Reverse osmosis is one of the most popular water upgrades in Las Vegas homes. Our tap water is very hard and chlorinated, and plenty of households are tired of hauling cases of bottled water home from the store. The first question most people ask is simple: what does an RO system cost?
The honest answer is that it depends on the type of system, how it is installed and what your water needs. Below we break down typical national price ranges from published cost guides, the ongoing costs people forget about and the Las Vegas factors that affect what you’ll actually pay.
Typical reverse osmosis price ranges
Here is what two widely used national cost guides report. These are not our prices, and Las Vegas pricing varies by system and installation, but they give you a realistic starting point:
- Under-sink (point-of-use) equipment: roughly $200 to $800, according to Angi, plus about $100 to $300 for professional point-of-use installation.
- Under-sink, installed: roughly $150 to $1,300 all in, according to This Old House.
- Whole-house (point-of-entry) RO: roughly $1,000 to $4,800 for equipment per Angi, with complex installations adding up to about $1,500 in labor. This Old House notes that packages combining whole-house RO with softening can reach about $10,000.
- Replacement filter sets: about $40 to $90 for a standard set, per Angi.
- Replacement membrane: about $30 to $100, typically every two to five years, per Angi.
The most accurate number comes from looking at your home and your water. A free water analysis lets us recommend the right system and give you an exact quote.
When you compare quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same things. Ask whether the price includes installation, the faucet and any refrigerator connection, which filters come with the system, how often they need changing and what replacements cost. A lower sticker price can cost more over a few years if filters are expensive or the system sends a lot of water down the drain.
What affects the price of an under-sink RO system
Two under-sink systems can look similar and still be priced very differently. The main factors are:
- Number of stages. Most systems pair the RO membrane with sediment and carbon pre-filters and a carbon post-filter. More stages generally cost more up front.
- Tank or tankless. Traditional systems store treated water in a small pressurized tank. Tankless designs save cabinet space and often cost a bit more.
- Water efficiency. Angi reports that high-efficiency models can cost about $300 more, but they send less water down the drain.
- Add-ons. A remineralization stage, an upgraded faucet or a line to your refrigerator’s ice maker all add cost.
- Installation details. Cabinet space, drain access and whether a new faucet hole is needed affect labor time.
- Certification. Look for systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58, the standard for reverse osmosis drinking water systems.
If you’re new to the technology, our explainer on how reverse osmosis works covers the basics of pre-filtration, the membrane and the reject stream.
Ongoing costs: filters, membranes and water
The purchase price is only part of the cost. Plan for these over the life of the system:
Filter changes. Angi recommends changing pre- and post-filters at least once a year, and ideally every six months. A trade article from Water Conditioning & Purification notes that tougher feed water means more frequent pre-filter changes, and that following the manufacturer’s service schedule is the best defense against chlorine damage to the membrane. With Las Vegas water’s hardness and chlorine, staying on schedule matters.
Membrane replacement. The membrane does the heavy lifting and lasts longer than the filters, typically two to five years per Angi. Hard water can shorten that. The same WCP article lists softened feed water as one way to reduce scaling on the membrane.
Water sent to drain. RO works by flushing away the minerals it removes. The EPA WaterSense program says typical systems send five gallons or more of reject water down the drain for every gallon of treated water. WaterSense labeled models must send 2.3 gallons or less, which the EPA estimates saves more than 3,100 gallons a year on average. In the desert, an efficient system is worth considering.
Under-sink vs. whole-house RO: which do you need?
Under-sink RO treats the water you drink and cook with at one faucet, and can often feed your refrigerator too. For most Las Vegas homes, this is where RO makes the most sense. Browse our reverse osmosis systems to see the options.
Whole-house RO treats every gallon that enters the home. It is a much larger investment, involves larger equipment and storage, and sends more water to drain. RO water is also low in minerals and tends to have a lower pH, which is why whole-house setups often need remineralization or pH adjustment. Our post on the pH of reverse osmosis water explains why.
Many homeowners get better value by pairing a whole-home water softener or salt-free scale control system, which protects plumbing and appliances from hardness, with an under-sink RO system for drinking water.
What RO does for Las Vegas tap water
Southern Nevada’s water meets all state and federal drinking water standards, according to the Las Vegas Valley Water District, so RO is mainly about taste, preference and peace of mind. Here’s what it adds:
- Removes hardness minerals. The Southern Nevada Water Authority notes that RO is the only home filter type that removes calcium and magnesium.
- Reduces sodium from softened water. If you have a softener, RO at the kitchen sink removes much of the added sodium.
- Goes beyond carbon. The LVVWD points out that carbon pitcher filters don’t remove hardness, minerals, sodium or fluoride, and that RO units are generally effective at reducing perchlorate.
- Replaces bottled water. Our motto is “Why Pay For Water Twice?” Filtered tap water at home means no more buying and storing cases.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an RO membrane last in Las Vegas?
Cost guides commonly cite two to five years. In Las Vegas, hard and chlorinated feed water can shorten membrane life, so changing pre-filters on time and softening the water can help it last.
Does reverse osmosis waste a lot of water?
Older and less efficient systems can. The EPA says typical units send five or more gallons to drain per gallon of treated water, while WaterSense labeled models send 2.3 gallons or less.
Do I still need a water softener if I have RO?
Under-sink RO treats only one tap, so your showers, fixtures and water heater still get hard water. Pairing RO with a softener or scale control system protects the rest of the home and can also reduce scaling on the RO membrane.
Not sure where your home stands? Water Quality of Las Vegas is locally owned and offers a free water analysis with same-day service available and 100% financing. Call or text 702-623-2724 any time, 24/7, or schedule your free in-home water analysis online.
