Reverse osmosis does what other filters can’t, effectively reducing general hardness and carbonate hardness in water, as well as removing harmful contaminants like lead, chloride and fluoride, which can only be removed with a reverse osmosis membrane. It is the most effective way to prevent scale buildup and long-term corrosion in your coffee equipment. Our reverse osmosis systems work by first removing sediment, rust, chlorine, taste and odour with a pre-sediment and pre-carbon filter. Water then passes through a reverse osmosis membrane that only allows pure water to pass through, while the high-mineral “brine” is washed into the drain. The pure water then passes through a re-mineralizer that adds pure calcite and magnesium to the water, increasing the mineral level and pH. In order to further increase the mineral level to manufacturer’s recommendations, a small amount of the sediment/carbon-filtered water is blended in via a small adjustment valve above the filter manifold. This allows fine-tuning of the product water so you’re in full control of your water hardness, and can compensate for seasonal water quality changes in your water supply. The blended water is then stored in a pressure tank to keep plenty of water on hand at all times, and finally passes through a fine carbon filter to remove any remaining taste and odour and fine sediment before going to your equipment or drinking water taps. A full set of replacement filters, membranes and mineral feeders costs only $260 annually if being used in a commercial setting, or $80 for residential use.

This commercial system can produce 150 gallons of water per day, with an efficient membrane, 10 gallon storage tank and optional booster pump to increase production rate and outgoing water pressure. Pressure gauges allow you to check your filter pressure, so you know when it’s time to replace your filters. A built-in bypass valve allows you to quickly bypass the system in case of over-use or clogged filters, allowing the water to flow only through the fine carbon post filter so your cafe can still operate while you replace the filters and allow the system to refill. The system can be scaled up to meet higher-volume needs if needed.

$1500 with the booster pump

$1250 without the booster pump

Our recommended water specs align with most espresso equipment manufacturers, the specialty coffee association, and 20 years of experience:

General Hardness: 60-80 mg/l

Alkalinity: 40-60 mg/l

pH: 6.5-8 (7 being ideal)

Chloride: less than 30 mg/l (the less the better - chloride is a major contributing factor to corrosion)

Chlorine: 0

Iron: 0

Our residential system includes all of the benefits of the commercial system, in a smaller package that fits under most cabinets. It comes with a 4 gallon storage tank, drinking water faucet and a kit to install it on existing water supply/drain lines under your kitchen sink. Bypass valve, pressure gauges and pumps not included, as they aren’t necessary in a low-volume setting. This system is perfect for home, office, or low-volume restaurant use.

$800