Reverse Osmosis Systems

In short, reverse osmosis is a method of purifying drinking water with filters and membrane. The purity depends on the source water as reverse osmosis will remove 90- 99% of total dissolved solids. It will also remove chemicals such as chlorine, herbicides and pesticides, etc. 

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A water softener is a whole-home solution designed to remove calcium and magnesium (hardness) to protect your plumbing and appliances. In contrast, a Reverse Osmosis system is a point-of-use solution (usually under the kitchen sink) that filters out microscopic contaminants, including sodium, lead, and nitrates. For the best results in the Orangeville area, Watermaker recommends using both: a softener for your pipes and an RO system for your drinking and cooking water.

In general, you should change the sediment, pre and post carbon filters in your reverse osmosis system once per year. The membrane should be changed every 3-5 years. You can bring a water sample from the regular faucet and the reverse osmosis faucet into Watermaker to be tested for free. This will determine if the membrane needs to be done or can last another year.

A. Most water in North America contains hardness (calcium, magnesium).

B. If you are on town water, you will have chlorine or chloramines in your water. This can be removed to avoid the negative effects of these compounds.

C. If you are on a private well, there are many things you can look out for. Please see FAQ #3 for more details

Yes! We can test in store for hardness, iron, and total dissolved solids amount. For bacteria testing, please see your local Public Health unit. They have special bottles and instructions and will test for free. For more in depth analysis, we recommend using an accredited lab which can test for a vast variety of things. This is a paid service. Watermaker can facilitate this testing for you for an additional fee.

Residents in Orangeville and Fergus should use Reverse Osmosis (RO) because local municipal water is classified as “very hard,” often exceeding 325 mg/L in Orangeville and 423 mg/L in Fergus. While water softeners remove hardness, they often leave behind high sodium levels. An RO system from Watermaker effectively removes this sodium, along with chlorine, fluoride, and dissolved solids, providing bottled-quality water directly from your tap.

Yes, Watermaker provides alkaline remineralization filters for their Reverse Osmosis systems at both the Orangeville and Fergus locations. Standard RO systems can slightly lower the pH of water; an alkaline filter adds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water, raising the pH and providing a “smoother” taste for health-conscious consumers.

Yes, removing the sodium residual from water softeners is one of the primary reasons residents in Fergus and Orangeville install RO systems. Because local water is so hard, softeners require a significant amount of salt to function, which can lead to a noticeable sodium taste. A Watermaker RO system removes over 95% of this sodium, resulting in fresh, crisp-tasting water.

RO water is generally very safe for pets and is the preferred choice for many aquarium enthusiasts in Orangeville because it removes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals that can be harmful to fish. However, because RO water is highly pure, some aquarium setups may require “re-introducing” specific minerals. Consult with the experts at Watermaker for advice on using RO water for specialized pet needs.

Watermaker’s U-Fill stations are self-service kiosks where customers can bring their own bottles to fill with high-quality Reverse Osmosis or Alkaline water. This is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying single-use plastic bottles. The stations are located at 210 Broadway in Orangeville and 115 St Andrew St W in Fergus, providing convenient access to purified water.

Modern Reverse Osmosis systems, such as the EcoWater models sold by Watermaker, are much more efficient than older versions. While all RO systems require some “recovery water” to flush contaminants down the drain, high-efficiency models can achieve a 1:1 ratio. Considering the high mineral content in Fergus groundwater, this flushing process is essential to prevent the system from scaling and ensuring the longevity of the membrane.

Yes, Reverse Osmosis is one of the few effective methods for removing fluoride from drinking water. Whether you are on the municipal system in Fergus (Centre Wellington) or a private well in the surrounding area, a Watermaker RO system will significantly reduce fluoride levels, along with other dissolved solids and chemicals, giving you total control over your water’s composition.

To get an RO system installed, you can visit a Watermaker showroom in Orangeville or Fergus for a free water analysis. Their certified technicians handle the entire installation process, typically connecting the system to your kitchen faucet and refrigerator ice maker. You can book an appointment online at watermaker.ca or call their local offices directly to discuss the best system for your home’s specific water profile.