Nitrate Treatment
Comparisons
Nitrate Reduction Comparison: Single cartridge vs Reverse Osmosis
Single cartridges to reduce Nitrates have been available for many years but unfortunately there are significant stated operating conditions.
The most significant difference between the two options of treatment is that we know the Reverse Osmosis process is effective – consistently.
The degree of purification achieved with the RO method is at .0005 of a micron, whereas the cartridge has a 5 micron filter.
The RO is capable of also reducing a wide range of other chemicals, heavy metals etc as well as cysts, bacteria and even viruses.
There can be an unpleasant smell and taste noticed in the water when the resin is expended
Nitrate bleed = High levels of Nitrates in water, when water is run faster than 2 litres/minute.
Break through = Dumping of accumulated Nitrates into the “treated”: water.
The 5 micron sediment layer inside the cartridge can become blocked with minerals or organic material – which stops the flow and indicates a whole new filter is required – which can be expensive to maintain if occurring too frequently.
There are also contradictions in the recommended installation; some say point of entry of all water to the house, (which is just not workable when the total water treated is as low as 760 Litres) others say to be installed to deliver thru a single tap in the kitchen – but at only 2 LPM, so a flow restrictor would be required to slow the water delivery down from most town, city and rural pressure pump delivery rates.
There are instructions to regenerate the resin with a brine solution, that involves another housing where salt is dropped into, then run thru the cartridge to try to regenerate it, but a bypass would be required so the salt did not enter throughout the household reticulation.
A sterilising process of 15 minutes each time is also recommended.
We had a client who tried this as he was financially restrained at the time and very quickly came to the conclusion that it was far too much trouble, was extremely time-consuming and he had no confidence that the filter was actually operating well, so installed the more reliable Reverse Osmosis treatment – with great results and total peace of mind.
Some capacity claims are very optimistic compared to others – with the exact same cartridge, so there seems to be quite a disparity, but when health and wellbeing is involved, most clients like to have the confidence that what they have installed is capable and proven to achieve what is required – consistently.
I have cut and pasted some info from a couple of websites FYI.
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- Typical reduction of nitrate based on 2 LPM throughput is 90 – 95%.However terms of lifespan does depend on usage as well as nitrates levels.
It is recommended that the filter is changed at least every 4 months for pregnant woman and small children.
- Typical reduction of nitrate based on 2 LPM throughput is 90 – 95%.However terms of lifespan does depend on usage as well as nitrates levels.
Capacity 8,000 milligrams.
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- Your new Nitrate Reduction (NRC10) Drinking Water cartridge uses a non-leaching material to reduce nitrates in a water supply. The NRC10 cartridge should only be used with the NRS-1 drinking water system. This filter is not to be used with any other system due to nitrate bleed through that could occur. Have your water checked periodically to verify nitrate reduction.
LIABLITY All information and recommendations appearing in this manual concerning the use of products described herein are based on information contained in good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. However, it is the user’s responsibility to determine the suitability for his own use of such products. Since the actual use by others is beyond our control, no guarantee, expressed or implied, is made by First Sales, LLC as to the effects of such use or the results to be obtained. First Sales, LLC assumes no liability arising out of the use by others of such products. Nor is the information herein to be construed as absolutely complete, since additional information may be necessary or desirable when particular or exceptional conditions or circumstances exist or because of applicable laws or government regulations.
SECTION II. SPECIFICATIONS TABLE A – RECOMMENDED OPERATING LIMITS FOR FEED WATER Specifications NRC10 Water Pressure 40-100 psig (280-690 kPa) Temperature 40-100°F (4-38°C) pH 4.5-8.5 Hardness Less than 1 gpg Iron Less than 0.05 ppm Manganese Less than 0.05 ppm Nitrate Less than 21 ppm (Does not apply to FSN Series softener) Bacteria Must be potable**
NOTE: The NRS-1 may be installed on waters containing nitrate; however the total nitrate concentration of the incoming water supply should be less than 21.0 ppm.
Water containing nitrate concentration greater than 20.0 ppm will greatly reduce the cartridge capacity and leave potential for harmful levels of nitrate bleed through.
Have your water checked periodically to avoid harmful levels of nitrate bleed through.
**DO NOT USE WITH WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE OR OF UNKNOWN QUALITY.
NRC10 CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT MANUAL Recommended Filter Change Schedule* 1 – NRC10 – Nitrate Filter:
<=10 ppm nitrate…………………………200 gallons (= 760 Litres)
<=15 ppm nitrate…………………………150 gallons (= 570 Litres)
<=20 ppm nitrate…………………………100 gallons (= 380 Litres)
Quoted prices for the NRC-10 cartridges range from $75.00 up to $160.00Incl.
At an average water use of approximately 10 Litres per day, with Nitrate reported at 20ppm, the filter would need to be changed at about monthly intervals – quite onerous and expensive
- At $75.00 each cartridge, the running cost is $900.00 for every year
- At $160.00 the running cost is a huge $1920.00 every year
Comparison of single Nitrate cartridge with Reverse Osmosis Water Purifiers
Single NRC-10 cartridge
Single NRC-10 cartridge in 10″ Housing
Buying price: $498.90 Incl
Reverse Osmosis water purifier
Buying price:
$767.00+GST 5 stage unit. Complete with universal 10″ housings or
$1415.00+GST American unit complete with Water Quality Monitor.
Capacity: Cartridge capacity at 10ppm = 760Litres
Cartridge capacity at 20ppm = 570 Litres
Capacity: Unlimited use – typically up to 2 to 3 years
Efficiency: 90 to 95% depending on usage and N levels.
Water softener required for most wells/bores.
Water softener required
Iron less than 0.05ppm
Water Hardness less than 10gpg = 170ppm = 10 x higher
Iron less than 0.1ppm – 2 x higher
Other contaminants reduced: None
Reliability: Break through risk at over 2LPM
Reliability: No break through
Dumping warning: high levels of Nitrate in water
Dumping warning: No dumping. Nitrates flushed away to drain
Cartridge capacity at 20ppm = 570 Litres
The water quality Monitor indicates the rejection performance when pressed, for peace of mind.
Nitrate Treatment Comparison
With over 30 years experience specialising in water treatment, we are aware of different treatment methods to reduce Nitrates.
We have known of single resin cartridges for treatment but unfortunately, in our opinion, there are significant cons that override the pros – particularly when the scientifically proven associated health risks of Nitrates are so high.
Our most significant concern is the lack of consistent, proven, long-term effective reduction of Nitrate.
The disparity between claims of volumes of water effectively treated varies widely – for the same cartridge.
Maintenance requirements are also variable. One supplier advises the cartridge can be partially restored but requires another housing and salt being used to create a brine solution to run through the cartridge.
How often? How do you know when it is required? How time-consuming?
The supplier states that the filter can block before the capacity is expended.
Another states the filter should be changed every 4 months when pregnant women and small children are using the water.
For water with more than 10ppm Nitrates, it should be changed at 760 Litres.
For water with greater than 20ppm Nitrates, it should be changed at 380 Litres.
High Nitrate levels greatly reduce the cartridge capacity and harmful levels of Nitrates can bleed through.
Water analyses are required to determine this, to avoid excessive Nitrate bleed through and for microbiological contaminants.
The cartridge should not to be used on microbiologically unsafe water or of unknown quality.
A flow restrictor may need to be installed to deliver at the stated 2 LPM.
There is no guarantee and no liability or responsibility/accountability for the accuracy of claims.
Would you be comfortable with the unknowns and risks associated with a single cartridge?
Compare the above unknowns, variables and concerns that come with a single cartridge treatment, with the guaranteed, internationally recognised and scientifically proven Reverse Osmosis water treatment method to reduce Nitrates – with total peace of mind.
I had the water tested for bacteria and it came back clear but our symptoms were persisting. After almost two months at the
address and no answers I decided to pay the money and have further test done on the water. Our test came back showing that our
water was very high in Nitrates – the level was 16. It also showed our water was very hard. We Installed a Reverse Osmosis system
for our drinking water and the transformation in our daughter has been remarkable. We watched her eczema literally disappear
from her body. My symptoms of nausea and lack of appetite have also disappeared. This is just our experience. For us changing our
water has brought about a dramatic improvement in our health issues. Nitrates were an issue that I was completely unaware of.
We are now into our 3rd week of being healthy and happy.
H & E, ASHBURTON
As you know we have struggled with the water quality for many years, with varying degrees of improvement but none have come anywhere
near the huge improvement we have gained with your new treatment material. We had virtually given up hope of ever being able to just
have water on tap that we could use without all the hassles of staining and scale buildup in the toilet bowl, the shower and even the
washing machine. We were sceptical but your enthusiasm and the information you provided us gave us hope that this time we really
might have good clean water – and we have. It is just so nice to do a load of washing without the stains and scum. We are loving it!
Many thanks Sue.
M & P,CANTERBURY
Sue, Just a note to thank you for solving our water problems. As you know we have had serious iron and more recently Manganese
problems with our water for months – if not years. Eventually the manganese levels approached toxic levels that would have damaged
our health. The iron was staining our washing, our dishes and even the side of the house. Your water softening and treatment system
has solved the problems completely and we can now drink the tap water again. Many thanks
C&A LEESTON
We recently purchased a water softener and filtration system from Sue Kelly Water Systems Ltd. Our water quality was so bad it
was almost undrinkable due to high levels of iron and manganese. The system she supplied has made a fantastic difference to the
quality of the water, we can now drink it with confidence and pleasure. Sue’s advice, service and backup have been second to
none and we highly recommend her very professional company.
P & K, LITTLE RIVER
Knowing we had to improve our water quality we got in touch with you and you recommended us the best treatment programme for
our situation. You explained the process easily and were upfront with the costs involved. You were very professional and had much
knowledge of your product making the whole process straight forward and hassle free. Thank you very much it has truly made a
wonderful improvement to our water quality.
N & S, KAIAPOI
Sue Kelly gave good advice, very good service and communication and genuinely cared about improving the quality of our drinking
water from our well for our family.
MG CHRISTCHURCH
Happy to say that I was very impressed with the prompt and information service, and the high quality of the fixtures.
V C CHRISTCHURCH
We are astounded in improved water quality.
D M, AKAROA
I would like to sincerely thank you personally, and your company, for the thorough and efficient service I experienced in getting
our water quality problems solved. We had been persevering with another company and were absolutely appalled with the lack of
communication and their seemingly inability to solve our water problems when we decided to try ” Sue Kelly Water Systems “. It is
great to realise that there are at least still some businesses that supply the good service that we expect as customers. ” Thank you
B Y, CHRISTCHURCH
You have answered all my questions and obviously gone out of your way to get information that was not readily available; you have
backed up all the claims for your products with the sort of technical explanation I prefer, you have been prompt and above all you
haven’t been pushy. So if anyone asks I will be happy to give you a 100% endorsement. Some of your competitors haven’t even replied
to my requests for information and it’s obvious that water quality is just a sideline for their business.
MS, WAKEFIELD
Dear Sue, Thank you for giving us beatifully clear water! Our water has always contained a high level of iron that caused cloudiness, a distinct
metal taste and smell in the water. Ice cubes were always brown – not good in a gin and tonic! As well as staining all the bathroom
and laundry fittings a horrid brown/black colour, many items of clothing, furnishing and part of the outside stone cladding to the
house are stained for life. Now the water is crystal clear, no taste, no smell, the WC pan has been scrubbed and the iron stain has
gone. The gin and tonics are better that ever! Thank you Sue for changing our water supply so radically – we appreciate it.
P & P HANMER
Your customer service has been outstanding, from the 1st phone call. I felt like I was the only customer you had. You took time to
explain what was happening and what the best options were. During my disaster phase when the pumps failed you took time to source
one for me and get it to your warehouse saving me time rushing to town. Ths shows a classic example of great customer services
often missed by other retailers! Keep up the great work.
MB KAIAPOI
Your service was excellent, promp, helpful and efficient. Thank you.
R & JD RANGIORA
We’ve had a great experience throughout the process of purchasing and installing from you. We are loving the difference it has made
and only wish we had done it sooner. Thanks
AJ AMBERLEY
Thanks for your follow up call today to see how we feel about our new Softener. There is a HUGE difference! We specially notice the
soft water in the shower – so much easier on our skin. Many thanks.
A.J & S.J, WAIPARA
” Thank you we are very happy with our new water system. My skin and hair are already dramatically improved it’s amazing – wish we
had done it years ago thanks! Very happy customers and thanks for your follow up email. “
LW LEESTON
Thank you for your excellent service which I cannot fault. I particularly appreciated your personal visits and attention to detail
and certainly would recommend you to others.
BT AMBERLEY
Water in Amberley is recognised as being hard. I needed to de-scale my glass kettle every 7-10 days. I couldn’t see thru the kettle in
2 weeks. Unfortunately I believed the rhetoric from a Nation-wide Company promoting a Total Filtration system for water. It included
some filters and a Magnetic Ioniser ” which makes the water behave as through it has been softened “. There was no discernable difference
and the kettle de-scale continued weekly. I repeatedly asked this company to provide me with scientific or clinical data to show that
the Magnetic Ioniser actually will soften hard water – so far this has not been forthcoming. I was advised to continue with a product
” we know it is cleaning out the pipes and will reduce scale overtime “. However after 5 months and still no benefit. I removed it from
my system, took some helpful advice and replaced it with a Salt Based Water Softening Treatment plant as supplied by Sue Kelly Water
Systems Ltd. This worked from the first day and I have not had to de-scale my kettle in over 1 year. I use a bag of HydroSoft salt $16.07
every 5-6 weeks. My message is – use proven technology not unproven.
RSB AMBERLEY
You asked us to let you know about your quality of service and to date we have been unable to fault it. The plumber you arranged to install
the water filtration was more than helpful and very clear when giving us information about ongoing use of the system, overall a flawless
service !
K&J, AMBERLEY
I don’t think I’m imagining this but our water definitely tastes better and is really a pleasure to drink.
J T, RANGIORA
Thanks very much for your advice and efficient service. Everything has been installed and it has made huge difference. I can’t understand
how anyone could live with what was there before. The Plumber was great and explained the whole process as he was doing the job.
K & D
We both appreciated your advice and assistance. The water is very much improved and we are enjoying it.
PR, KAIAPOI
Thanks for the good advice and friendly service.
A & A, WINTON
Since we have changed the media in the automatic backwashing system, the water coming into the house is so much better, much cleaner.
The water in the stock race has been particularly bad – realy dirty, but the new granules are getting it clearer than before. Many
thanks.
S K, ASHBURTON
Thank you so much for your friendly manner, prompt service and good product. We will definitely be recommending your service to others.
W & K, ASHBURTON
Superb service!
AB, Auckland
What can I say? Your service and product are perfect.
G T, AKAROA
The service was great – very quick delivery of filters etc. and great advice was given on what treatment was needed. It was good to talk
to a company that knows what they are talking about when it comes to the treatment of water. Thank you very much Sue
J J WAIWATE
Thank you for your prompt, friendly and efficient service it is much appreciated. After ordering a water filter from you we were
delighted to have it delivered and installed within 3 days!! Not only that our water now tastes wonderful. Thank you for a job well
done and a big thank you to Sue Kelly Water Systems.
J H PEGASUS
Your service has been wonderful – from my initial enquiry to installation. Your explanation of the pros and cons of the various
water filters we were looking at was comprehensive, the add-ons you provided to assist with installation, the speed of response
to my request for assistance in locating an installer to cut a hole in the bench top, and friendly service made our experience
very pleasant and trouble-free. We have been enjoying champagne water since. We will most certainly recommend your company to
others we can persuade to try chlorine-free water.
M & G, CHRISTCHURCH
We were both impressed with your service and product knowledge from the time I phoned to enquire about the Water Systems right
until we made the purchase. We are enjoying drinking fresh clean chemical and pesticide free water!
J & A KAIKOURA
Extremely satisfied with the kindness, speed and professional attitude with which you responded to my call and came out immedieately.
Very informative and pleasant interaction. Committed to absolute service.
DS, CHRISTCHURCH
Very happy with your service, after shopping around for various items and prices you services was affordable, and serviec was
provided quickly and in a very friendly manner.
D&BC, Rangiora