[oeccscclhjhn]

what is added? do they add fluoride? chlorine?

ok - i see there is (added?) chlorine:

las vegas tap water taste

The taste of Las Vegas' tap water can be affected by two things: the relatively high concentration of minerals in our water, and the presence of trace amounts of chlorine.

[WestieJeff]

Las Vegas has both chlorinated and flouridated water.

The high calcium concentrates definitely affect the taste.

[BBMW]

Anyone do reverse osmosis out there? How does it effect the taste?

[lvmensch]

RO is virtually standard in better homes. Some go to whole house systems though mostly an under sink unit for drinking and cooking.

We have an under sink and like it for coffee and such.

Water softener are also standard in the better homes.

We have well water which is a good bit harder than city water.

[SportyandMisty]

RO water tastes fine.

For coffee, I sometimes use Costco water instead; it has gone through RO and then had some minerals added back for taste. For coffee purists, true RO is generally regarded not to produce the best tasting coffee. Some people have their Espresso machines plumbed with RO water but then have a remineralization cartridge installed inline to add back some minerals for taste.

I can tell the difference between using bottled water (that comes with minerals added back for taste) and RO water, but the difference is subtle.

[movin1]

Originally Posted by BBMW

Anyone do reverse osmosis out there? How does it effect the taste?

Just had one installed under the sink for drinking water and it spits to the frig for nice clear ice and cold water. from the door.

Tastes much better than it id with the expensive frig filters. I have not noticed a negative affect on coffee and I grind beans (coffee snob).

[TexasRedneck]

Where possible, install the RO in the garage. Why? Look at all the connection points/tubing on the average home RO - then ask yourself how many of them could leak eventually.

HINT: ALL of them - and many don't notice it until the cabinets have been soaked.

An RO system will typically produce water best described as "bland" - believe it or not, water that's too pure has a flat taste that most find objectionable (typically, under 50 mg/l TDS). Chilled RO water seems to be the most palatable - but it will also make the most "honest" cup of coffee and/or tea that you can find, since you're no longer having to overcome the taste of the minerals in the water. Just be aware that if your system is set up properly, there's NO chlorine content - so bacteria CAN become an issue. If you DO have chlorine in the water, it will damage the RO membrane, unless you're using a CA (cellulose acetate) membrane - which are very difficult to find, since they don't really have a good operational life.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by TexasRedneck;53049357[B

]Where possible, install the RO in the garage[/b]. Why? Look at all the connection points/tubing on the average home RO - then ask yourself how many of them could leak eventually.

HINT: ALL of them - and many don't notice it until the cabinets have been soaked.

An RO system will typically produce water best described as "bland" - believe it or not, water that's too pure has a flat taste that most find objectionable (typically, under 50 mg/l TDS). Chilled RO water seems to be the most palatable - but it will also make the most "honest" cup of coffee and/or tea that you can find, since you're no longer having to overcome the taste of the minerals in the water. Just be aware that if your system is set up properly, there's NO chlorine content - so bacteria CAN become an issue. If you DO have chlorine in the water, it will damage the RO membrane, unless you're using a CA (cellulose acetate) membrane - which are very difficult to find, since they don't really have a good operational life.

I'll pass on 110 degree drinking water.

If one has the forethought to treat the innards of their cabinets a soaking won't touch them. Most don't think about it. Some of us do. Grab a few aerosol cans of poly and put a few coats on. No sanding required. It's not put on to look pretty. It's there to stop water from reaching the "wood". Don't forget the kick plate. If you're like us and remodeled the kitchen you can do even more. Poly is cheap compared to cabinets.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

RO water tastes fine.

For coffee, I sometimes use Costco water instead; it has gone through RO and then had some minerals added back for taste. For coffee purists, true RO is generally regarded not to produce the best tasting coffee. Some people have their Espresso machines plumbed with RO water but then have a remineralization cartridge installed inline to add back some minerals for taste.

I can tell the difference between using bottled water (that comes with minerals added back for taste) and RO water, but the difference is subtle.

We now brew our coffee at the strongest level. It makes up some for the lack.

[EA]

I do not put tap water into my body at all. Disgusting.
I have to clean my toilets, tubs, and sinks so frequently because of how much crap is in the water.