Didn't read the entire thread but check out www.freedrinkingwater.com.......I've use their countertop unit for at least 8 or 9 years now. I generate around around 30-40 gallons a week out of a bathroom facet. The 4 stage filters last around 2 years or so, and the entire unit is a couple of hundred dollars. My water is terrible, I live on an old peach farm and the water is full of heavy metals, salts and other poisons- bottom line the water is not drinkable. The unit reduces the ppm down to 10-20 ppm and I need to add 10ml Cal/Mag with all waterings. This is not a Ebay cheap, inported unit. All the filters are American made, it's high quality.