Embarrassing Obsession confession.

[greenpassion]

Subrosa, I will definitely check out that shut off system I hope they make one for a small countertop Reverse Osmosis System, but my collection containers are 1 gallon jugs. I filled 16 jugs yesterday and it's 15 minutes a jug, because of my low water pressure. you can imagine how much time it took. I would have to devise a way that would have a tube going into each jug and as The Jug was full the tube would shut off or something like that. I don't think there's any way that I can have a great big giant container that I could just Fill up with RO water and store someplace. there wouldn't be space for it and I wouldn't be able to move it on my own😟

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Subrosa, I will definitely check out that shut off system I hope they make one for a small countertop Reverse Osmosis System, but my collection containers are 1 gallon jugs. I filled 16 jugs yesterday and it's 15 minutes a jug, because of my low water pressure. you can imagine how much time it took. I would have to devise a way that would have a tube going into each jug and as The Jug was full the tube would shut off or something like that. I don't think there's any way that I can have a great big giant container that I could just Fill up with RO water and store someplace. there wouldn't be space for it and I wouldn't be able to move it on my own😟

Consider a large kitchen-style wastebasket - you can get a style that is narrow and tall so that it doesn't take up too much floor space. (This occurred to me as I'm looking at mine, I think it is about 13 gallons, at least based on the bags it takes) And a little submersible utility pump to move the water out of the trash can and into jugs, at will. Then you can easily pump out quantities that you can carry, but you have one reservoir (on which you can put that shut-off float valve). As for the waste, that can go into a suitably-sized container as well (you can also use a float valve to turn off the system to avoid overflowing that) And a pump to put the water where you want - the waste is still good water (not that much worse than what comes out of the tap, actually) suitable for non-orchid plants, dishwashing, toilet-flushing, etc. Again, a small utility pump to get it out of the reservoir means that you don't have to limit capacity to what you can carry.

[Arizona Jeanie]

I buy r/o water for thirty cents a gallon at a water store, and the containers are reusable for many years. Takes a lot less time, even with the driving.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Arizona Jeanie

I buy r/o water for thirty cents a gallon at a water store, and the containers are reusable for many years. Takes a lot less time, even with the driving.

Yes Arizona Jeannie, now that you mention it I think there's a Walmart near where I work that has that kind of a setup. Getting RO water refills without having to buy more plastic. I will definitely consider this.
And Roberta , that is a very good idea. I've got a lot to think about with all these replies! Thank you all!

[Roberta]

A note on the RO water from the Walmart machines... if the water is intended for drinking, it's probably somewhat remineralized (still pretty good, but could be 30-50 ppm) because very pure water doesn't taste very good.

[Subrosa]

I would suggest a 5 gal bucket as a collection vessel. You have to drill a hole to install the float, and while most people locate that hole for maximum water volume, you could locate it low enough on the bucket to keep the weight low enough to easily lift it. If you're feeling extravagant, splurge at the paint store and get the 5 gal bucket with the foam padded handle!

Edit: you need to get creative with placing a collection vessel. Put it under a counter or a table. Replace an end table with your vessel. The tall trash can is a great idea in a closet. The tubing for an ro is very easy to run where you need it, and to keep it neat you can use the same clamps they use when installing av cable.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

I would suggest a 5 gal bucket as a collection vessel.

Remember, each gallon of water weights 8 pounds. So 5 gallons is 40 pounds (18 kg) So how much you carry vs. how much you transfer to smaller vessels depends on your strength. (This little old lady doesn't like to carry much more than 20-25 pounds very far)

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Remember, each gallon of water weights 8 pounds. So 5 gallons is 40 pounds (18 kg) So how much you carry vs. how much you transfer to smaller vessels depends on your strength. (This little old lady doesn't like to carry much more than 20-25 pounds very far)

But if you drill the hole for the shut off float halfway up the side of the bucket, it's only 2.5 gal, and you have that nice handle to lift it with. Plus here's a little hint from someone with lots of practice; carrying two buckets is easier than carrying one, unless they're near your max. I ran an aquarium service. Remember the stairway scene from "Kill Bill"? I looked at those steps and laughed!

[greenpassion]

I just discovered a little item that is reported to take out most of the minerals from hard water when dropped into the tank of the cool mist ultrasonic humidifiers. It's gotten very good reviews on Amazon...I always seem to be chasing my tail. So here I went and spent 4 hours making my own ro water, then found out I can get refills of ro water for 37cents a gallon just down the road, so I go buy 8 gallons to have the jugs to refill, and THEN I find out that I can use my own well water and use this gadget and not have to make or buy any for these humidifiers! I love all the innovative ideas about how to have a supply of ro water, and if this doesn't work out with this thing, I'm back to perusing the ideas here!

[Roberta]

With the "gadget" I wonder what it is actually doing. I suggest testing the Total Dissolved Solids before and after... I would be very suspicious... where is the science?