Well Water Reverse Osmosis System Cost Guide 2023
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Feb 19, 2023
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Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for purifying well water.
If you’ve decided to get one, this post will help you draw up a budget that works for you.
We’re not only estimating the cost of well water RO systems, but also cover all the bases, from purchase to installation and maintenance!
Contents
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Key Takeaways
- The cost of well water reverse osmosis systems depends on the type, size, brand, and a few other factors.
- Point-of-use well water RO systems usually cost between $150 to $600.
- Whole house systems cost $500 at the very least and can easily go above $10,000.
- You must also consider the cost for installation and maintenance.
How Much Does a Well Water Reverse Osmosis System Cost?
So, how much does a well water reverse osmosis system cost? Well, it depends.
Well water RO systems are either point-of-use (POU) or whole house. We’ve discussed how much it’ll cost to purchase one of these systems below:
Point-of-Use Systems
If you’re buying an under sink RO system for your well water supply, you can expect to spend between $150 and $600. Countertop RO units cost at least $100 and go up to $500.
Whole House RO
Whole house RO systems are more pricey, costing at least $500 for a barebone setup. Larger configurations for heavily contaminated well water range from $5,000 to $10,000+.
That’s a lot of money, but you need to consider that whole house reverse osmosis usually requires additional pre and post-treatment, which adds to the price tag.
Cost Factors
Not all well water RO systems are created equal. The exact price depends on factors like:
- Type and size of the system – think countertop/under sink vs whole house
- Level of filtration – additional pre and post-filters add to the cost
- NSF certifications – NSF-tested or certified products or their components are likely more expensive
- Brand – popular brands tend to charge more
- Additional features like an internal pump, remineralizer, a large storage tank, or modular filter design
Installation Cost
Again, this mainly depends on the type of RO system. Installing a whole house system on your well costs about $500. If you have a more complicated setup, the price goes up. Besides, the price can vary depending on your location. You can get a more reliable estimate by asking plumbers in your neighborhood.
For point-of-use systems, which filter only water at a specific sink or faucet, installation costs between $150 to $400. But you may not even need to spend that. Point-of-use reverse osmosis systems are easy to install, and if you’re handy with tools, you can choose to do it yourself. Moreover, some countertop units don’t require installation at all.
DIY Installation vs. Using a Contractor
You can DIY-install a point-of-use reverse osmosis system if you have basic plumbing skills and the necessary tools. The installation will take you approximately two hours.
However, you’ll need more than basic plumbing skills to install a whole house RO system successfully. Unless you’re well-experienced and have the required tools, we recommend hiring a contractor here.
Maintenance & Operating Costs
Estimating how much a well water reverse osmosis system costs is only complete when we take maintenance and operation into account. It takes the latter to run your system and the former to keep it in good shape.
Filter & Membrane Replacements
Maintenance costs majorly involve filter and membrane replacements. You need to change most pre-filters every six to twelve months. And you need to replace the RO membrane every three to five years. This goes for both point of use and whole house. Then we have carbon post-filters, remineralization filter stage, UV systems, etc.
On average, you’ll spend up to $200 yearly on maintaining point-of-use systems. Maintaining whole house systems can cost several hundred and up to thousands of dollars.
Wastewater
Reverse osmosis wastes up to about five gallons per gallon of filtered water. Now some systems are much more effective than that, but you’d definitely want to check before spending your money (if you use a booster pump and recovery valve (highly recommended), you can reduce the amount of wastewater from your RO system and save costs).
If you use large volumes of water, your water and sewer bills will increase.
Electricity
Whole house systems can cause a spike in your electricity bill. The increase majorly comes from running the water pump(s). You do not need really to worry about electricity costs for point-of-use systems.
Further Reading:
Where to Buy a Reverse Osmosis System for Well Water
After a reliable cost estimate, you must decide where to buy your well water RO system. The first (and perhaps the best) option is to buy online from a trusted brand. Most brands now have an online presence, and you can get a discounted price if you purchase a product on their website. Alternatively, you can check online retailers like Amazon for products from different brands.
If you’re not a fan of online shopping, local hardware stores are always an option. However, the downside is they may charge you higher (and you may not even get the best quality). Your best bet is to visit a water expert in your area. While you may not get the best price here either, you’ll get consultation services and a package that includes installation and annual system maintenance if you like.
If you have any questions about well water reverse osmosis system cost please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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