Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System Review

With a production capacity of 600 gallons per day and near-perfect results in tap water samples we sent for third-party testing, the Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System efficiently delivers filtered water while minimizing waste. Many under-sink systems come with a huge, space-gobbling holding tank. The G3P600 does not, and the tankless design provides purified water on demand. Its overall filtration is top-tier, leaving our testers without any major concerns about its abilities.

Critical Contaminant Removal

The Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System earns a perfect score from our testers when it comes to critical contaminant removal. The 8-stage filtration system is highly effective, reducing nearly all major contaminants to undetectable levels. Nitrates, chlorine, and a wide range of other chemical and physical contaminants are removed with exceptional efficiency. Fluoride is reduced quite a bit, but not entirely; lab results measured 85% removal in super-contaminated samples, and 98% removal when filtering normal tap water. Only a few filters in our lineup were able to remove fluoride completely.

PFAS Forever Chemicals

We were really impressed with its lab test results for PFAS forever chemical removal — it removed 100%! We've had a lot of contenders pass the 90% mark during testing, but a complete removal was exciting to see.

Heavy Metals

When tested for heavy metal content, the Waterdrop again did exceptionally well, removing 100% of lead, arsenic, and uranium. It completely removed barium as well.

Overall, this under-sink model performed near the top of RO systems, providing a sense of confidence in your drinking water. “If you have concerns about any critical contaminants, definitely look this way,” wrote one tester.

Secondary Contaminant Removal

Secondary contaminants, like copper and zinc, are trace minerals that are essential to your body's normal function; however, they can be harmful in excess. The Waterdrop G3P600 effectively reduced all secondary contaminants to safe levels, removing some, like iron, completely.

Trace elements such as selenium may be slightly reduced when levels are extremely high, but under normal conditions, it didn't produce much change. With most tap water, this is a non-issue; however, if you draw your water from a well, mineral concentrations may be higher, and we recommend getting your tap water tested to see exactly which contaminants you are dealing with.

The system's alkaline stage slightly reintroduces minerals for taste, which may account for some slightly higher readings of certain elements. Overall, it's a top-tier performer for secondary contaminants, and its aggressive filtering performance is suitable for households that have more serious concerns about their water.

Taste

Users consistently report crisp-tasting water, free from chlorine and other off-flavors. Even coffee and tea taste noticeably better according to some reviewers, and the alkaline remineralization helps achieve a smooth, natural flavor. Some users note a brief plastic taste on first use or minor variations during the initial flush, but those issues fade away after prolonged use.

Maintenance and Setup

Installation is pretty standard for an under-sink model, but it's significantly more involved than pitcher filters. It requires some space, basic DIY skills, and under-sink electricity. Depending on your renovation and plumbing skills, you might want to contract a professional to get a clean installation of this system.

Quick-connect fittings simplify connections, and we appreciate the tankless design. It still takes up room, but you don't need to sacrifice your entire under-sink storage area for this unit. Once installed, the smart faucet and TDS display make monitoring easy, and filter changes are ridiculously simple compared to other reverse osmosis systems. Filters have a longer lifespan, and so this system requires less maintenance overall. The RO membrane lasts up to 24 months, pre-filters up to 6–12 months, and carbon blocks up to a year.

Operating Cost

Up front and longer-term costs are higher than those of many other RO units, but the tankless design and ease of use may offset these expenses for some people. We did the calculations, and filter replacements over five years will cost about $590, according to our math. This is true for households with high and low water consumption.

We also examined wastewater, which can have both financial and environmental costs. The G3P600 has a low 2:1 drain ratio, meaning for every 2 gallons filtered, this system produces 1 gallon of wastewater. While this may seem like a lot, a few of the other RO models we tested reverse this ratio, and for every gallon of filtered water, they can create as much as 2 or 3 gallons of wastewater. This makes the Waterdrop one of the more eco-conscious choices in its class. It is a highly efficient RO model, although it still doesn't compare to the zero-wastewater levels of pitcher filters.

Should You Buy The Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System?

The Waterdrop G3P600 is a solid choice for anyone who wants top-tier water quality without taking up a ton of under-sink space, and is ok with shelling out some time and funds to make it happen. Its tankless design, built-in TDS monitor, and 8-stage filtration make it ideal for households focused on clean water and convenience. Keep in mind, installation requires electricity and some setup effort, and filter replacement costs are higher than traditional RO systems, so it's not the best fit for someone looking for a plug-and-play, budget-friendly option.

What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?

If you're looking for similar high-performance filtration but don't mind a tank, the iSpring RCC7AK offers strong contaminant removal with an alkaline remineralization stage. You should also take a look at the APEC ROES-50 Essence Series — this was our Top Pick for Best Reverse Osmosis System for its nearly flawless filtration and lower long-term costs versus other RO systems.

Compared to other reverse osmosis systems, the Waterdrop G3P600 takes up much less cabinet space.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Under-sink reverse osmosis systems set the standard for clean water, but they require a financial and space investment to get them installed.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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