Aquasana · Under-sink reverse osmosis · discontinued
Aquasana OptimH2O RO: what it removes and what it costs
Model: OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum (AQ-RO-3)
The Aquasana OptimH2O RO is certified (NSF/ANSI 58, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 401) to reduce PFAS (PFOS), lead, chlorine, chloramine, fluoride and arsenic and 8 more of the contaminants we track. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $285 a year; Aquasana doesn't publish how much it sends to the drain. It is discontinued; the closest current model is the Aquasana SmartFlow RO ($480).
14
certified reductions we track
—
filters per gallon at rated life
Price checked 2026-10-23.
What the Aquasana OptimH2O RO 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 Aquasana cites a lab report but no certifier lists the claim. See certified vs. tested.
| Contaminant | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("PFOS") |
| Lead | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Lead") |
| Chlorine | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 42 ("Chlorine") |
| Chloramine | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 42 ("Chloramine") |
| Fluoride | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("Fluoride") |
| Arsenic | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("Arsenic V (300 ppb)") |
| Nitrate | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("Nitrate") |
| Chromium 6 | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("Hexavalent Chromium") |
| Mercury | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Mercury") |
| Microplastics | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 401 ("Microplastics") |
| Cysts | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Cyst") |
| VOCs | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("VOC") |
| TDS | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("TDS") |
| Copper | Certified | WQA listing, NSF/ANSI 58 ("Copper") |
Not verified, either way (no certification or brand claim): Bacteria and viruses, Iron, 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 | $285 | ratio not published | $285 | 279¢ |
| 2 people | 204 | $285 | ratio not published | $285 | 139¢ |
| 4 people | 409 | $285 | ratio not published | $285 | 70¢ |
Replacement filters
| Filter | Rated life (gallons) | Rated life (months) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ-RO3-R carbon + Claryum (stages 1 & 3) | 365 Source note | 6 Source note | $89.99 Source note |
| AQ-RO3-RO RO membrane | — Source note | 12 Source note | $62.99 Source note |
| AQ-RO3-RM remineralizer | — Source note | 12 Source note | $41.99 Source note |
Specs
- Type
- Under-sink reverse osmosis
- Price
- —
Source note
System no longer offered: Aquasana RO category resolves to SmartFlow only; only AQ-RO-3 replacement filters still sold (2026-10-23) aquasana.com
- Installation
- DIY (under-sink or inline fittings)
- Tank
- 3.2 gal
Source note
Brand FAQ: holding tank total volume 3.2 gal (1.4-3.2 gal usable depending on pressure) aquasana.com
- Needs power
- No
- Remineralization
- Yes
Common questions
What does the Aquasana OptimH2O RO remove?
The Aquasana OptimH2O RO is certified (NSF/ANSI 58, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 401) to reduce PFAS (PFOS), lead, chlorine, chloramine, fluoride and arsenic and 8 more of the contaminants we track. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $285 a year; Aquasana doesn't publish how much it sends to the drain. It is discontinued; the closest current model is the Aquasana SmartFlow RO ($480).
What should I buy instead of the Aquasana OptimH2O RO?
It is discontinued; the closest current model is the Aquasana SmartFlow RO ($480).
Does the Aquasana OptimH2O RO remove PFAS?
Yes. It is certified for PFOS reduction under NSF/ANSI 53 (WQA listing).
How much does the Aquasana OptimH2O RO cost to run?
About $285 a year for 2 people ($285 for 1, $285 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.