Table of Contents
🧾 Overview
The Waterdrop RO WD-G3-W is a tankless reverse osmosis water system that produces a standard-size glass of drinking water in around 12 seconds.
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With a filtered water to waste water ratio of 1:1, the system works more efficiently than other RO systems, which generally operate at a ratio of around 1:3 to 1:4.
Compact and slim in design, the Waterdrop RO can be fitted more easily in an under sink cupboard space, and its built-in smart leakage protector cuts off water and electric supply if a leak is detected.
The system’s filters provide 8 stages of water purification, removing 99% of harmful substances from water and improving taste and smell.
💡 Features
Smart pressure pump
The system uses a smart pressure pump to detect the incoming household water pressure and adjust as appropriate for the fastest RO process. This helps minimize waste and speed up pure water production for faster glass refills.
Lead-free faucet
Included in the package for this RO filter is a lead-free faucet for installation at a kitchen sink area. The faucet features an LED light that turns on while the faucet is in use. It is chrome plated and made from brass to prevent contamination of clean RO water flowing from the unit.
Pre sediment and carbon block filter
Offering the same level of function as a pre sediment and 2 carbon block filters combined, the pre sediment and carbon block filter removes large particles from the water, including sand, rust and salt, as well as chlorine, chloramines and other chemicals that might affect water taste or smell.
Reverse osmosis membrane filter
The RO membrane filter in this system is larger and more efficient than standard RO filters in other units. At 15 inches in height and 4.3 inches across, the membrane can filter water more thoroughly, assisted by the pressure pump to prevent backflow.
Activated carbon block filter
This system features an activated carbon block filter, which is made from natural coconut shell and returns beneficial minerals into the RO drinking water to minimize acidity, and remove unpleasant taste and odour.
Leakage protector
The system’s built-in leakage protector monitors water in real-time and switches off water and power supply if a leak is detected, ensuring the safety of other electrical devices in the surrounding area.
🚦 Performance
The Waterdrop WD-G3-W doesn’t have a water storage tank, so water must be produced and sent straight to the faucet when it is turned on.
The system has a built-in booster pump that provides the optimum pressure for speeding up the RO process, filling a standard-size glass with clean drinking water in an estimated 12 seconds.
Working at a pure water to wastewater ratio of 1:1, the Waterdrop RO is far more efficient than a basic RO system without a booster pump.
While most RO systems produce water at a ratio of 1:4, wasting 4 gallons of water for every 1 gallon produced, the Waterdrop WD-G3-W loses only 1 gallon for every gallon produced.
It’s worth being aware that while the system is more efficient and environmentally friendly in general when it comes to water production, after it is first installed, the user is required to flush it with water for 30 minutes. This water isn’t suitable for drinking, and the manufacturer recommends using it for another purpose, like watering flowers.
🔧 Installation & Maintenance
The Waterdrop WD-G3-W RO arrives partly assembled and is designed for DIY installation in less than 45 minutes.
A user will need to connect the unit to the faucet and electricity supply, as per the instructions in the included manual, for it to work. The system can also be connected to refrigerators and ice makers, but this will require the purchase of additional tubing to attach to the device.
Filters need changing every 6 months to 2 years and are simple to purchase and replace. The system contains no secondary pollution because it doesn’t feature a storage tank, so additional cleaning and sanitization beyond changing the filters as instructed is not necessary.
📝 Filter Info
Filters flush automatically for 20 seconds after every 2 hours of filtering. This prevents contaminants from building up, prolonging their lifespan.
The system’s filters are included in the package, but will need replacing depending on usage and water type. The first stage filters will need to be replaced every 6 months or so.
The RO element can usually last for up to 2 years, and the carbon rod filter should last for around 12 months. The more frequently the system is used, the more quickly the filters will lose efficiency.
🔔 Pros & Cons
Pros
- The system’s tankless design prevents the water from picking up tastes and odors after passing through the RO membrane. Water flows straight from the filter to the faucet for immediate drinking.
- The built-in booster pump speeds up the flow of the water by increasing the pressure in the unit, forcing water through the RO membrane and preventing backflow that can lead to water wastage. This enables filtered drinking water to fill a glass in approximately 12 seconds.
- The system is slimmer and more compact in design than traditional RO units, making it easier and more space-saving to store in an under sink area and bypassing difficult installation tasks. A user can install this system without the help of a plumber or handyman.
Cons
- The system’s coconut shell carbon filter adds a small amount of minerals to RO water, but users wanting to produce water with a higher alkalinity will need to purchase a separate means of water mineralization to add higher quantities of calcium and magnesium to water.
- Users looking to fill larger jugs of water may need to wait slightly longer for the unit to produce the desired amount of water, when compared with a standard RO system with a storage tank.
- The system is slightly pricier than other RO filters on the market. A user should consider whether the Waterdrop RO WD-G3-W offers better value for money for its perks – namely its tankless design and reduced water wastage – prior to making a purchase.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
📆 How often does the membrane need to be changed?
The manufacturer recommends changing the reverse osmosis membrane every 24 months or 2,200 gallons of use, whichever comes first.
⚖️ What is the waste water ratio for every gallon of produced filtered water?
The filtered to waste water drain ratio is 1:1. This means for every 1 gallon filtered, 1 gallon of waste water is produced.
🧊 Can I connect the system to my refrigerator and ice maker?
Yes, the system is compatible to be connected to your refrigerator. The manufacturer provides a kit or you can use a standard T valve.
🚰 What water pressure is needed to operate the system?
The system is rated for use with water pressure 14.5 – 87 PSI and will work properly if the water pressure is within this range.
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