A: Because of space requirements in this type of countertop unit, the pre-filter is not capable of handling serious sediment problems found in some water supplies. Under most normal city water conditions, the pre-filter is designed to function properly for 12 months, but sediment concentrations vary so greatly that there is no way of determining the lifetime of a filter without knowing more about the feed water.

A: The filter’s purpose is to remove chlorine and any other tastes or odors from the water. If there is a taste change in your water, the filter should be replaced. Only elaborate tests can determine if the filter is no longer adsorbing organic contaminants. This filter should be replaced on a yearly basis as indicated by your filter replacement timer lights.

A: The membrane’s life depends on the water conditions as listed in the specification section of this manual. If all of these conditions are met, the life of the membrane is 2–4 years. If a membrane fails or its performance becomes reduced before this time, the cause can usually be pinpointed to water conditions outside these specifications.

A: The easiest and best method is to measure the conductivity of the input water and the treated water as it is produced with a TDS meter. There should be a 80–95 percent improvement in the water quality. If it is below this percentage, the membrane may have been damaged. (Poor reduction of TDS may also be an indication of a plugged pre-filter, so check the filter first). A large increase in treated water flow rate is also an indication of membrane failure. Recording the time required to fill a container of the same volume will provide you with long-term information about your membrane. This information can be charted and will show a variation in ratios and water collection rates.

A: With identical feed water pressures, the volume of treated water produced by the unit should remain relatively constant. Simply time how long it takes to fill a gallon or liter container and record this value. This can be done once a month. With these values, it is then possible to determine whether the membrane is still functioning properly. If the amount of time required to fill the container decreases dramatically, it is an indication of Owner’s Manual 15 a membrane problem. If the time required to fill the same size container increases dramatically and the flow from the rinse water tube also slows, you probably have a plugged pre-filter or lower water pressure.

A: No, the body cannot assimilate the minerals found in drinking water. We obtain the majority of our minerals from the foods we eat. A glass of juice or a piece of fruit or a serving of vegetables contain many more chelated minerals the body can utilize than several gallons of water.

A: The reverse osmosis membrane actually works better and lasts longer the more it is used, so use it often. When not in use, dry off the cover, replace the product water plug and store it in a cool, dry environment. If you need to store the unit for extended periods of time, find the coolest place you can, even in a refrigerator.

A: The Nature’s Spring RO removes the majority of the disinfectants used to inhibit bacterial growth, so if you store water for extended periods of time, you can place the water in a clean container in the refrigerator to keep airborne bacteria from growing in the water.

A: Hot water over 113° F will damage the very thin PA membrane and cause poor rejection rates for dissolved solids in the water. Make sure you only use cold water in your Nature’s Spring RO.

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