EcoHero 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Review: 12 Months Under My Sink in Palm Beach QLD
6 min read
The EcoHero 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis system delivers excellent performance after 12 months of continuous use in Palm Beach, QLD. This under-sink system removes 93.6% of fluoride, 98.6% of lead, and virtually all contaminants through 0.0001 micron filtration. Zero maintenance issues, clean installation, and the remineraliser stage prevents the flat taste typical of standard RO systems. Australian mains water contains chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, and trace PFAS compounds that meet guidelines but may not align with long-term health preferences. As a former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver, I applied systematic environmental risk assessment to my home water quality, leading to this comprehensive 12-month evaluation.
I spent a decade as a Navy Clearance Diver. You learn to assess environmental risk systematically — what’s in the water, what’s acceptable exposure, and what you’d rather eliminate if you have the choice. Applying that same thinking to my kitchen tap led me to reverse osmosis. This is what I found after 12 months with the EcoHero 5-stage system under my sink in Palm Beach, QLD.
Quick Verdict
Zero issues over 12 months. Excellent build, clean install, and the remineraliser means it actually tastes good — not the flat, dead output you get from standard RO. Most thorough residential water filtration available in Australia. Would buy again without hesitation.
See the System I’ve Used for 12 Months →
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Right for you if…
- You own your home and can modify plumbing
- Fluoride or PFAS removal is a priority
- You want the most complete residential option
- Happy to use a plumber for install
Not right for you if…
- You’re renting — permanent modification required
- Budget is tight — countertop RO exists cheaper
- You want instant mains-pressure flow
Why RO and Why This One
Activated carbon filters handle chlorine, taste, and odour. They don’t touch fluoride. RO does — 0.0001 micron filtration removing bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, PFAS, fluoride, and virtually anything dissolved in the water. The EcoHero stood out for WaterMark certification to AS3497, NSF 58 certified membrane with independently verified figures, and the EcoHero-50 membrane’s 50% water recovery rate.
The 5 Stages
| Stage | Cartridge | What It Removes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Micron Sediment | Sand, rust, dirt, turbidity |
| 2 | Carbon Block | Chlorine, chloramine, VOCs |
| 3 | EcoHero-50 RO Membrane | Fluoride (93.6%), Lead (98.6%), PFAS, Cadmium (99.1%), TDS (90.8%), bacteria, viruses |
| 4 | Deionising Cartridge | Residual TDS — near-zero ppm |
| 5 | Remineraliser | Adds Ca, Mg, K — raises pH, makes water taste good |
NSF/ANSI 58 Certified Results
Independently verified — not manufacturer claims.
12 Months In
Installation took a plumber about two hours — everything was in the box. The remineraliser is what makes this usable long-term. Standard RO is flat and tasteless. With calcium, magnesium and potassium added back, the water actually tastes good. Flow rate fills a glass in a few seconds, a litre in 20-25 seconds. Zero issues, no leaks, cartridge monitor flags when filters are due. I haven’t had to think about it.
What I Like
WaterMark AS3497 certified — legal compliance with Australian plumbing standards.
50% membrane efficiency — 1L waste per 1L filtered vs 3-4L on older systems.
Leak protection included — isolates water supply if leak detected.
Australian supplier — 1300 808 966, local serviceable areas.
What Could Be Better
Installation extra — plumber adds $200-400, total installed $1,400-1,700.
Tank limits burst use — 12-13L usable, refills over a few minutes under heavy demand.
Bench hole required — stone benches need a pro, rentals not viable.
How It Compares
| Option | Fluoride | PFAS | Install | Cost AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoHero 5-Stage ★ | 93.6% | ✓ | Plumber | ~$1,400-1,700 |
| Waterdrop Countertop RO | ~90% | ✓ | DIY | ~$400-500 |
| Clearly Filtered Pitcher | ~98% | Partial | None | ~$150 |
| Carbon benchtop | ✗ | Partial | DIY | ~$100-300 |
Final Verdict
A year in and nothing has gone wrong, the water tastes good, and everything I wanted removed is gone. Factor in the plumber and you’re looking at $1,400-1,700 all up. For a system you’ll use multiple times daily for the next decade, the cost-per-litre is negligible. If you own your home and clean water is a priority, this is the right call.
Check Waterdrop Price on Amazon →
See the EcoHero 5-Stage on Pure Water Systems →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does it remove fluoride?
Yes — 93.6% via NSF 58 certified membrane, near-zero ppm after deionising cartridge.
Do I need a plumber?
Yes — mandatory under warranty and Australian Standards. Budget $200-400 on top of supply price.
Can renters install it?
No — requires permanent bench hole and under-sink plumbing. Countertop RO is the alternative.
Does it remove PFAS?
RO is one of the most effective residential methods for PFAS reduction. Yes.
What is the EcoHero-50 membrane?
Pure Water Systems’ proprietary 50% water recovery RO membrane — 1L waste per 1L filtered vs 3-4L on older systems.
How much does it cost to service the EcoHero 5-Stage?
My first full filter service — all cartridges replaced, including the RO membrane — came to $490 all up, including labour. Pure Water Systems arranged the technician, so I didn’t have to source anyone myself. The process was straightforward: I called them, they booked a local plumber, the plumber arrived with all the cartridges and did the full replacement in under an hour. No sourcing parts, no guessing which cartridges to order. That’s the way to do it — the annual cost of ownership on a system like this is the filter replacement, and knowing it’s $490 fully managed makes it easy to budget for.
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Former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver and TAG-E counter-terrorism operator. Founded Clean and Native to apply the same rigorous thinking to the home environment.
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