems use carbon particles to remove impurities through adsorption. They effectively remove chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water, making it taste and smell better.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove a large number of contaminants, including dissolved salts, lead, and other heavy metals. Reverse osmosis systems are extremely effective in removing fluoride, some bacteria, and viruses.

These systems can be installed at the point of water entry to treat all the water entering a home or at the point of use for specific areas like kitchen sinks or refrigerators.

At Kohley’s Superior Water, we offer a range of systems tailored to suit any household’s needs. Our solutions include advanced reverse osmosis units and carbon block filters that ensure your drinking water is pure and tastes great. “Our team helps you select the best system based on your water quality and consumption needs,” says General Manager Paul Johnson. Check out our drinking water systems below, or give us a call at (800) 686-3224 for more information.

What Contaminants Do These Systems Remove?

Drinking water systems are engineered to remove contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds that affect the water’s taste, smell, and safety. The effectiveness of each system varies, with some providing basic filtration, while others offer comprehensive protection against a broad spectrum of contaminants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “No single filter can keep every type of contaminant out of your drinking water…” Every drinking water filter removes different contaminants based on the type of filtration system it uses. For example, the CDC states:

• “Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing protozoa (for example, Cryptosporidium, Giardia);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing bacteria (for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing viruses (for example, Enteric, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Rotavirus);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems will remove common chemical contaminants (metal ions, aqueous salts), including sodium, chloride, copper, chromium, and lead; may reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous.”

Carbon filters, on the other hand, filter out other contaminants out of water. ForbesHome states, “Activated carbon filters are excellent at attracting and adsorbing pollutants, removing them from the water.” According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “However, other chemicals, like iron and nitrate, are not attracted to the carbon and are not removed and another type of filter, such as reverse osmosis (RO) or green sand may be needed.”

Kohley’s Superior Water systems are specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges of your local water supply. “Our systems efficiently remove common contaminants like lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates, ensuring that you and your family enjoy safe and clean drinking water,” says manager Paul Johnson.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Drinking Water System in Western Michigan?

According to DS Business Life Simplified, “Installing a drinking water filter system in your home or office can help rid your drinking water of harmful contaminants and ensure it’s fresh, clean and safe to drink.” In addition, investing in a drinking water system offers a wide array of benefits that extend beyond simply providing clean water. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Enhanced Water Quality: A drinking water system effectively removes impurities, chemicals, and unwanted contaminants that can affect the taste, odor, and safety of your tap water.
• Health Benefits: Clean, filtered water is free from harmful contaminants such as lead, chlorine, pesticides, and other chemicals linked to a variety of health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases and skin conditions. Regular consumption of purified water contributes to overall health and well-being.
• Economic Savings: While there is an upfront cost associated with installing a drinking water system, it can lead to significant savings over time. By reducing the need for bottled water, households can save on the cost of purchasing and disposing of plastic bottles, which also benefits the environment.
• Environmental Impact: Drinking water systems help reduce plastic waste associated with bottled water. Fewer plastic bottles used means less waste in landfills and reduced environmental pollution.
• Convenience: Having a reliable source of clean water at home means you don’t have to worry about the logistics of purchasing, transporting, and storing bottled water. This is particularly beneficial during emergencies or situations where water quality might be temporarily compromised.

At Kohley’s Superior Water, we tailor our drinking water systems to fit the specific needs of your household, ensuring that you receive all these benefits and more. Our systems are designed to be efficient and effective, providing you with peace of mind that your water is consistently of the highest quality. Whether you need a system that excels in removing specific contaminants or you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to all your water quality needs, Kohley’s has the expertise and technology to ensure optimal results.

What Is the Maintenance Requirement for Each System?

Maintaining your drinking water system is essential to ensure its efficiency and longevity. The type of maintenance required can vary significantly depending on the system you choose:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems have several components that need regular maintenance. The pre-filters and post-filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, while the RO membrane itself typically lasts 2 to 3 years. The system also needs to be sanitized and the storage tank checked annually to ensure the system operates correctly.
• Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are generally the simplest to maintain. They require filter replacements every 3 to 6 months depending on usage and the level of contaminants in your water. Neglecting to change the filters can reduce the system’s effectiveness and affect water taste and clarity.

Maintenance for UV systems primarily involves replacing the UV light bulb annually, while distillation units require regular cleaning to remove mineral buildup. Ion exchange systems or water softeners require regular refilling of the salt used to regenerate the resin beads that soften the water. For more information on ion exchange systems, check out our water softener page.

At Kohley’s Superior Water, we streamline the maintenance process for you. Each system we install comes with a detailed maintenance schedule and easy-to-follow guides. We also offer maintenance kits and scheduled service visits to ensure your system remains in peak condition without any guesswork on your part. “Our professional support team is always ready to assist you with any maintenance needs, providing tips and services to extend the life of your system and guarantee optimal performance,” says GM Paul Johnson. “This comprehensive support ensures that your investment in clean, safe water continues to pay off year after year.”

What Are the Initial and Ongoing Costs of a Drinking Water System in Western Michigan?

The financial commitment of installing and maintaining a drinking water system varies depending on the type, complexity, and capacity of the system you choose. Here’s a breakdown of both initial and ongoing costs:

Initial Costs:

• Activated Carbon Filters: These are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $50 for simple pitcher filters to $400 for more sophisticated under-sink installations.
• Reverse Osmosis Systems: RO systems are more costly due to their complex technology, typically ranging from $200 to over $800 for residential models. Professional installation can add to the initial cost but ensures the system functions correctly.

Ongoing Costs:

• Carbon Filter Replacements: The ongoing cost for activated carbon filter systems includes periodic replacement of filters and membranes. For instance, carbon filters might need replacement every 3 to 6 months at a cost of $10 to $100 each, depending on the type.
• Reverse Osmosis Filters: These systems have multiple levels of filters that will need to be changed out periodically. According to Forbes Home, “Annual filter and other maintenance costs may range from $50 to $100 a year, with higher costs for whole-home systems over point-of-use systems.”
• Energy Usage: Reverse osmosis units can increase your electricity consumption, impacting your utility bills.
• Professional Services: Regular servicing by professionals can ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system. Service visits can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per visit, depending on the system and the complexity of the service required.

At Kohley’s Superior Water, we aim to make these costs manageable and transparent. We offer detailed estimates that include all potential expenses, so there are no surprises. Additionally, we provide a range of financing options to help spread the cost of installation and maintenance over time. Our goal is to help you invest in quality water treatment solutions without financial strain. We also ensure that our systems are designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run, reducing both environmental impact and ongoing expenses. View our systems below for more information.

 

What Drinking Water Systems Does Kohley’s Offer?