Water Filtration Systems: Clean Water for Your Santa Fe Home

Water Filtration Systems: Clean Water for Your Santa Fe Home

Santa Fe's hard water and aging infrastructure make water filtration an important consideration. Learn which system is right for your home.

Why Filter Your Water?

Santa Fe Water Issues

• High mineral content (hard water)
• Chlorine taste and odor
• Sediment from old pipes
• Potential contaminants
• Variable water quality by neighborhood

Benefits of Filtration

• Better-tasting drinking water
• Healthier cooking water
• Protects appliances
• Removes chlorine
• Reduces contaminants
• Improves coffee and tea

Types of Filtration Systems

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Best for: Drinking water purification

How it works:

• Forces water through semi-permeable membrane
• Removes 95-99% of dissolved solids
• Multiple filtration stages
• Point-of-use installation (under sink)

Pros:

• Excellent contaminant removal
• Great-tasting water
• Removes minerals
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Wastes some water
• Slower flow rate
• Removes beneficial minerals
• Requires periodic filter changes

Whole-House Filtration

Best for: Total home water quality

How it works:

• Filters all water entering home
• Multiple filtration stages
• Combined with water softening

Pros:

• Filtered water at every tap
• Protects entire plumbing system
• Extends appliance life
• Bathing in filtered water

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Professional installation required
• More maintenance
• Space requirements

Carbon Filters

Best for: Taste and odor improvement

How it works:

• Activated carbon absorbs impurities
• Removes chlorine, VOCs, and odors
• Various sizes available

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy installation
• Improves taste dramatically
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Doesn't remove minerals
• Limited contaminant removal
• Filter replacement needed
• Flow rate reduction

UV Filtration

Best for: Bacteria and virus elimination

How it works:

• UV light kills microorganisms
• No chemicals added
• Instant treatment

Pros:

• Kills 99.99% of bacteria/viruses
• No chemical taste
• Low maintenance
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Doesn't remove minerals
• Requires electricity
• Pre-filtration needed
• Annual bulb replacement

Choosing the Right System

Consider These Factors

Water Quality Test Results

• Test your water first
• Identify specific contaminants
• Determine hardness level
• Check for bacteria

Household Size

• Daily water consumption
• Number of people
• Simultaneous usage
• Peak demand times

Budget

• Initial equipment cost
• Installation fees
• Ongoing maintenance
• Filter replacements

Space Available

• Under-sink room
• Utility area access
• Outdoor installation options

Installation Requirements

Point-of-Use Systems

• Under kitchen sink typical
• Cold water line connection
• Drain connection for RO
• Dedicated faucet
• DIY possible but professional recommended

Whole-House Systems

• Install at main water line
• Requires sufficient space
• Proper drainage
• Electrical outlet nearby
• Professional installation required

Maintenance Needs

RO Systems

• Pre-filter: every 6-12 months
• Membrane: every 2-3 years
• Post-filter: annually
• Sanitization: annually
• Cost: $100-200/year

Whole-House Systems

• Sediment filter: 3-6 months
• Carbon filter: 6-12 months
• System check: annually
• Cost: $200-400/year

Carbon Filters

• Replace every 2-6 months
• Depends on usage
• Watch for flow reduction
• Cost: $20-50/year

Cost Analysis

Reverse Osmosis

• System: $200-600
• Installation: $200-400
• Annual maintenance: $100-200
• 5-year cost: $900-1,600

Whole-House

• System: $1,000-3,000
• Installation: $500-1,500
• Annual maintenance: $200-400
• 5-year cost: $3,500-7,000

Carbon Filter

• System: $50-300
• Installation: $0-100
• Annual maintenance: $20-50
• 5-year cost: $150-550

Combining with Water Softeners

Best of Both Worlds

• Softener removes minerals
• RO removes other contaminants
• Extends RO membrane life
• Better overall water quality

Installation Order

1. Sediment filter first
2. Water softener second
3. Carbon/RO filter last
4. Optimizes each system

Santa Fe Specific Recommendations

For Hard Water Areas

• Combine softener with filtration
• Protect RO membrane
• Extend appliance life
• Better results overall

For Adobe Homes

• Point-of-use systems easier
• Less invasive installation
• Multiple small systems option
• Historic home appropriate

For Well Water

• More comprehensive filtration
• UV system recommended
• Annual water testing
• Bacteria treatment important

Health Benefits

• Reduced chlorine exposure
• Fewer heavy metals
• Cleaner cooking water
• Better hydration (tastes better!)
• Reduced bottled water use

Environmental Impact

• Less plastic bottle waste
• Reduced transportation emissions
• Longer appliance life
• Lower carbon footprint

Professional Installation

Why Choose Lobo Tech

• Water quality testing
• System recommendations
• Expert installation
• Warranty protection
• Ongoing maintenance plans
• 24/7 service

Call 505-316-4231 for a free water quality assessment and filtration consultation!

Transform your water quality today!