Brondell H2O Circle RO Membrane Replacement Filter

So, this is the first time I have had to replace my Brondell Reverse Osmosis filter. I have replaced the other pre/post filters twice and now it' was time to change the RO element. I always dread this part of the cycle on RO systems because it is EXPENSIVE.....but this is how these systems work and deliver clean water. I previously had a GE system... and I used to operate an RO system on our boat (to turn sea water into drinking water). Having dealt with the pre and post filter set several times I noted that these filter come in a box, are individually wrapped and sealed, and are DRY. This time I noted that the RO element seemed heavier. It was in a sealed box and was individually sealed in a pouch as well. When I opened it and took of the cap, liquid dripped out. Initially I was worried that someone had returned a used filter and Amazon sent it back out to me. Even though it seemed to be sealed I wouldn't put it past a dishonest person to run this back through a bag sealer and return it for the $100 bucks. Then I remembered from my boating days that Reverse Osmosis membranes have to stay wet. When they go for an extended time of no use they must be "pickled" or BRINED in a special storage fluid. I was starting to think these are no different. I hooked it all up, drained the system per the instructions, and tested the water. I was horrified to see that it was producing water that had 290 PPM (parts per million) of TDS (total disolved solids). The water out of the tap was 513 PPM. The water out of my 2 year old RO filter was 80PPM. This was horrible. So, thinking that I might have gotten a used filter, I sent an email to Brondell support. As I waited for a response I decided to run the system through several more flush cycles. This involves running the water out of the resevoir tank until it's empty, then allowing it to refill (about a 1 hour process). Low-and-behold, each flush revealed a slightly better water test. After I erformed a total of 8 flushes, the Brodell Circle system with all new filters is producing water at about 40PPM TDS. For a reference, good bottled drinking water is about 20-25 ppm TDS. I'm happy with this. After a few days passed I got a response from Brondell support. The verified that the RO filters are indeed shipped wet/brined. They were surpised that it toon so many flush cycles to get to 40PPm.... but I feel SO much better knowing that I am not drinking from someone else's rotten recylcled filter. I f YOU get a wet RO filter.. and the box seal is in place and the wrapper bag is intact... DON'T freak out. This is how it is supposed to be. BRONDELL.... it might be a good idea to print this on the RO filter box somewhere to allay customer fears (especially since the other 3 filters are shipped dry). The Brondell Circle is a great system. It is so much simpler and the filter cycle and change procedure is indeed much easier that other systems I have had. I feel well assured that the water we are drinking and making coffee from is the best we can get.

Bondell is the best

A vital part of our Circle water system. Thanks for having this in stock!

RO system…does great job of filtering our water

Great quality filter. As part of a 4 filter system, this definitely keeps your water purified. Great quality, doesn’t leak, extremely easy and simple to install. Highly recommend this brand.