On Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:31:42 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

If you are using it for an hour a day is it still necessary to do the
daily water test and discard the first gallon? Does it have a UV
sterilizer to kill viruses, etc. ?

Maybe I wasn't clear on that "first gallon". It's not discarded, it's
used to "flush" the sal****er out of the system. Worth it to keep the
membrane happy! The first 5 minutes is discarded, as per instructions.
This can (notice CAN) contain byproducts of bacterial decomposition
small enough to make it through, such as Hydrogen Sulfide, the "rotten
egg" smell stuff. It won't really hurt you, but yuck. That's a good
"proof" of the value of the flush. Don't flush, just turn off, then
the next day sniff the first water coming out.

Yes, the water should be tested after that 5-minute discard, mainly
because a cracked membrane will let stuff though. I occasionally use a
TDS meter, but usually just put the hose in a cup for a bit and have a
drink. The "taste test" is recommended over TDS meter by the
manufacturer. I guess if one is a bit on the overcautious side one
could use the meter first.

No UV steriizer. I feel that's a waste of power. All viruses,
bacteria, cysts, etc. are supposed to be unable to pass through the
membrane. I've been flamed before about this, but the fact remains
that we've drunk literally thousands of gallons of RO water with no
ill effects. Now I do chlorinate the water in the tanks occasionally.
BTW, chlorine and oil will quickly DESTROY the membrane. That's why I
use that jug for collecting the flush water.

Rick