HK1245230A1 - Systems and methods for water filtration - Google Patents

Abstract

A water filtration systems may comprise an under the sink RO water filtration system that is plumed into a building's water supply. For example, the water filtration systems may include an RO device at least partially installed underneath a sink, with the tap water connection plumbed directly to the sink cold water supply line, and a waste water drain line connected directly to the sink drain, such as the p-trap.

Description

Water filtration system and method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present invention claims priority and benefit from U.S. patent application No.14/809,526, filed on 27/7/2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to water filtration, and more particularly to systems and methods for reverse osmosis water filtration.

Background

Water purifiers have become ubiquitous in many households due to the increased levels of toxicity caused by chemicals found in the water supply. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment devices are designed to treat drinking water for use in the home. These devices may be connected to a faucet and/or mounted under a sink. They are different from point-of-entry (POE) devices, which are installed on water supply lines as they enter the home and treat all water in the building.

Many households now have Reverse Osmosis (RO) units installed. These devices use membranes to screen out chemicals such as chlorides and sulfates as well as most other contaminants found in the water supply. RO systems are typically multi-stage systems and, since RO cannot remove volatile organic compounds, it also includes an activated carbon filter. Reverse osmosis systems can remove particles down to 1 angstrom. However, the POU RO system generates a large amount of waste for each gallon of water being treated. This is because the RO purification efficiency under normal water pressure is about 20%. Therefore, POU RO systems that can provide filtered water while minimizing waste of water are desired by the market.

Brief description of the drawings

The detailed description explains the embodiments with reference to the drawings. The use of the same reference numbers may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those shown in the figures, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a water filtration system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts a water filtration system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a water filtration system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Described below are embodiments of a water filtration system (and individual components of the water filtration system). Methods of using the water filtration system are also disclosed. In some cases, the water filtration system may include an RO water filtration system below the sink, the filtration system being inserted into a water supply system of a building. For example, the water filtration system may comprise an RO unit mounted at least partially below a sink, wherein the tap water is connected directly vertically to the sink cold water supply line and a waste water drain line is connected directly to the sink drain, such as a p-trap. Water filtration systems may use membranes to screen out chemicals such as chlorides and sulfates as well as most other contaminants found in the water supply. The water filtration system may be used to filter any contaminants. In this manner, the water filtration system may provide technical advantages and/or solutions for supplying filtered water. Furthermore, the water filtration system may provide technical advantages and/or solutions with little waste water. These and other technical advantages and/or solutions will become apparent throughout the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a water filtration system may include a reverse osmosis water treatment system 100. The system 100 may include a water source 102, such as tap water from a cold water supply line 104 of a sink. Any of the water sources 102 described herein may be used. The system 100 may also include a water tank 106, a filtration system 108, a filtered water tank 110, a pump 112, and a valve 114. The water tank 106 may include a first inlet 116, a second inlet 118, and an outlet 120. The first inlet 116 of the water tank 106 may be in fluid communication with the water source 102 via a tube 122. In this manner, the water tank 106 may store water therein.

The filtration system 108 may include an inlet 124, a first outlet 126, and a second outlet 128. The inlet 124 of the filter system 108 may be in fluid communication with the outlet 120 of the tank 106 via a tube 130. Also, the first outlet 126 of the filter system 108 may be in fluid communication with the second inlet 118 of the water tank 106 via a tube 132. In this manner, the first outlet 126 of the filter system 108 may supply wastewater from the filter system 108 to the tank 106. Thus, the water tank 106 may contain a mixture of water from the water source 102 and wastewater from the filtration system 108.

The filtered water tank 110 may include an inlet 134 and an outlet 136. In some cases, the inlet 134 and outlet 136 of the filtered water tank 110 may be the same, such as a two-way valve or the like. In other cases, the inlet 134 and the outlet 136 of the filtered water tank 110 may be separate components. The inlet 134 of the filtered water tank 110 may be in fluid communication with the second outlet 128 of the filtration system 108 via a tube 138. In this manner, the second outlet 128 of the filter system 108 may supply filtered water to the filtered water tank 110. Additionally, the outlet 136 of the filtered water tank 110 may be in fluid communication with a faucet 140 via a tube 142. In this manner, the outlet 136 of the filtered water tank 110 may supply filtered water to the faucet 140.

The pump 112 may be disposed in fluid communication between the tank 106 and the filtration system 108 along a tube 130. Additionally, a valve 114 may be disposed along the tube 130 in fluid communication between the pump 112 and the filtration system 108. Valve 114 may also be in fluid communication with drain 144 via drain 146. In some cases, the valve 114 may be a three-way valve or the like. The valve 114 may divert a first portion of water from the tank 106 to the filtration system via a pipe 130. In some cases, the first portion of water may include about 95% of the water entering the valve 114. In addition, the valve 114 may divert a second portion of the water from the tank 106 to the drain 144 via the drain 146. In some cases, the first portion of water may include about 5% of the water entering the valve 114. Any percentage of the water may be supplied to the filtration system 108 or diverted to the drain 144. In a preferred embodiment, most of the water in the system 100 is filtered and a minimum amount of water is treated through the drain 144.

In some cases, filtration system 108 may include a first filter 148, a second filter 150, and a third filter 152. The first filter 148 may be configured to receive water from the inlet 124 of the filtration system 108. The first filter 148 may filter the water and deliver a first filtered water to the second filter 150. The second filter 150 may be configured to receive the first filtered water from the first filter 148. The second filter 150 may separate the first filtered water into a first portion and a second portion. The second filter 150 may be a reverse osmosis filter or the like. The first portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to the first outlet 126 of the filtration system 108. In this manner, the first portion of the first filtered water may comprise wastewater that is delivered back to the tank 106 via the pipe 132. A second portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to a third filter 152. The third filter 152 may be configured to receive the filtered water from the second filter 150 to further filter the water and deliver the filtered water to the second outlet 128 of the filter system 108. In this manner, the second portion of the first filtered water, collectively filtered by the first filter 148, the second filter 150, and the third filter 152, comprises the filtered water supplied to the filtered water tank 110 through the pipe 138.

In certain embodiments, first filter 148 may include a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof. The second filter 150 may include a reverse osmosis membrane. The third filter 152 may include a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof. In other cases, the third filter 152 may be omitted. In such instances, the second filter 150 may be configured to filter and deliver the second portion of the first filtered water to the filtered water tank 110. In other cases, an additional filter may be provided downstream of the third filter 150 before the filtered water tank 110. Any number, type, and/or combination of filters may be used herein.

In certain embodiments, 100% of the water entering first filter 148 may pass to second filter 150. In other cases, less than 100% of the water entering the second filter 150 passes to the third filter 152. For example, about 1% to about 30% of the water entering the second filter 150 may pass to the third filter 152, with the remaining water constituting waste water that is delivered back to the tank 106 through the pipe 132. In another embodiment, 100% of the water entering the third filter 152 may be delivered to the filtered water tank 110 through the pipe 138. Any percentage of water may enter first filter 148, second filter 150, or third filter 152.

During operation, water is supplied from the water source 102 to the water tank 106 via the pipe 122. The water source 102 may continuously supply the tank 106 as needed, leaving at least some space within the tank 106 for storing wastewater from the filtration system 108. In some cases, a valve may be disposed along the tube 122 to control the flow of fluid to the tank 106. The pump 112 may pump a mixture of source water and waste water from the tank 106 into the valve 114. The valve 114 can then divert a small portion of the water into the drain 144 and divert a large portion of the water into the filtration system 108. In this manner, most of the water is filtered and supplied to the filtered water tank 110 to be dispensed by the faucet 140. A small portion of the waste water is circulated back to the tank 106 through pipe 132 to mix with the source water and continue the circulation.

The system 100 may include additional components and functionality. For example, the system 100 may include a UV treatment device, a heater, a cooler, and/or a carbonator. Additionally, the system 100 may include devices capable of adding vitamins to the water and/or remineralizing minerals. In certain embodiments, the system 100 may include a power supply, an electronic controller, and one or more sensors to monitor and control the dispensing of filtered water.

FIG. 2 depicts an additional embodiment of a water filtration system including a reverse osmosis water treatment system 200. The system 200 may include a water source 202, such as tap water from a cold water supply line 204 of a sink. Any of the water sources 202 described herein may be used. The system 200 may also include a water tank 206, a filtration system 208, a filtered water tank 210, a first pump 212, and a second pump 214. The water tank 206 may include a first inlet 216, a second inlet 218, a first outlet 220, and a second outlet 222. The first inlet 216 of the water tank 206 may be in fluid communication with the water source 202 via a tube 224.

The filtration system 208 may include an inlet 226, a first outlet 228, and a second outlet 230. The inlet 226 of the filter system 208 may be in fluid communication with the first outlet 220 of the water tank 206 via a tube 232. Additionally, the first outlet 228 of the filter system 208 may be in fluid communication with the second inlet 218 of the water tank 206 via a tube 254. In this manner, the first outlet 228 of the filter system 208 may supply waste water to the water tank 206 via the pipe 254. Thus, the water tank 206 may contain a mixture of water from the water source 202 and wastewater from the filtration system 208.

The filtered water tank 210 may include an inlet 234 and an outlet 236. In some cases, the inlet 234 and the outlet 236 of the filtered water tank 210 may be the same, such as a two-way valve or the like. In other cases, the inlet 234 and the outlet 236 of the filtered water tank 210 may be separate components. The inlet 234 of the filtered water tank 210 may be in fluid communication with the second outlet 230 of the filtration system 208 via a pipe 238. In this manner, the second outlet 230 of the filter system 208 may supply filtered water to the filtered water tank 210 via the pipe 238. Additionally, the outlet 236 of the filtered water tank 210 may be in fluid communication with a faucet 240 via a tube 242. In this manner, the outlet 236 of the filtered water tank 210 may supply filtered water to the faucet 240 via the pipe 242.

The first pump 212 may be disposed in fluid communication between the water tank 206 and the filtration system 208 along a tube 232. The first pump 212 may facilitate flow between the water tank 206 and the filtration system 208. The second pump 214 may be disposed in fluid communication between the water tank 206 and the drain 244. For example, the second outlet 222 of the water tank 206 may be in fluid communication with the second pump 214. The second pump 214 may be configured to supply a portion of the water from the water tank 206 to the drain 244 via a drain 246.

In some cases, the filtration system 208 may include a first filter 248, a second filter 250, and a third filter 252. The first filter 248 may be configured to receive water from the inlet 226 of the filtration system 208. The first filter 248 may filter the water and deliver the first filtered water to the second filter 250. The second filter 250 may be configured to receive the first filtered water from the first filter 248. The second filter 250 may separate the first filtered water into a first portion and a second portion. The second filter 250 may include a reverse osmosis filter or the like. The first portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to a first outlet 228 of the filtration system 108. In this manner, the first portion of the first filtered water may comprise wastewater that is delivered back to the tank 206 via the pipe 254. A second portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to a third filter 252. The third filter 252 may be configured to receive the filtered water from the second filter 250 to further filter the water and deliver the filtered water to the second outlet 230 of the filter system 208. In this manner, the second portion of the first filtered water collectively filtered by the first filter 248, the second filter 250, and the third filter 252 comprises the filtered water supplied to the filtered water tank 210 through the pipe 238.

In certain embodiments, the first filter 248 may comprise a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof. The second filter 250 may include a reverse osmosis membrane. The third filter 250 may include a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof. In other cases, the third filter 252 may be omitted. In such instances, the second filter 250 may be configured to filter and deliver the second portion of the first filtered water to the filtered water tank 210. In other instances, an additional filter may be provided downstream of the third filter 250 before the filtered water tank 210. Any number, type, and/or combination of filters may be used herein.

In certain embodiments, 100% of the water entering the first filter 248 may pass to the second filter 250. In other cases, less than 100% of the water entering the second filter 250 passes to the third filter 252. For example, about 1% to about 30% of the water entering the second filter 250 may pass to the third filter 252, with the remaining water comprising waste water being delivered back to the water tank 206 through the pipe 254. In another embodiment, 100% of the water entering the third filter 252 may be delivered to the filtered water tank 210 through the pipe 238. Any percentage of water may enter the first filter 248, the second filter 250, or the third filter 252.

During operation, water is supplied from the water source 202 to the water tank 206 via the pipe 224. The water source 202 may continuously feed the water tank 206 as needed, leaving at least some space within the water tank 206 for storing wastewater from the filtration system 208. In some cases, a valve may be provided along the tube 224 to control the flow of water to the water tank 206. The first pump 212 may pump a mixture of source water and waste water from the water tank 206 to the filtration system 208. As described above, the filter system 208 may filter a portion of the water, which may be supplied to the filtered water tank 210 for dispensing by the faucet 240. All of the waste water from the filtration system 208 may be recirculated back to the tank 106 via pipe 254 to mix with the source water and continue to circulate. The second pump 214 may drain a portion of the water from the water tank 206 through a pipe 246 to a drain 244.

System 200 may include additional components and functionality. For example, the system 200 may include a UV treatment device, a heater, a cooler, and/or a carbonator. Additionally, the system 200 may include devices capable of adding vitamins to the water and/or remineralizing minerals. In certain embodiments, the system 200 may include a power supply, an electronic controller, and one or more sensors to monitor and control the dispensing of filtered water.

FIG. 3 depicts a further embodiment of a water filtration system including a reverse osmosis water treatment system 300. The system 300 may include a water source 302, such as tap water from a cold water supply line 304 of a water tank. Any of the water sources 302 described herein may be used. The system 300 may also include a first three-way valve 306, a filter system 308, a filtered water tank 310, a pump 312, and a second three-way valve 314. The first three-way valve 306 may include a first inlet 316, a second inlet 318, and an outlet 320. The first inlet 316 of the first three-way valve 306 may be in fluid communication with the water source 302 via a pipe 322.

The filtration system 308 may include an inlet 324, a first outlet 326, and a second outlet 328. The inlet 324 of the filtration system 308 may be in fluid communication with the outlet 320 of the first three-way valve 306 via a pipe 330. Additionally, the first outlet 326 of the filtration system 308 may be in fluid communication with the second inlet 318 of the first three-way valve 306 via a line 332. In this manner, the first outlet 326 of the filter system 308 may supply the wastewater from the filter system 308 to the first three-way valve 306. The first three-way valve 306 may mix water from the water source 302 and wastewater from the filtration system 308. In some cases, the first three-way valve 306 may include a water tank or the like.

The filtered water tank 310 may include an inlet 334 and an outlet 336. In some cases, the inlet 334 and the outlet 336 of the filtered water tank 310 may be the same, such as a two-way valve or the like. In other cases, the inlet 334 and the outlet 336 of the filtered water tank 310 may be separate components. The inlet 334 of the filtered water tank 310 may be in fluid communication with the second outlet 328 of the filtration system 308 via a tube 338. In this manner, the second outlet 328 of the filter system 308 may supply filtered water to the filtered water tank 310 via the tube 338. Additionally, the outlet 336 of the filtered water tank 310 may be in fluid communication with the faucet 340 via a tube 342. In this manner, the outlet 336 of the filtered water tank 310 may supply filtered water to the faucet 340 via the pipe 342.

The pump 312 may be disposed in fluid communication between the first three-way valve 306 and the filtration system 308 along a line 332. Additionally, a second three-way valve 314 may be disposed along a line 332 in fluid communication between the first three-way valve 306 and the filtration system 308. The second three-way valve 314 may be in fluid communication with the drain 342 via a drain pipe 344. The second three-way valve 314 may include a first inlet 346, a first outlet 348, and a second outlet 350. In this manner, the second three-way valve 314 may divert a first portion of the water from the filter system 308 to the first three-way valve 306 through the second outlet 350. In some cases, the first portion of water may include about 75% of the water entering the second three-way valve 314. In addition, the second three-way valve 314 may divert a second portion of the water from the filtration system 308 to the drain 342 via the first outlet 348 and the pipe 344. In some cases, the second portion of water may include about 25% of the water entering the second three-way valve 314. Any percentage of water may be supplied to the first three-way valve 306 or diverted to the drain 342. In this manner, a majority of the water in the system 300 is filtered, minimizing the amount of water wasted.

In some cases, system 300 may include a pressure reducer 352 disposed along pipe 322 in fluid communication between water source 302 and first three-way valve 306. The pressure reducer 352 may provide the source water 302 to the first three-way valve 306 at a suitable pressure (e.g., 80 PSI). Any pressure may be used as described herein.

In some cases, the filtration system 308 can include a first filter 354, a second filter 356, and a third filter 358. The first filter 354 may be configured to receive water from the inlet 324 of the filtration system 308. The first filter 354 may filter the water and deliver a first filtered water to the second filter 356. The second filter 356 may be configured to receive the first filtered water from the first filter 354. The second filter 356 may separate the first filtered water into a first portion and a second portion. The second filter 356 may comprise a reverse osmosis filter or the like. A first portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to a first outlet 326 of the filter system 308. In this manner, the first portion of the first filtered water may comprise wastewater that is delivered back to the first three-way valve 306 through the pipe 332. A second portion of the first filtered water may be supplied to a third filter 358. The third filter 358 may be configured to receive the filtered water from the second filter 356 to further filter the water and deliver the filtered water to the second outlet 328 of the filter system 308. In this manner, the second portion of the first filtered water collectively filtered by the first filter 248, the second filter 250, and the third filter 252 comprises the filtered water supplied to the filtered water tank 310 through the pipe 338.

In certain embodiments, the first filter 354 may comprise a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof. The second filter 356 may comprise a reverse osmosis membrane. The third filter 358 may include a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof. In other cases, third filter 358 may be omitted. In such instances, the second filter 356 may be configured to filter and deliver the second portion of the first filtered water to the filtered water tank 310. In other instances, an additional filter may be provided downstream of the third filter 358 prior to the filtered water tank 310. Any number, type, and/or combination of filters may be used herein.

In certain embodiments, 100% of the water entering the first filter 354 may pass to the second filter 356. In other cases, less than 100% of the water entering the second filter 356 passes to the third filter 358. For example, about 1% to about 30% of the water entering the second filter 356 may pass to the third filter 358, with the remaining water comprising the wastewater being routed back to the first three-way valve 306 through the pipe 332. In another embodiment, 100% of the water entering the third filter 358 may pass to the filtered water tank 310. Any percentage of the water may enter the first filter 354, the second filter 356, or the third filter 358.

During operation, water is supplied from the water source 302 to the first three-way valve 306 via the pipe 322. The pressure reducer 352 may provide water to the first three-way valve 306 at a suitable pressure. The water source 302 may continuously supply the first three-way valve 306 as needed. The wastewater from the filtration system 308 may be mixed with water from the water source 302 in the first three-way valve 306. For example, as described above, the filter system 308 may filter a portion of the water, which may be supplied to the filtered water tank 310 for dispensing by the faucet 340. A small portion of the wastewater from the filtration system 308 may be recirculated back to the first three-way valve 306 through a pipe 332 to mix with the source water and continue the cycle. The second three-way valve 314 may divert a portion of the waste water from the filtration system 308 to the drain 342 via the drain pipe 344.

The system 300 may include additional components and functionality. For example, the system 300 may include a UV treatment device, a heater, a cooler, and/or a carbonator. Additionally, the system 300 may include devices capable of adding vitamins to the water and/or remineralizing minerals. In certain embodiments, the system 300 may include a power supply, an electronic controller, and one or more sensors to monitor and control the dispensing of filtered water.

The water filtration system of FIGS. 1-3 can significantly reduce the cost of operation and the environmental impact of the wastewater as compared to conventional RO systems. For example, the systems described in fig. 1-3 provide an RO system below the water tank that wastes less water than conventional RO systems. In some cases, conventional reverse osmosis systems may waste 70% to 90% of the water during water treatment. However, the present system can greatly reduce the waste of water to about 10% to 30%.

Although specific embodiments have been described herein, many other modifications or alternative embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any of the functions described in connection with a particular device or component may be performed by any other device or component. Further, although specific device characteristics have been described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to many other device characteristics. Furthermore, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the embodiments. Unless specifically stated otherwise, conditional phrases such as "capable," "may," or "may," and the like in the context in which they are used, should be understood to generally mean that some embodiments may include but other embodiments may not include certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply any required features, elements, and/or steps for one or more embodiments.

Claims (18)

1. A reverse osmosis water treatment system comprising:

a water source;

a water tank comprising a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, wherein the first inlet is in fluid communication with the water source;

a filtration system comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the outlet of the water tank, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the second inlet of the water tank, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system supplies wastewater from the filtration system to the water tank, and wherein the water tank comprises a mixture of water from the water source and wastewater from the filtration system;

a filtered water tank comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with the second outlet of the filtration system, wherein the second outlet of the filtration system supplies filtered water to the filtered water tank, wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with a faucet, and wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank supplies the filtered water to the faucet;

a pump disposed in fluid communication between the water tank and the filtration system; and

a valve disposed in fluid communication between the pump and the filtration system and in fluid communication with a drain, wherein the valve diverts a first portion of the water from the tank to the filtration system, and wherein the valve diverts a second portion of the water from the tank to a drain.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filtration system further comprises:

a first filter and a second filter;

wherein the first filter is configured and arranged to receive water from the inlet of the filtration system and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter; and

wherein the second filter is configured and arranged to receive the first filtered water from the first filter to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first outlet of the filter system, the first portion of the first filtered water being delivered back to a tank as waste water, and to filter and deliver a second portion of the first filtered water, the second portion of the first filtered water being the filtered water.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the filtration system further comprises a third filter, wherein the third filter is configured and arranged to receive the filtered water from the second filter and further filter and deliver the filtered water to the second outlet of the filtration system.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein:

the first filter comprises a precipitation filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof;

the second filter comprises a reverse osmosis membrane; and

the third filter comprises a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein:

100% of the water entering the first filter passes through the second filter;

less than 100% of the water entering the second filter passes through the third filter;

and

100% of the water entering the third filter passes through the filtered water tank.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein:

through the valve, about 95% of the water is supplied to the filtration system as the first portion of the water delivered to the filtration system from the water tank; and

through the valve, about 5% of the water from the tank is delivered to the drain as the second portion of water from the tank.

7. A reverse osmosis water treatment system comprising:

a water source;

a water tank including a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet,

wherein the first inlet is in fluid communication with the water source;

a filtration system comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the first outlet of the water tank, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the second inlet of the water tank, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system supplies wastewater to the water tank, and wherein the water tank comprises a mixture of water from the water source and wastewater from the filtration system;

a filtered water tank comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with the second outlet of the filtration system, wherein the second outlet of the filtration system supplies filtered water to the filtered water tank, wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with a faucet, and wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank supplies the filtered water to the faucet;

a first pump disposed in fluid communication between the water tank and the filtration system; and

a second pump disposed in fluid communication between the tank and a drain, wherein the second outlet of the tank is in fluid communication with the second pump, and wherein the second pump supplies a portion of water from the tank to the drain.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the filtration system further comprises:

a first filter and a second filter;

wherein the first filter is configured and arranged to receive water from the inlet of the filtration system and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter; and

wherein the second filter is configured and arranged to receive the first filtered water from the first filter to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first outlet of the filter system, the first portion of the first filtered water being delivered back to a tank as waste water, and to filter and deliver a second portion of the first filtered water, the second portion of the first filtered water being the filtered water.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the filtration system further comprises a third filter, wherein the third filter is configured and arranged to receive the second filter

The filtered water, and further filtering and delivering the filtered water to the second outlet of the filtration system.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein:

the first filter comprises a precipitation filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof;

the second filter comprises a reverse osmosis membrane; and

the third filter comprises a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein:

100% of the water entering the first filter passes through the second filter;

less than 100% of the water entering the second filter passes through the third filter;

and

100% of the water entering the third filter passes through the filtered water tank.

12. A reverse osmosis water treatment system comprising:

a water source;

a first three-way valve including a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, wherein the first inlet of the first three-way valve is in fluid communication with a water source;

a filtration system comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first three-way valve, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system is in fluid communication with the second inlet of the first three-way valve, wherein the first outlet of the filtration system supplies wastewater from the filtration system to the first three-way valve, and wherein the first three-way valve mixes water from the water source with wastewater from the filtration system;

a filtered water tank comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with the second outlet of the filtration system, wherein the second outlet of the filtration system supplies filtered water to the filtered water tank, wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank is in fluid communication with a faucet, and wherein the outlet of the filtered water tank supplies the filtered water to the faucet;

a pump disposed in fluid communication between the first three-way valve and the filtration system; and

a second three-way valve disposed in fluid communication between the second three-way valve and the filtration system and disposed in fluid communication with a drain, wherein the three-way valve diverts a first portion of the water from the filtration system to the first three-way valve, and wherein the second three-way valve diverts a second portion of the water from the filtration system to the drain.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a pressure reducer disposed in fluid communication between the water source and the first three-way valve.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the filtration system further comprises:

a first filter and a second filter;

wherein the first filter is configured and arranged to receive water from the inlet of the filtration system and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter; and

wherein the second filter is configured and arranged to receive the first filtered water from the first filter to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first outlet of the filter system, the first portion of the first filtered water being delivered back to the first three-way valve as the waste water, and to filter and deliver a second portion of the first filtered water, the second portion of the first filtered water being the filtered water.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the filtration system further comprises a third filter, wherein the third filter is configured and arranged to receive the filtered water from the second filter and further filter and deliver the filtered water to the second outlet of the filtration system.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein:

the first filter comprises a precipitation filter, a carbon filter, a KDF filter, or a combination thereof;

the second filter comprises a reverse osmosis membrane; and

the third filter comprises a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, a remineralization element, or a combination thereof.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein:

100% of the water entering the first filter passes through the second filter;

less than 100% of the water entering the second filter passes through the third filter;

and

100% of the water entering the third filter passes through the filtered water tank.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein:

(ii) about 75% of the wastewater from the filtration system is supplied to the first three-way valve as the first portion of the water from the filtration system through the second three-way valve; and

about 25% of the water from the filtration system is delivered to the drain as the second portion of water from the filtration system through the second three-way valve.