Aqua Tru Classic Alkaline AT100SCA (Countertop, Glass Carafe)

What contaminants does this system remove from tap water?

The system removes 83 contaminants including lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, PFOS, PFOA and other PFAS chemicals. It's certified to NSF/ANSI standards 41, 53, 58, 401 and P473, which specifically test for these dangerous substances. The reverse osmosis membrane filters out particles as small as 0.0001 microns, whilst the carbon filters remove chlorine taste and odour.

How often do I need to replace the filters?

Filter replacement varies by stage and usage. The pre-carbon filter typically lasts 6-12 months, the reverse osmosis membrane 12-24 months and the pH+ alkaline filter 6-12 months. The system processes 600-1200 gallons per filter set. Usage frequency and local water quality affect filter life - areas with heavily contaminated water may require more frequent changes.

Does this system require any plumbing or permanent installation?

No installation is required. Simply place the unit on your worktop, plug into a standard electrical outlet and connect to your tap water source. The system draws water through a standard tap connection without permanent plumbing modifications. This makes it perfect for renters or people who don't want to modify their kitchen permanently.

How does the alkaline feature work and what minerals are added?

The pH+ VOC filter contains a proprietary blend of healthy minerals including calcium and magnesium compounds. After the reverse osmosis stage removes contaminants, this final filter adds back beneficial minerals whilst raising the pH to create alkaline water. This process improves taste and provides minerals that pure reverse osmosis water lacks.

What's the difference between this and standard water filter jugs?

This system uses reverse osmosis technology that removes far more contaminants than standard carbon filter jugs. Whilst filter jugs mainly remove chlorine and improve taste, this system eliminates heavy metals, PFAS chemicals, bacteria, viruses and dissolved solids. The multi-stage process provides hospital-grade water purification rather than basic filtration.

How much counter space does this unit require?

The unit measures 27.9cm wide, 41.3cm deep and 50.8cm tall - similar to a large coffee machine. It weighs 10.4kg when empty. You'll need adequate clearance above for the glass carafe and space around the sides for filter access. Most standard kitchen worktops can accommodate this size without major rearrangement.

Can I use this system with well water or very hard water?

The system handles water with TDS levels up to 500 PPM, making it suitable for most municipal and well water sources. However, extremely hard water or water with high sediment levels may reduce filter life. For well water, consider having your water tested first to ensure it falls within the system's operating parameters and doesn't contain unusual contaminants.

What happens to the waste water produced during filtration?

Like all reverse osmosis systems, this unit produces waste water during the filtration process. The rejected water contains concentrated contaminants that were filtered out. Many users collect this water for non-drinking purposes like watering plants or cleaning. The waste-to-clean water ratio is typical for countertop RO systems, producing approximately 3-4 parts waste water per part clean water.