ABSTRACT
If treatment is selected as a solution to a drinking water contamination problem, the options may be a central plant or point-of-use (POU) or point-of-entry (POE) treatment. POU/POE devices may provide a substantial cost advantage if no central treatment and distribution system exists. Costs for POU/POE treatment may be significantly lower than costs for central treatment in small communities, because no capital intensive treatment facility is required. EPA has compiled estimates of the capital and operating cost for various types of POU/POE devices. The capital cost includes installation under the kitchen sink, any prefilters required, initial charge of media, equipment housing, a special faucet, required tubing, fittings and adapters. Operation and maintenance requirements for POU/POE reverse osmosis systems are only for labor and material costs. The operation and maintenance requirements are separated into three cost categories: sampling/testing, anion exchange resin regeneration, and repairs.
