Reverse osmosis drinking water
A separate faucet for drinking and cooking water, filtered at the kitchen sink.
An under-sink reverse osmosis system pushes water through a membrane and filter stages to produce drinking and cooking water at its own faucet. In Midland, RO is one of the most common water treatment add-ons, both on city water and on private wells.
Why it's popular here
- Arsenic. Midland's 2025 report lists arsenic as high as 9.19 ppb against a limit of 10, and the 2023 report showed a running-average violation late that year. Private wells in Midland and Ector counties can have naturally occurring arsenic too.
- Fluoride. A 2008 study for TCEQ found fluoride of 3.4 to 4.5 mg/L in the shallow Ogallala wells serving Greenwood.
- Minerals and taste. High dissolved solids affect taste, coffee and ice.
- Sodium. A salt-based softener adds sodium; RO reduces it for drinking water.
What to know before buying
RO is sized for drinking and cooking, not the whole house, and it sends some water to the drain. Very hard water shortens membrane life, which is why RO is often installed after a softener. Pre-filters and the membrane need replacing on a schedule. If arsenic or fluoride is the reason you're buying, ask for the system's performance data for that contaminant and test the treated water after installation.
Who can install RO in Texas?
TCEQ's Water Treatment Specialist license has three classes. Class III covers reverse osmosis and deionization equipment; Class II installers need a higher-class licensee to supervise RO work. Plumbers holding a Texas plumbing license are exempt.
What affects the cost
Stages, tank size, faucet style, refrigerator connection, remineralization or other add-ons, and replacement filters over time.
Where we can connect you
Common questions
Does RO remove arsenic?
RO can reduce arsenic in drinking water when the system is designed for it. Ask for performance data and retest the treated water.
Why put RO after a softener?
Hard water scales RO membranes. Softened feed water helps the membrane last longer.
Related services
More background: Midland County hard water guide.
Scale on everything? Want better drinking water?
Call and we will connect you with a water treatment company that serves Midland and Odessa.