Suggestions for filter system for pre-filtering and softening water?

[Nick01]

Hi all,

I've been reading about on filtration systems, and think I understand the fundementals of water softening and filtration as related to scaling and taste. But would like suggestions for my current scenario.

Basically I'm planning to run a plumbed machine out of a water drum, running anywhere from a half dozen to a couple dozen coffees in a given hour or two, a couple of times a week, for events and things. I'll need to be flexible in positioning of the machine and equipment, and so for that reason I won't be able to plumb, and I won't necessarily have the exact same water source available to me every time. Therefore, I want to be able to fill a water drum (I have a 25 L drum, although I wouldn't use all of that in a sitting) for the machine (which can draw from a bucket), but need to be able to still use filtered water (because I don't want to descale any more than I have to, basically). I assume, then, that the best course of action is to filter the water before it goes into the drum, rather than filtering between the drum and the machine itself.

So, what is my best and most cost efficient option in terms of a filtration system? I live in Sydney, so water is softer than most. I'm not overly fussy about the quality of water in terms of the taste of the espresso, so I'm willing to sacrifice top of the line filtration if it saves me a non-trivial amount of cash. Also, the use of the machine will be concentrated to a few periods of time but looked at in the course of a whole week usage won't be totally crazy. Am I better off using one of the bench top type systems, or should I get something that I can connect to a hose, SS or otherwise?

Any thoughts are appreciated

[Journeyman]

I now use a Reverse Osmosis system under the sink, but prior to that I had a portable version that clicks onto most taps - and it came with adapters to fit older taps that don't have the diffuser. It cost about $250 (with a spare cartridge) but it also did abut 3 years per cartridge so cost per litre is tiny.

I got my recent one from waterfilterworld.com.au in Queensland (good value and service - speak to Byron) but I can't recall where I got my original portable.

[Nick01]

I'm not sure how widely I'll be using this machine, but it might be easier if I have a filter system that I can attach to a hose, that I can then attach to an external tap, as opposed to a kitchen faucet. Could I do that reasonably easily with an on-tap filter (i.e can I put an on-tap filter onto a faucet or outside tap), or not?

[Journeyman]

If it doesn't come with all you need, make it. Piece of hose with normal garden connection at one end and the required connection for the filter at the other. Bunnings or Mitre 10 will have them. Note RO systems need pressure to work - not sure how a rain water tank would go, but anything approaching mains pressure is fine.

Remember to ask about output from the filter - RO is not particularly speedy so you'd want preparation time or take the drum with you already full.

[Nick01]

Could I use a filter head like the top one here with a paired cartridge, and if necessary connect the inlet to a garden tap, and then either use a 3/8 hose or 'pour' the water from the outlet into the drum? If so, I assume I'd need some sort of adaptor from the tap to the filter (I assume it would have to be a male to male). That would be, what, 3/4 to 3/8? I assume an adaptor exists like that.

Is there any particular advantage over an commercial link removed per site posting policy to what I've referred to above? Again, I'm mainly trying to zero in on minimising scale more than any other single factor.