The AquaTru is a no-install countertop RO system that offers the benefits of reverse osmosis purification without the hassle of an under-sink install. We installed and personally tested three configurations of the AquaTru in our home The AquaTru Classic, the AquaTru Alkaline Classic, and the AquaTru Connect.
In our testing, all three models removed up to 100% of all the trace contaminants in our water, and the Alkaline Classic increased carbonate, bicarbonate, and pH. The AquaTru is a mid-priced system and has a good design, but we found the water dispensing quite slow and we didn’t like having to upgrade for the benefit of remineralization.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
| Price | $449.00+ |
| Contaminants Removed | 83+ |
| Certifications | NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 |
| Process | Mechanical + RO + Carbon |
| Filtration Capacity | 600 – 1,200 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$100 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Note: To keep things simple, we’ll be talking generally about the AquaTru in this review. We’ll only mention specific models when relevant, and we’ll make it clear when we do. For instance, we’ve updated this review with a section on the AquaTru app, which is only available with the Connect systems. We’ve also shared new test data from our recent experience with the AquaTru Alkaline model, because we know folks will want to know how effectively it remineralizes water.
At the time of our review, we could buy the AquaTru in 4 configurations:
- The AquaTru Classic – the standard configuration and the cheapest option
- The AquaTru Connect (costs $20 extra) – comes with WiFi connection and provides information about the filters on a dedicated app
- The AquaTru Alkaline Classic (costs $50 extra) – comes with an alkalizing mineral-boost VOC filter instead of the standard VOC filter
- The AquaTru Alkaline Connect (costs $70 extra) – comes with built-in WiFi and alkalizing mineral-boost VOC filter
| AquaTru Configurations | Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | RO + VOC Filter | $449 |
| Connect | Wifi RO + VOC Filter | $499 |
| Alkaline Classic | RO + Alkaline Boost VOC Filter | $469 |
| Alkaline Connect | Wifi RO + Alkaline Boost VOC Filter | $519 |
We originally tested the AquaTru Classic, the base model and AquaTru’s most affordable option. We’ve since been able to test the AquaTru Alkaline Classic with the remineralizing VOC filter, so we could see how it performed when adding healthy minerals back into the water. We also tested the AqauTru Connect, to gauge the usefulness of this model’s Wi-Fi app.
Table of Contents
📊 Scoring Data
Our scoring data is based on the testing we carry out ourselves and any supplementary information that we find on company websites and third-party lab test results. We rank a water filter’s performance, design quality, ease of use, and overall value for money with 6 testing categories. We’ve highlighted these in the table below.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 100% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 0.04 GPM |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Exceptional |
| Setup | Exceptional |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.11/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
🎬 Video Review
🚰 Contaminant Reduction
Score: 9.91To test contaminant reduction, we objectively tested the AquaTru with SimpleLab’s Tap Score. We tested the system twice: once with the Classic VOC filter, and once with the Alkaline Remineralizing VOC filter. Below, we’re primarily discussing our results from test 1. However, when the test results differed, we have compared our results from both tests.
We also compared the manufacturer’s contaminant reduction claims with IAPMO’s performance certification data.
Our Performance Testing
Score: 9.90
Tap Score provided us with a sample kit for us to use at home. We then sent our before-and-after test samples back to the company, where they were tested in a laboratory.
We followed Tap Score’s strict sample-taking protocol to ensure we got the most reliable results from the tests. This involved filling a clean bucket with tap water and swirling it around to make sure it was well-mixed.
We poured most of the water into the AquaTru and dispensed our “after” sample once it had been purified in the unit. We then took a “before” sample straight from the bucket when there was less water in there, making it easier to pour from. We got an email alerting us that the results were available to view via a digital report on the SimpleLab platform.
Health-Related Contaminants
Score: 9.90
Because we tested the two AquaTru models at different times, our water contained different contaminants in each test.
Here, we’ve compared our test results for test 1 and test 2.
Test 1: AquaTru Classic
When we tested the AquaTru Classic, our unfiltered water contained trace levels of 11 contaminants with possible health effects: fluoride, lead, strontium, uranium, molybdenum, barium, zinc, nitrate, sodium, copper, and sulfate. Of these contaminants, the three most concerning were fluoride, lead, and uranium, which were all detected at levels higher than the HGL.
Some of the possible health effects caused by these contaminants include:
- Developmental issues
- Kidney problems
- Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects
- Problems with the blood system
- Skeletal health issues
- Immune function effects
- Reproductive issues
- Cardiovascular health effects
- Nervous system problems
- Gastrointestinal effects
Our purified water test results showed us that the AquaTru system was able to eliminate 100% of all contaminants with possible health effects detected in our unfiltered tap water. That includes the contaminants we were the keenest to remove, like lead and fluoride.
| Contaminant | Measurement | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | PPM | 0.014 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Calcium | PPM | 23.9 | 0.7 | -97.07% |
| Chloride | PPM | 9.2 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Copper | PPM | 0.0525 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Fluoride | PPM | 1.5 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Lead | PPM | 0.0009 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Magnesium | PPM | 6.08 | 0.36 | -94.08% |
| Molybdenum | PPM | 0.0047 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Nitrate (as N) | PPM | 2.1 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Phosphorus | PPM | 1.1 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Sodium | PPM | 9.91 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Strontium | PPM | 0.108 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Sulfate | PPM | 7.6 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Total Dissolved Solids | PPM | 112 | 12 | -89.29% |
| Uranium | PPM | 0.0182 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Zinc | PPM | 0.559 | 0 | -100.00% |
Test 2: AquaTru Alkaline Classic
When we tested the AquaTru with the Alkaline remineralizing filter, there was one additional contaminant with health effects detected in our water: chloroform, a type of disinfection byproduct.
Chloroform has been shown to cause liver, immune system, and central nervous system effects, and it’s formed when chlorine reacts with organic materials in water, often after it has left the treatment plant.
I was pleased to see that the AquaTru eliminated 100% of this contaminant from our water, so the reverse osmosis process came through yet again.
| Contaminant | Measurement | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total THMs | μg/L | 2.08 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Chloroform | μg/L | 2.08 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Chloride | mg/L | 28.5 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Sulfate | mg/L | 8 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Nitrate (as N) | mg/L | 4.2 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Fluoride | mg/L | 0.9 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Molybdenum | mg/L | 0.0019 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Copper | mg/L | 0.31 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Barium | mg/L | 0.0228 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Strontium | mg/L | 0.135 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Uranium | mg/L | 0.0096 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Potassium | mg/L | 0 | 1.1 | n/a |
| Carbonate | mg/L | 0.08 | 14.3 | 17775.00% |
| Sodium | mg/L | 11.2 | 1.67 | -85.09% |
| Bicarbonate | mg/L | 82.75 | 6.18 | -92.53% |
| Magnesium | mg/L | 7.32 | 9.78 | 33.61% |
| Calcium | mg/L | 30.5 | 0.9 | -97.05% |
| Total Dissolved Solids | mg/L | 164 | 71 | -56.71% |
| Hardness (Total) | mg/L | 106.96 | 42.52 | -60.25% |
Minerals & Salts
The reverse osmosis filtration process is so thorough that it doesn’t only remove the bad stuff – it also reduces healthy minerals.
Here, we’re discussing the outcomes of our test for the AquaTru Classic, and how these compared to our test for the AquaTru Alkaline Classic.
Test 1: AquaTru Classic
When we tested the AquaTru Classic, without the remineralization filter, the healthy trace minerals in our water were reduced by the RO membrane, and there was nothing in place to replace them.
Calcium in our water was reduced by 97%, magnesium by 94%, and chloride and sodium were both completely removed.
Test 2: AquaTru Alkaline Classic
When we tested the AquaTru Alkaline Classic, with a VOC remineralization filter, we expected that the calcium and magnesium levels in our water wouldn’t decrease so significantly. Most remineralization filters add calcium and magnesium back into the water. Although this might not bring these minerals back up to their previously existing levels in the unfiltered water, it still goes some way to make up for the mineral loss that occurs during the RO process.
However, in test 2, calcium still decreased by 97.5%. Magnesium was only reduced by 33%, suggesting that the remineralization filter had done a better job of reintroducing magnesium into our water compared to calcium.
Some of the more substantial changes we noticed here related to the pH of our water, as well as the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates.
| Contaminant | Measurement | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium | mg/L | 0 | 1.1 | n/a |
| Carbonate | mg/L | 0.08 | 14.3 | 17775.00% |
| Magnesium | mg/L | 7.32 | 9.78 | 33.61% |
| Calcium | mg/L | 30.5 | 0.9 | -97.05% |
| Bicarbonate | mg/L | 82.75 | 6.18 | -92.53% |
| Sodium | mg/L | 11.2 | 1.67 | -85.09% |
| Hardness (Total) | mg/L | 106.96 | 42.52 | -60.25% |
| Total Dissolved Solids | mg/L | 164 | 71 | -56.71% |
| pH | pH | 7.3 | 10.7 | 46.58% |
pH increased from 7.3 to 10.7, which is seriously impressive. We know many folks who pay good money for alkaline bottled water like Essentia, typically with a pH of 9.5 or higher. So the fact that the AquaTru alkaline model increases pH so substantially is a huge bonus.
We also tested the water with a pH meter to corroborate the results, and the pH reading of the purified water was 10.22.
As for carbonate and bicarbonate, these increased by 17,775% and 92% respectively in our purified water. Carbonate and bicarbonate are naturally occurring compounds made of carbon and oxygen (bicarbonate is also made of hydrogen). Bicarbonate is the main component of alkalinity, and both compounds enter water as minerals are dissolved into it – something that confirms the effectiveness of AquaTru’s alkaline remineralization filter.
Do we recommend that you buy the AquaTru with a VOC carbon remineralization filter? Yes. The filter improves the taste of the water by making it more alkaline. One of the biggest complaints that folks have about RO water is its taste, so getting the system with a remineralization filter makes it easy to improve your purified water’s taste and give it a healthy alkalizing boost.
Good to Know: If you’ve already purchased the AquaTru Classic, you can upgrade to the AquaTru Alkaline Classic at any time – just buy the Alkaline Mineral Boost VOC filter to replace the Classic VOC filter when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Both filter cartridges are the same size and fit in the same housing, so you don’t need to buy a new unit to benefit from remineralization.
Aesthetic Contaminants
Score: 9.90
Around 0.5 PPM of chlorine was detected in our unfiltered tap water.
The AquaTru uses two activated carbon filters: a Pre-Carbon Filter and a VOC Carbon Filter. Numerous studies have proven activated carbon’s ability to effectively remove chlorine, tastes, and odors – this 2022 report highlights a handful of studies that confirmed that AC could be used successfully for this purpose.
Tap Score sent us a chlorine test strip to use at home for each of our tests. We needed to do the test as soon as we gathered our sample because chlorine is volatile and would dissipate before arriving at the lab. Our post-filtration test results showed that the AquaTru had removed 100% of chlorine from our water.
There was no detectable chemical taste or odor after filtering our water in the AquaTru – another sign that the carbon filters were doing their job.
Performance Certifications
Score: 10.00
We know that performance certifications are super reassuring to most customers, who don’t plan to do their own testing to prove that a filtration system performs as advertised.
The AquaTru has been IAPMO certified to NSF Standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 for the removal of 83 contaminants, including TDS, barium, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, radium 226/228, selenium, cysts, arsenic perchlorate, nitrate/nitrite, Estrone, BPA, PFOA/PFOS and more. This made it certified for 100% of the manufacturer’s contaminant reduction claims.
It’s worth noting that these are only the contaminants that the AquaTru has been tested and certified to remove, and, with its RO process, it should remove hundreds of other trace impurities and dangerous contaminants.
| Contaminant | Reduction |
|---|---|
| Alachor | >98% |
| Atrazine | >97% |
| Benzene | >99% |
| Carbofuran | >99.5% |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | 98% |
| Chlorbenzene | >99% |
| Chlorpicrin | 99% |
| 2,4-d | 98% |
| Dibromochloropropane (Dbcp) | >99% |
| O-Dichlorobenzene | >99% |
| P-Dichlorobenzene | >98% |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 95% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | >99% |
| Cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | >99% |
| Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | >99% |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane | >99% |
| Cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene | >99% |
| Dinoseb | 99% |
| Endrin | 99% |
| Ethylbenzene | >99% |
| Ethylene Dibromide (Edb) | >99% |
| Bromochloroacetonitrile | 98% |
| Dibromoacetonitrile | 98% |
| Dichloroacetonitrile | 98% |
| Trichloracetonitrile | 98% |
| 1,1-Dichloro-2-propane | 99% |
| 1,1,1-Trichloro-2-propane | 96% |
| Heptachlor | >99% |
| Heptachlor Epoxide | 98% |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | >98% |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | >99% |
| Lindane | >99% |
| Methoxychlor | >99% |
| Pentachlorophenol | >99% |
| Simazine | >97% |
| Styrene | >99% |
| 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane | >99% |
| Tetrachloroethylene | >99% |
| Toluene | >99% |
| 2,4,5-tp (Silvex) | 99% |
| Tribromoacetic Acid | >98% |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | >99% |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 95% |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | >99% |
| Trichloroethylene | >99% |
| Chloroform (Surrogate Chemical) | 95% |
| Bromoform | 95% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 95% |
| Chlorodibromomethane | 95% |
| Xylenes (Total) | >99% |
| Barium | 96.4% |
| Hexavalent Chromium | 97.2% |
| Trivalent Chromium | 98.0% |
| TDS | 87.1% |
| Copper | 95.2% |
| Cyst | 99.99% |
| Fluoride | 93.5% |
| Lead | 99.1% |
| Radium 226/228 | 96.4% |
| Selenium | 98.1% |
| Chlorine Reduction, Free Available | 97% |
| Meprobamate | 92.9% |
| Phenytoin | 95.7% |
| Atenolol | 95.7% |
| Carbamazepine | 93.3% |
| TCEP | 91.4% |
| TCPP | 90.5% |
| DEET | 93.3% |
| Metolachlor | 93.1% |
| Trimethoprim | 93.1% |
| Ibuprofen | 95.1% |
| Naproxen | 96.6% |
| Estrone | 96.6% |
| Bisphenol A | 99.0% |
| Linuron | 86.7% |
| Nonyl phenol | 96.7% |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 97.5% |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 97.5% |
🚦 Filtration Rate
Score: 7.00The AquaTru system uses an electric pump (which means it needs to be plugged into a power source) to send water through the RO stages and into the collection tank.
In our testing, we found that the unit could purify 11 cups in 15 minutes, 53 seconds, giving it a flow rate of 0.04 GPM
This AquaTru stores the water in a tank, ready for dispensing, which has its pros and cons.
On the one hand, we didn’t have to wait for water to flow through the filter stages before it was ready for dispensing, which was a plus. On the other, the clean water tank is a gravity tank, and we found that the flow of water exiting the tank was slow – and it only got slower as the tank emptied.
Efficiency Ratio
The AquaTru is one of the more efficient reverse osmosis filter systems, especially when compared to a conventional under-sink system. It has a 4:1 performance efficiency, which, so far, is better than any of the other countertop systems we’ve reviewed.
In case you’re new to efficiency ratios, these measure how much waste water a reverse osmosis system generates for every 1 gallon of purified water produced (wastewater production is, unfortunately, a side effect of the reverse osmosis process).
The AquaTru unit’s 4:1 efficiency ratio means there’s only 1 gallon of water wasted for every 4 gallons of clean, filtered water produced, which meant there wasn’t a whole lot of wastewater that we had to throw out, and our tank emptying duties were less frequent than with other countertop systems we’ve tested.
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📐 Design
Score: 9.7To test the AquaTru’s design quality, we looked at two factors: the quality of the materials used in the components, and whether or not the system holds a certification for design.
Out of the box, the AquaTru filter system is a compact RO unit that’s designed to sit on a countertop. The idea is that you fill the water tank with cold tap water and attach the tank to the AquaTru base. The AquaTru will automatically start purifying the water until it has filled the front filtered water tank.
As far as design is concerned, we felt the AquaTru system had everything we were looking for in a modern countertop RO system. It might not be the most feature-heavy, but the digital display screen helped us out with filter lifespan information, and the water level icon meant we always knew when a tank refill was necessary.
AquaTru Connect App
You can download and use the AquaTru Connect app only if you purchase one of two upgraded versions of the AquaTru Classic:
- The AquaTru Connect, or
- The AquaTru Alkaline Connect
The app gives you additional usage data insights and makes it easier to track TDS, filter lifespan, and more.
We found that the most useful data on the app was:
- The percentage of filter life remaining – The number starts at 100% when a brand-new filter is installed, and this decreases gradually towards 0% the longer the filter is used. We found this more insightful than a traffic light system and meant we knew exactly when we needed to buy new filters.
- The TDS reading for the unfiltered and filtered water tanks – The app displays a reading range (low, medium, high, or very high) for the unfiltered and filtered water tanks so you can compare the difference between the two. The second TDS range data is particularly helpful because if the TDS starts creeping up, you know that one/several of the filters need replacing. However, it doesn’t provide a specific TDS reading in PPM, which would have been even better.
- Water usage stats – We could use the app to see how much water we had filtered. The volume is measured in gallons and the usage data can be broken down by day, week, month, and year, This is a pretty interesting stat for tracking any trends in your water usage and making sure you’re drinking enough (if you exclusively drink the water purified in the system).
- Savings – This is a nice bit of data to have if you want to feel good about your decision to buy the AquaTru! It tells you the number of 16.9 fl oz/ 500 ml plastic bottles you’ve saved by using the unit, as well as the amount of money saved compared to buying bottled water. It’s certainly not essential info, but it’s still interesting to keep an eye on.
- User manual – If you can’t find the paper copy of your user manual, the app gives you quick and easy access to it online.
Do we think the AquaTru Connect is worth the extra $50 for the app? It depends on how closely and precisely you want to track your data. If you can stretch your budget that little bit further, then we recommend upgrading to the Connect. Otherwise, the AquaTru Classic still provides basic data on the unit’s digital display, so the app isn’t essential – just insightful.
Design Setbacks
We identified a couple of setbacks with the AquaTru’s design.
First, because the AquaTru isn’t connected to a water pipe or drain line, you need to manually fill the tap water tank and empty the wastewater tank once it gets full. This takes some effort, and if you forget to empty the wastewater tank when it’s full, the system won’t work.
Another design setback is that the purified water exits the tank via gravity. This is a slow process that only gets slower as the tank empties.
Component Quality
Score: 9.50
We were happy with the quality of the components used in the AquaTru, and felt that the system has a robust construction and uses thoughtful design features to enhance functionality.
The AquaTru is made of Tritan plastic, which is claimed by manufacturers to be BPA and BPS free. The plastic design is nice and sturdy without glass’s high potential for shattering or stainless steel’s weight and bulk.
That said, we know some folks will be trying to avoid using plastics for food and water storage purposes, and there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to say for certain that Tritan is 100% safe. We found a 2014 study that evaluated the estrogenic activity of chemicals leaching from BPA-free plastics and concluded that many Tritan resins leached chemicals with estrogenic activity, so even if Tritan is BPA- and BPS-free, it may still contain other bisphenols.
Design Longevity
We couldn’t find any conclusive evidence for how long Tritan plastics are designed to last, but materials companies that make Tritan say that it lasts through “hundreds of dishwasher cycles” “outlasts other plastics and glass”, and is “extremely resistant to staining and smell absorption”.
It’s not going to shatter like glass or rust like metal, so we think the AquaTru’s components themselves should last for years, if not decades.
But the AquaTru also uses electronics, and if the system malfunctions or stops working, you’ll probably have to replace the whole thing even if the unit itself is in sound condition.
Certification
Score: 10.00
In our research, we found that the AquaTru is certified for materials safety and structural integrity. This falls under the system’s IAPMO certification to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401. It also holds an NSF 372 certification for lead-free design.
That means the AquaTru has been independently tested and deemed safe for use as a water filter, which is exactly what we love to see.
Filter Materials
The filter cartridges in the AquaTru are made from activated carbon and semi-permeable membrane material (which is typically either cellulose acetate blends or polyamide composites). There’s also a mechanical pre-filter that removes sediment, but we couldn’t find any information on exactly what materials are used to make this.
Activated carbon has been widely researched, and numerous studies support its effectiveness in water treatment. This 2019 study on activated carbon adsorption in water treatment concluded that AC has an “excellent purification ability” thanks to its loose porous environment and high specific surface area. The CDC recommends reverse osmosis systems for removing microorganisms, metals, and chemicals from water.
The AquaTru Alkaline models have additional media within its carbon VOC filter cartridge. The filter uses “a proprietary blend of healthy minerals” to increase water’s alkalinity. We imagine that this mimics the natural process of mineral leaching as water seeps through layers of mineral-rich rock and earth. Water traveling through the filter picks up some of the minerals contained inside, boosting its pH and alkalinity.
Remember, RO water is very hungry and seeks to dissolve things, which is why a post-remineralization filter can be an effective way to put healthy minerals back into the water.
There’s plastic in the filter housings, which is very common for most water filters but obviously isn’t ideal.
⚙️ Setup
Score: 10.00We measured the time it took to assemble the AquaTru, and the complexity of the process.
Our unit came partially assembled. All we had to do was set it up on our countertop of choice, install the filters, wash and fill the tanks, plug in the unit, and get started.
We followed the instructions in the user manual to prime the filters, which is super simple and just requires running 4 tanks of water through the system and discarding the water in the filtered water tank. While the filter priming process was quite time-consuming, it was easy, and there was no assembly, tools, or technical know-how required.
🔧 Maintenance
Score: 9.75We assessed the AquaTru for its servicing requirements and the cost of replacing the filters.
Servicing Requirements
Score: 9.5
We found it easy to follow the instructions for maintenance for the AquaTru, including:
- Cleaning both water tanks with warm, soapy water once a week
- Cleaning the outside of the unit base with a damp towel when necessary
- Flushing the unit with pure water once a week to clean the filters (recommended but not essential)
- Buying replacement filters when notified by the display screen (the prefilter lasts 600 gallons or six months; the reverse osmosis membrane lasts 1200 gallons or two years; the VOC filter lasts 600 gallons or one year)
Like any multi-stage RO system, the AquaTru water filter system is a bit more maintenance-heavy than non-RO systems. It’s worth asking yourself whether you want the most thorough, comprehensive filtration process to remove harmful contaminants from your tap water, and whether you’re happy with the additional maintenance commitments of changing the separate filters every 6-24 months.
Costs
Score: 10.00
We calculated the cost per gallon of the AquaTru filters to determine the system’s long-term value for money.
The overall cost per gallon for the filters is $0.11/ gallon. Here’s a breakdown of the cost per gallon for each of the filter stages:
- Classic Pre/Carbon Filter: $0.03/gallon
- Classic VOC Carbon Filter: $0.04/gallon
- Classic Reverse Osmosis Filter: $0.04/gallon
That makes the AquaTru one of the cheaper-to-maintain systems we’ve tested, despite using multiple different filter stages. For some perspective, the middle-ground average cost per gallon for water filters is around $0.54-0.61/gallon, and some systems have filters that cost more than $0.85.gallon to replace.
🏢 Company
Score: 8.80To grade the AquaTru in the Company category, we looked for information on the system’s warranty, shipping, and returns.
Warranty
Score: 8.5
The AquaTru has a 1-year limited warranty, which means it’s warrantied to be “free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original purchase date”.
There’s a shipping and processing fee that the customer has to cover if a repair or replacement is needed. The warranty only applies to the AquaTru system and not its filters.
This isn’t the longest warranty we’ve seen. You can pay around $50 for the extended 3-year warranty, but we don’t like that this costs extra.
Shipping
Score: 10.00
AquaTru ships to all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada, so it gets top points for us in this category. Find out more about shipping here.
Returns
Score: 8.00
All AquaTru customers can try the system for 30 days and return it for free for any reason within this period. Customers have to pay for the return shipping fees.
We’ve seen longer returns periods – up to 90 days – but this is still pretty great, and we appreciate that AquaTru doesn’t require you to return the system unopened and unused.
AquaTru’s returns policy can be viewed here.
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Note: This review has been updated in June 2024 with additional data that we obtained after testing the AquaTru Connect and AquaTru Alkaline systems, two upgrades of the AquaTru Classic.
Aquatru Compared to Other Brands
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I use pond water as my main water source and it does go through a chlorine process, but I buy bottle water for drinking and cooking. Will the Aquatru work for me?
Is there any other treatment besides the chlorination system? Are there filters to remove suspended solids?
We like our counter top model.
Is there anything bad in the waste water? Can we use it to water plants, flowers, or vegetables in pots?
The concentrated contaminants come out in the waste water. Depending on what types of plants you have, watering them with this concentrated discharge water should be fine. Just make sure to keep an eye out for any changes and stop watering with the discharge water if need be.
Having trouble finding chloramine and ammonia removal. Does this model handle that, and if not what to do?
Yes, the first stage catalytic carbon pre-filter reduces both chlorine and chloramines
I just discovered your videos and info. love your info on berkey and pro one too, as we are questioning our berkey use with city water.
we just purchased an aqua tru under the counter RO system for $250 but haven’t installed it yet bc I am still researching. my question is why would the aqua tru counter top system be twice as much $?
I followed up with Aquatru in regards to this question, here was their response:
“Each model has its own manufacturing cost which ends up determining the final price of each model.”