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This product review features the Waterdrop WD-G3-W and the Waterdrop WD-G2-B reverse osmosis systems.
When it comes to under-the-sink water filtration systems, we assume a bulky unit that takes up the entire cupboard. Thankfully, the two popular filters by Waterdrop, the WD-G2-B and WD-G3-W, have revolutionized UTS systems’ design, function, and performance – putting to shame many other filters.
Featuring reverse osmosis water purification, the units effectively reduce over 1,000 harmful pollutants in drinking water, including lead, fluoride, VOCs, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
But is the Waterdrop WD-G2-B or WD-G3-W RO system able to purify water adequately enough to make it healthy and nourishing for you? Let’s find out.
Contents
Waterdrop WD-G3-W and WD-G2-B RO Water Filters – Main Specs
WD-G3-W ★★★★☆ |
WD-G2-B ★★★★☆ |
- Number of filter stages and filter replacement cost depend on which system you choose
- Waterdrop WD-G3-W: 3 filter stages, about $120 per year in replacement filters
- Waterdrop WD-G2-B: 2 filter stages, about $70 per year in replacement filters
- Flow rate: 0.28 gallons per minute
- Recovery rate: 50%
- NSF: 58 (WD-G3-W only)
- System dimensions: 18 (17) x 6 x 18 (14) inches
- Required feed water pressure: 14.5-87.0 psi
Highlights
At the beginning of our Waterdrop WD-G3-W and WD-G2-B reverse osmosis system review, a few highlights:
RO Purified Water
RO purified water is the cleanest filtered water you can get your hands on.
Fast Filtration
Water pressure pumps accelerate filtration speed. Thus, it makes no difference whether there’s a storage tank or not. You always have healthy drinking water at your disposal.
Sleek Design
Both RO systems are tankless. Thanks to their sleek design, they won’t stuff your kitchen sink cabinet.
DIY Installation
Installation requires a maximum of 2 hours and doesn’t require professional help. Convenient, isn’t it?
Simplified Maintenance
Maintenance is super easy and thankfully tool-free. Also, the systems tell you when you need to replace filters.
Pros
- The Waterdrop WD-G3-W unit is NSF Standard 58 certified – for 92.9% TDS rejection. This guarantees effective reduction of many water contaminants with health effects.
- Waterdrop RO systems purify water on demand. Thus, there are no bulky storage tanks that take up a lot of space under your kitchen sink. It is a sleek, space-saving design that doesn’t sell short on features.
- Both systems feature a quick and easy installation procedure. Lengthy and complex hook ups take up a lot of time and necessitate additional installation expenses. With Waterdrop filters, you save time and money.
- They feature an internal pump that increases water pressure. This means the filter takes less time to purify water compared to other reverse osmosis systems. In other words, the 0.28 gallons per minute flow rate purifies a glass of water in almost 10 seconds.
- While most RO systems are notorious for wasting a lot of water during filtration, a Waterdrop system is highly efficient. For each gallon of water purified, the unit only wastes 1 gallon. It might not be the most eco-friendly of filtering water, but it’s certainly better than other RO units that can waste up to 4-5 gallons per gallon filtered.
- Thanks to the metal faucet and BPA-free plastic body, the unit is durable and can withstand wear and tear over time while ruling out recontamination.
- No need to shut down the system or bring out your toolbox when replacing filters. Simply remove the cartridge you wish to change and pop in a new one.
- The systems feature lights and audible signals to let you know when to change a filter. A blue light signals the system is working completely fine. Yellow light means you will need a replacement soon. If the light turns red, one of the filter stages needs immediate replacement.
- In the WD-G3-W that uses a Smart Faucet, the lights are placed strategically on the faucet, so you never run out of pure water.
- The WD-G3-W also features an intelligent TDS monitoring panel. This panel displays the effectiveness of your filter and the RO membrane[1]. It makes it easy to gauge the current performance.
- If you don’t use your system for more than 24 hours, it will initiate water-flushing. This feature prevents malfunction.
- The leak protector is another innovative feature that turns the system off when it’s left open for more than half an hour.
- Did we mention the 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty for all repairs? You can purchase with complete peace of mind now.
Cons
Although nothing major, we’ve noticed a few shortcomings. Here they are:
- While the system claims to remove over 1,000 substances, we are unsure what percentage of reduction it is capable of. A comprehensive list with percentage removal of each substance would be better to compare system performance.
- The TDS panel doesn’t always show accurate results it seems.
Installation
System installation is easy as long as you follow the instructions provided. The only thing you might need help with is fitting the water faucet. For that, you need to drill a hole in your countertop. Other than that, it’s a one-person job.
Here is a summary of the installation procedure for the Waterdrop WD-G3-W.
- Installing the Feed Water Adapter
- Start by shutting of the water supply. Open the kitchen faucet to release pressure.
- Disconnect the cold water pipe.
- Install the feed water adapter onto the cold water supply. Tighten with a wrench.
- Reconnect the cold water pipe.
- Installing the RO Faucet
- If your kitchen sink or countertop doesn’t have a spare hole you need to drill one.
- Insert faucet spout into faucet body and insert the stem and power cord into the hole.
- Secure the faucet from underneath using the washer and nut.
- Add the quick-connect fitting onto the faucet stem.
- Installing the Drain Saddle
- Drill a ¼” hole into a vertical section of your drainpipe.
- Secure the drain saddle and drain tubing with the screw and nuts.
- Use lock clips to secure the fitting.
- Connecting the Tubing
- With all connections, confirm the tubing length first, then cut.
- Remove the plug from the water port saying “INPUT” and insert the tubing connected to feed water adapter.
- Remove the plug from “FILTERED” water port and insert the PE tubing. Connect the other end to the RO faucet. Secure with lock clips.
- Remove the plug from “WASTE” port and insert the red tubing. Connect the other end to drain saddle. Secure with lock clips.
- Connecting the Power Cord
- Connect power cord of RO faucet to the faucet connector at the back of the unit.
- Insert the power adapter into the power port.
- Installing the Filters
- Unwrap all filters and remove their cap.
- Insert the filter cartridges into the holes aligning the arrows with the circles.
- Turn clockwise until filters snap in place.
- System Booting
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Check all connections for leaks while following the steps below.
- Insert the power adapter.
- Wait for approximately 5 minutes during which the system will flush automatically.
- Open the RO faucet for 30 minutes.
Maintenance
With the smart lights that indicate when you need to change the different filter cartridges and the tools-free replacement, maintaining Waterdrop reverse osmosis systems is easy breezy. Not to forget, once you replace a filter, reset the filter life indicator.
How about filter life and cost? Let’s break it down for you individually.
WD-G3-W
The replacements for WD-G3-W filter cartridges cost you around $120 per year. Here is when you need a replacement.
- Composite filter: 6 months or 550 gallons, whichever comes first.
- RO membrane: 2 years or 2,200 gallons.
- Carbon block filter: 1 year or 1,100 gallons.
WD-G2-B
The replacements for the WD-G2-B filters cost you around $70 per year. Here is when you need a replacement.
- Composite filter:1 year or 1,100 gallons.
- Membrane composite filter: 2 years or 2,200 gallons.
What’s Included
- System module
- Feed water adapter
- RO dispenser
- Drain saddle
- Plumber’s tape
- ⅜” white tubing
- ¼” white tubing
- ¼” red tubing
- Five lock clips
- Power adapter
WD-G3-W only
- Composite filter
- Carbon block filter
- Reverse osmosis membrane
WD-G2-B only
- Composite filter
- Membrane composite filter
Waterdrop RO Filters Review – Conclusion & Best For
Reverse osmosis systems may not be the most eco-friendly ones, but they can purify your water far better than any other type of filter. So, when we found out about the Waterdrop G-2 and G-3, we were bowled over.
Especially because they are tankless and thus space-saving, waste water at a low 1:1 ratio, and feature simple installation and effortless maintenance.
They might be priced higher than other RO systems, but we recommend them over most – they are best for unsurpassed performance and durability.
If you have questions about our Waterdrop reverse osmosis filter review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Top Rated RO Water Filters Compared (+ Reviews)
- Under Sink Water Filtration System Reviews 2023
- 2023 Reviews of Top Rated Under Sink Water Filters for Well Water
Resources
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!
