Our process
9 stages.
Zero compromise.
Most water filters do 2–3 things. Ours does 9. Here's exactly what happens between Vista tap water and the crystal-clear water that goes into your jug.
Goes through 7 stages — sand sediment, 1st carbon block, 5 micron filter, RO membranes, storage tank, carbon polish, and UV. Exits at neutral pH 7.
All 7 stages, plus 2 additional mineral steps: food-grade calcium and magnesium are added back, lifting pH to 9.5. 9 stages total.
The filtration path
From tap to tap in 9 stages.
Sand sediment filter
Large particle removal
City tap water enters the system and hits the first barrier — a sand sediment filter. It traps sand, dirt, rust, and larger suspended particles before they can clog or damage the finer filters downstream.
1st carbon block
Chlorine and chloramine removal
Activated carbon is porous at the molecular level. The first carbon block targets chlorine — the chemical your city uses to make tap water safe for transport. Here we remove it so it stops interfering with the RO membrane and your taste.
5 micron filter
Fine sediment screening
A fine polypropylene filter with 5-micron pores catches any remaining fine particles — sediment, rust flakes, and tiny suspended solids that made it past the sand filter. This step protects the RO membrane from premature wear.
RO membranes
0.0001 micron filtration
The heart of the system. Semipermeable membranes with pores 0.0001 microns wide — smaller than a virus. Dissolved solids, heavy metals, nitrates, pharmaceuticals, fluoride, bacteria. They stay on one side. Pure water passes through.
Storage tank
Purified water reservoir
Filtered water from the RO membranes collects in a pressurized storage tank. This ensures we always have purified water ready on demand — no wait when you bring in your jug.
2nd carbon filter / polishing
Final taste refinement
After the storage tank, a second carbon block strips any remaining trace odors or flavors picked up during storage. Water at this point is extremely pure — this carbon polish ensures it tastes exactly as clean as it tests.
UV light
Pathogen elimination — last step for regular RO
Water passes under a germicidal UV lamp. Light at 254nm disrupts the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa — rendering them unable to reproduce. No chemicals added. Nothing left behind. Regular RO exits here at pH 7. Alkaline water continues to two additional mineral stages.
Mineral addition
Calcium & magnesium restored — alkaline only
After final polishing, the alkaline line passes through a remineralization cartridge. Food-grade calcium and magnesium are added back in precise amounts. These minerals improve taste, support hydration, and prepare the water for pH elevation.
pH elevation
Raised to 9.5 — alkaline only
The mineral addition naturally lifts pH. We monitor and target 9.5 — a level that many people find smoother and more refreshing than neutral tap. Nothing artificial, just minerals doing what minerals do.
Questions we hear a lot.
Is alkaline water actually better for you?
The science is mixed on big health claims. What we know: it tastes smoother, the minerals (calcium, magnesium) are genuinely good for you, and a lot of people just drink more water when they like how it tastes. We'll let you decide the rest.
How often are your filters changed?
We follow manufacturer schedules and test the water daily. If something reads off even slightly, we don't wait for the schedule — we change it.
Can I bring any container?
Any food-safe container between 2 and 5 gallons is fine. We do not fill 1-gallon or smaller containers. We rinse your jug with purified water before filling.
What's the difference between RO and alkaline?
RO refers to the filtration method — reverse osmosis removes everything. Alkaline adds two final steps: minerals (calcium, magnesium) and pH adjustment to 9.5. Regular RO exits after stage 7 at pH 7. Alkaline goes through all 9 stages and exits at pH 9.5.