APEC · Under-sink reverse osmosis
APEC RO-PERM: what it removes and what it costs
Model: RO-PERM Ultimate 5-stage 90 GPD with non-electric permeate pump
The APEC RO-PERM has no certifier listing for any of the contaminants we track. APEC also claims lead, fluoride, arsenic and bacteria and viruses from lab tests that are not certification. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $80 a year; APEC doesn't publish how much it sends to the drain.
0
certified reductions we track
—
filters per gallon at rated life
Price checked 2026-10-23. We may earn a commission.
What the APEC RO-PERM removes
"Certified" means a certifier (NSF, WQA, IAPMO or CSA) lists this exact product for that reduction claim; the listing is linked. "Brand test only" means APEC cites a lab report but no certifier lists the claim. See certified vs. tested.
Not verified, either way (no certification or brand claim): PFAS, Chlorine, Chloramine, Nitrate, Chromium 6, Mercury, Microplastics, Cysts, VOCs, TDS, Iron, Copper, Uranium, 1,4-dioxane.
What it costs to run
Yearly cost = replacements per year × filter price, for each filter it uses; a filter is replaced at its gallon rating or its month limit, whichever comes first, plus the water sent to the drain at an average water and sewer price. Water use: drinking and cooking water (0.28 gallons per person a day, EPA's average adult intake).
| Household | Gallons a year | Filters a year | Drain water | Total a year | Per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 102 | $80 | ratio not published | $80 | 78¢ |
| 2 people | 204 | $80 | ratio not published | $80 | 39¢ |
| 4 people | 409 | $80 | ratio not published | $80 | 19¢ |
Rated production is 90 gallons a day; 2 people need about 0.56 — well within it. Colder water and lower pressure reduce actual output.
Replacement filters
| Filter | Rated life (gallons) | Rated life (months) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate pre-filter set (stages 1-3: sediment + 2 carbon blocks) | — Source note | 12 Source noteManual: every 12 months cdn.shopify.com | $44.95 Source note |
| 90 GPD high-rejection RO membrane (stage 4) | — Source note | 36 Source noteManual: city water every 3-5 years; well water 2-3 years cdn.shopify.com | $78.95 Source note |
| Ultimate inline coconut carbon post-filter (stage 5) | — Source note | 36 Source noteManual: every 3-5 years, with membrane cdn.shopify.com | $24.99 Source note |
Specs
- Type
- Under-sink reverse osmosis
- Price
- $370
Source note
Brand price; sold out 2026-10-23 apecwater.com
- Installation
- DIY (under-sink or inline fittings)
- Rated production
- 90 gallons per day
Source note
At 60 psi; 45 gpd at 30 psi apecwater.com
- Tank
- 4 gal
Source note
4 gal tank included; 14 gal optional apecwater.com
- Needs power
- No
- Remineralization
- No
Where it ranks
Compare the APEC RO-PERM
Common questions
What does the APEC RO-PERM remove?
The APEC RO-PERM has no certifier listing for any of the contaminants we track. APEC also claims lead, fluoride, arsenic and bacteria and viruses from lab tests that are not certification. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $80 a year; APEC doesn't publish how much it sends to the drain.
Does the APEC RO-PERM remove PFAS?
It has no certifier listing or brand claim for PFAS reduction.
How much does the APEC RO-PERM cost to run?
About $80 a year for 2 people ($80 for 1, $80 for 4), counting replacement filters and the water sent to the drain, for drinking and cooking water (0.28 gallons per person a day, EPA's average adult intake).
Data checked 2026-10-23. 102 filters tracked.