Why We Switched to a Reverse Osmosis System
One thing I’ve become extra mindful of on this journey with Forrest is what we put into our bodies — and that includes something we use every single day: water.
For years, we drank tap water filtered through a Brita pitcher with the Elite filters. I assumed we were doing the best we could. The water tasted fine, and I believed that meant it was “clean.”
What I learned recently surprised me — and honestly changed everything.
Wake Up Call
When I entered our zip code into a water quality database, I learned that certain contaminants linked to cancer risk were present at levels up to 35 times higher than health-based recommendations! ☠️ Considering that our pets drink the same water every day — often in greater proportion than we do — that information was impossible for me to ignore.
What I Learned About Filtered Water
Brita (and most pitcher filters) do help improve taste and reduce certain contaminants, but they are primarily designed to reduce things like chlorine, odor, and some metals. They do not remove many of the dissolved solids and contaminants that can still be present in municipal water, depending on where you live.
In other words:
👉 They make water taste better
👉 They don’t necessarily make it as pure as we might think
Most refrigerator water filters are actually very similar in filtration capability to pitcher filters — convenient, yes, but still limited.
That realization was a turning point for me.
Why I Chose a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
After researching options, we chose an APEC reverse osmosis system — and I truly can’t say enough good things about it.
Reverse osmosis systems filter water at a much deeper level, removing:
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Heavy metals
- Industrial contaminants
- Many things pitcher and fridge filters simply don’t catch
Clean drinking water matters for us, and it matters just as much for our pets, who rely entirely on us for their health.
The Hidden Cost of Pitcher Filters
Another thing that finally pushed me over the edge?
The constant refilling.
Between:
- Me
- Forrest
- Cooking
- Making ice
I was refilling that pitcher constantly. It got old fast.
And when I added up the cost of replacing the more expensive Elite filters, I realized I was spending quite a bit over time — with limited filtration to show for it. 😣
Installation Was Easier (and Cheaper) Than I Expected
I don’t have family or friends nearby who could install mine, so I hired someone and was able to get it installed for $125, which I felt was very reasonable.
That said, the manufacturer and many reviews state that someone with basic handyman skills can install this system themselves. No professional plumbing license required.
I also opted for the refrigerator hookup, which means:
- Our ice is now made with RO water
- No more refilling ice trays
The RO system currently supplies our ice maker, and that same line will support a future water-dispensing fridge. 💧
Testing Our Water (Another Shocker)
I tested four different water sources: our tap water, water from our Brita pitcher (using the Elite filter), bottled water, and our water after installing the reverse osmosis system.
What surprised me most was how close the tap water and the Brita-filtered water tested to each other, despite using the more expensive pitcher filter.
In contrast, the bottled water and the RO-filtered water tested very similarly to each other — and significantly lower than both the tap and pitcher water.
That was the moment it really clicked for me: improving taste isn’t the same thing as deeply filtering what’s in your water.
How You Can Learn More About Your Own Water
Want to learn more about what’s in your drinking water? You don’t have to guess!
🔗 Check your local water quality by ZIP code:
👉 EWG Tap Water Database
This tool also helps recommend filtration options based on your specific area, which I found incredibly helpful.
🔗 The RO system we chose:
👉 APEC Water Systems RO-90
If you’re not ready for an RO system, you can also:
- Order a water quality meter
- Use a mail-in water test kit
- Test your current setup and decide from there
The EWG website doesn’t just show what’s in your water — it also helps guide you toward filtration options that fit your needs.
Final Thoughts
I wish I had done it sooner.
✔ Affordable
✔ Cleaner water
✔ Less daily hassle
✔ Better for Forrest
✔ Better for me
APEC’s customer service was top-notch, the system has been flawless, and the peace of mind is priceless.
Clean drinking water is something we often take for granted — until we learn what’s really in it. And now? I feel better knowing we’re drinking cleaner, safer water — every single day.💧
Disclaimer
This post reflects my personal experience and research as a pet parent and consumer. I am not a medical professional, veterinarian, or water quality expert. Water quality varies by location, infrastructure, and testing methods, and what works for one household may not be necessary or appropriate for another. Information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in pets or humans.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use and genuinely feel comfortable recommending. I encourage readers to review their local water quality reports and consult appropriate professionals when making decisions related to health, pets, or home systems.
Have you ever checked what’s in your local drinking water — or thought about how it might impact your pets? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
If this post was helpful, feel free to share it with another pet parent.
From our lavender world of grace, we’re holding onto love, walking by faith. 🪻
The Epi Dog Mom Blog 