RO system is separate from the softener, people usually install those inside the property. You can run the line as many as you want, in my case I install one under the kitchen sink. About to run a line (using a conduit off course) under the house to my fridge. Most included carbon filter on RO unit don't remove chloramines, you need different carbon to do that.

I have the same question on Chloramines, this is a major concern for me as well but it's a dilemma...take a look at this

http://www.apswater.com/article.asp?id=293&title=Advice+About+Whole+House+Carbon+Filters+And+Removing+Chlorine

It kind of make sense, if I go with one of this filter...I will plumb it just for my showers.

I didn't see the TDS level but the rest of the test looks rather good.

cleverchimp I never thought about the bacterial growth. Now I am even more confused. I was worried about Chloramines pitting the copper piping.

I have a rainshower, not sure if they make Carbon Filters for that or handheld showers.

jcalhoun, you're correct I wasnt able to get the TDS level.

My main concern is sizing the system. Should I go with 1.50 Cu/Ft Resin, 15GPM Flow, 53000 grain system. Will that be inefficient?

I also found this below. My water company uses Chloramines to disinfect the water. Since the water is treated frequently I am assuming, is there a need to worry about bacterial growth if you do the proper maintenance?

Activated carbon filter (A carbon filter ��" also called a taste and odor filter ��" is an ideal medium for bacteria growth and should be used only on water supplies that are continuously disinfected or known to be free of bacteria.

Water source for my area in Southern California:

Water delivered to customers in the Southwest System is a blend of groundwater pumped from the West and Central Coast Groundwater Basins and imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project (imported and distributed by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California).

For softener, Alice is the master here. He know everything in and out about that.

I'm about to put one of this :

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/products/green-carbon-water-conditioners/green-carbon-10.htm

before my softener, but after reading the article about the bacteria...I'm rethinking it. My main concern is the chloramines (the byproduct is causing cancer) absorbed by the skin when taking shower, the copper pipe issue is second.

what do you mean by proper maintenance?If you put one of this, the water running through the house have no disinfectant, maybe its better to ask the manufacture and see what they have to say on that issue. Another thing about this whole house filter is you need to change the catalytic carbon every 6-8 years.

I wish there a movement to stop municipal to use chloramines and stick with chlorine instead. It is a lot easier to remove at POU (Point of Use).

I would like Alice to chime in here. I was just looking at the carbon filter.

Proper maintenance meaning changing out the carbon every 5 years or so, checking on the unit. I didnt specifically ask the manufacturer about the carbon filter and bacteria build up.

You are correct on changing the catalytic carbon every 6-8 years. The cost is $125 or so for the coconut shell activated carbon. Not sure how easy/hard it is to change out the carbon.

I was looking at 2 different systems. One is a Clack system by APEC and other is a proprietary valve by US Water Systems.

Fusion NLT Hybrid Professional-Grade Metered Water Softener : Chlorine & Chloramine Removal

10 GPM - 35,000 Grains Capacity - 1.00 cu/ft - $1795

15 GPM - 53,000 Grains Capacity - 1.50 cu/ft - $1995

http://www.uswatersystems.com/systems/water-softener-system/hybrid-water-softeners/fusion-nlt-hybrid-metered-water-softener.html

OR

APEC

45000 Grain, 14GPM Water Softener - $1049

+

WTS-MAX-10 - $799 (Whole House Carbon Filter)

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/products/green-carbon-water-conditioners/green-carbon-10.htm

Badsha, what did you decide? I'm looking at the same US Water solution.

Hi, older post. But I'm also looking at the same NLT US Water solution. Any feedback? Alice? etc? much appreciated.

Kind Regards, Amit