Use r.o. For water purification

[Vtmbz]

I have just purchased a 2 post ro for sap concentration. I see right away that bootstrapping up to get enough permeate early in the season will be be difficult. I have available to me an old spring which we dont use because its filled with red algae, i suppose from underground iron. It tastes pretty strong and spits out lots of orange algae when drained. Drinkable but never tested.

So the question is simple- can i use my new ro to purify this enough to use it for cleaning or will i damage my membranes doing this? The r.o has a 20” filter. I can also install another filter housing on the spring as it has a pump installed.

[SeanD]

I use an in-line filter for RVs on our town water. It removes the chlorine and anything else that could damage your membranes. Easier and cleaner than the spring water you are describing.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-TastePURE-Flexible-Protector-40043/dp/B0006IX87S/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=5CVNB4C2Y70N&keywords=rv+water+filter&qid=1679230192&sprefix=rv+water+filter%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTkdJWDBDQjZTRkVQJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzc1NDczMjJQUlhVOUEzVUhVTCZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE3MTcxMlRXVzFKWE84QzZVWSZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[Bricklayer]

I would not use it.
Even with a pre filter it would still be putting unknown “stuff” through your pumps that could leave residues
If you had separate membranes that were just used for the purpose of making permeate. Then it would be feasible.

I have an old maple membrane that I use for producing permeate with my well water if needed. But always do a soap and acid was after.

[claystroup]

Can well water that has been run through a water softener be used to make a supply of permeate?

[Bricklayer]

Don’t see why not. It’s not chlorinated.
Usually in my experience anyways. The outside taps on a house are not run through the softener.
But even if they were you’d be fine. It’s not the greatest to run well water through your RO because of the minerals that will build up. But in a pinch it will do.

[Vtmbz]

I use an in-line filter for RVs on our town water. It removes the chlorine and anything else that could damage your membranes. Easier and cleaner than the spring water you are describing.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-TastePURE-Flexible-Protector-40043/dp/B0006IX87S/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=5CVNB4C2Y70N&keywords=rv+water+filter&qid=1679230192&sprefix=rv+water+filter%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTkdJWDBDQjZTRkVQJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzc1NDczMjJQUlhVOUEzVUhVTCZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE3MTcxMlRXVzFKWE84QzZVWSZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I just looked into this finally. Its sounds like it might work for exactly my problem. It seems to me that a tds meter reading would
Tell me if the output is safe for processing into permeate. I ordered one.
Bricklayer: i actually have a spare membrane, so ill use it for this.