We are located in Poynette, WI
Founded by Dustin Williams and Zach Copiskey, we're a small business owned and operated right in south-central Wisconsin.
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We currently provide residential and commercial radon services including testing and mitigation, with additional services coming soon. ​We provide services in roughly a 50 mile radius of Poynette, WI.
Check out some of our radon mitigation projects from around the area:
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Water Purification & Reverse Osmosis in Wisconsin: The Complete Homeowner's Guide
Quick-Read Summary
Reverse osmosis (RO) is an advanced water purification method that removes contaminants like lead, nitrates, "forever chemicals" (PFAS), and chlorine from drinking water. It works by pushing water through a special membrane that traps impurities as small as a single atom, producing clean, great-tasting water.
Wisconsin homeowners are increasingly installing RO systems because of local water concerns such as PFAS in municipal supplies and iron or sulfur in well water. An RO system provides peace of mind by delivering bottled-quality, safe water straight from the tap, helping families stay healthy and reduce reliance on plastic bottles.
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Why PureTech chooses reverse osmosis purification technology over other filtration methods:
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The RO systems that we utilize combine several water purification methods (multiple carbon steps, sediment, ultra violet, and remineralization) in addition to the reverse osmosis filtration. This multi step system provides some of the best home drinking water achievable with best in class partners and warranties. Additionally, this method removes the opportunity for microplastic contamination like that present with many purified bottled water delivery solutions.
Why Clean Drinking Water Matters in Wisconsin
If you live in Wisconsin, you may think that your drinking water is safe and harmless. That your utility and local authorities take care of the issue and you don't need to concern yourself with it. In the following two sections we'll discuss some of the water impurities many homeowners are unaware of, plus give you the opportunity to search your own zip code and utility provider to see what's in your water.
Before we get to specific Wisconsin municipalities, let's discuss some of the chemicals, etc that we're concerned about and find in public water systems more than many are aware.
​PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Concerns
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed "forever chemicals," have been detected across all of Wisconsin including the most populated counties like Dane County in soil, wells, and even municipal water supplies. "Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage and other serious health problems, even at low levels."
The Madison water utility and WI DNR have significantly increased testing for PFAS, with over 1,860 Wisconsin water systems sampled by the end of 2023. This growing awareness has led many residents to seek extra protection at home, driving demand for advanced filtration like RO. The latest national data shows near universal exposure to PFAS in drinking water.
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Lead Pipes in Older Wisconsin Homes
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"In Wisconsin, more than 176,000 publicly-owned lead service lines and more than 148,000 private lead lines are in operation today. Lead exposure is a problem in all 72 counties." While Madison has been proactive in replacing city-owned lead pipes, lead can still leach into drinking water from older home plumbing in Wisconsin. Since there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, effective filtration is critical for homes with older infrastructure. Reverse osmosis systems offer a vital layer of protection against lead contamination.
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Microplastics Contamination in Wisconsin Water
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​Microplastics (MNPs)are tiny plastic fragments—ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm—that come from degraded larger plastics or are intentionally created (like microbeads or synthetic fibers). They’re virtually impossible to remove once in the environment and persist for decades. While research is still ongoing, studies suggest correlation between increased MNPs and adverse health outcomes including inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and potential risks to lungs, gut, reproductive system, and brain.
At this point MNPs are everywhere and are impossible to avoid altogether. However, eliminating plastic from your water supply is one of the most significant things you can do. Importantly, distilled water which is commonly distributed in plastic bottles is a common source, perhaps even the leading source in drinking water, of MNP exposure for humans. In an NIH study, "researchers found that, on average, a liter of bottled water included about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. About 90% of these plastic fragments were nanoplastics. This total was 10 to 100 times more plastic particles than seen in earlier studies, which mostly focused on larger microplastics."
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Well Water: Iron, Sulfer, Bacteria, and Other Challenges in Rural Wisconsin
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Nearly one-third of Wisconsin residents rely on private wells for their water. Many of these wells, particularly in rural areas like south central Wisconsin counties, grapple with high iron content or sulfur bacteria. Iron in well water can leave unsightly orange stains on fixtures and laundry, along with an unpleasant metallic taste. Sulfur produces a distinctive "rotten egg" odor. While these issues may not be dangerous at low levels, they significantly detract from water quality and often necessitate treatment to improve usability and taste.
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Other common well water challenges are of a potentially more dangerous form are present in the way of various viruses and bacteria, arsenic, or agricultural runoff (nitrites and nitrates). Health authorities advise testing your well water frequently for various contaminants. The range of solutions for dealing with well water contamination varies greatly depending on the contamination, construction of the well, and location of the home.
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Chlorine Taste in City Water
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Municipal water systems, such as Madison's, use chlorine to disinfect water, effectively killing harmful microbes and ensuring public safety. However, this essential disinfectant can leave a bleach-like taste and smell that many homeowners find unappealing. Therefore, some homeowners choose to remove chlorine from their drinking water through filtration at the point of use.
Understanding Your Local Water: A Look at the EWG Tap Water Database
Many of us trust that the water coming out of our faucets is clean, safe, and strictly regulated. But is that always the reality? The EWG Tap Water Database collects data from local water utilities across the US. Their data reveals that even water deemed "safe" by federal standards can contain surprising levels of contaminants. From harmful chemicals like PFAS and heavy metals to pharmaceuticals and microplastics, the purity of your local water might not be as assured as you believe.
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Think your local Wisconsin water utility is keeping you safe from these contaminants?
Take a look below by browsing several south central Wisconsin water providers. Then we offer you the chance to search your own zip code and utility provider.
How Reverse Osmosis Works: A Closer Look
Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that transforms questionable tap water into high-quality drinking water. An RO system operates by forcing water through an ultra-fine, semipermeable membrane. The membrane's pores are incredibly tiny and pick up most molecules, allowing mostly only purified water to pass through.​​
Stages of an Under-Sink RO System
A typical under-sink RO system, commonly installed in Wisconsin homes, employs a multi-stage filtration process:
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1. Pre-Filtration: Incoming tap water first passes through one or more pre-filters, which typically include a sediment filter and an activated carbon filter. These crucial preliminary stages remove larger particles like dirt, rust, and chlorine. This pre-treatment prevents these larger contaminants from reaching and potentially damaging the delicate RO membrane. For example, a carbon pre-filter is highly effective at stripping out chlorine taste and chemical odors, enhancing overall water quality from the start.
2. RO Membrane: This is the heart of the system. Water is pressurized and pushed through the RO membrane. The membrane's microscopic pores, measuring approximately 0.0001 microns, allow only pure water molecules to pass through. Contaminants such as lead, nitrates, arsenic, and PFAS chemicals are trapped and unable to pass. These unwanted substances are then flushed away to the drain in a small, concentrated reject stream.
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3. Post-Filtration & Storage: The now purified water drips into a sealed storage tank, ensuring you have a readily available supply on demand. Some newer RO systems offer tankless solutions as well. Before the water reaches your tap, it typically flows through a final carbon "polishing" filter and/or a re-mineralization filter to add beneficial minerals. A final ultra violet stage is sometimes also added to eliminate any microbes that may have passed through earlier filtration.
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4. Dispensing: Clean, purified water is delivered to a dedicated RO faucet mounted at your kitchen sink. Many homeowners also choose to connect their RO system to their refrigerator's ice maker or water dispenser for even greater convenience.
Example Reverse Osmosis Filtration Steps
Tankless Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse Osmosis System w/ Tank
For homeowners dealing with anything from unpleasant tastes to health-related contaminants, reverse osmosis offers a convenient, point-of-use solution. PureTech Home Services installs compact RO units neatly under your kitchen sink or potentially in your basement, providing safer, purer water exactly where you need it most—for cooking, drinking, and ice.
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*Images above show systems from ISpring Water Systems, PureTech's preferred partner for reverse osmosis systems
Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Methods: A Comparative Guide
Not all water filters are created equal, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right solution for your home. How does reverse osmosis stack up against other common home water treatment options? Below is a detailed comparison of RO versus methods like carbon filters, UV purifiers, distillation, and water softeners, highlighting their unique strengths and applications.
Feature | Reverse Osmosis | Carbon Filter | UV Purifier | Distillation | Water Softener |
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Main Purpose | Comprehensive removal of dissolved contaminants for drinking water (point-of-use). | Improves taste & odor; removes chlorine and some chemicals. | Kills bacteria and viruses (point-of-entry disinfection). | Produces ultra-pure water by boiling & re-condensing (primarily for labs or single tap). | Removes hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) to prevent scale (whole-house). |
Removes Chemicals | Yes, up to 95-99% of many chemicals are filtered out, including PFAS, nitrates, arsenic, and chromium (requires waste line). | Partial: absorbs chlorine, VOCs, some PFAS, but not heavy metals or nitrates consistently. | No, not designed for chemical removal (targets microbes only). | Yes, nearly all impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber (very slow output). | No, doesn't remove most chemicals (designed for minerals only). |
Removes Heavy Metals | Yes, highly effective at removing heavy metals like lead, arsenic, chromium, and mercury. | Limited removal; typically not effective against heavy metals consistently. | No, does not remove heavy metals. | Yes, effectively removes nearly all heavy metals through distillation. | No, does not remove heavy metals. |
Removes Microplastics | Yes, effectively removes microplastics due to fine membrane filtration. | Partial, some microplastics may be trapped. | No, not effective against microplastics. | Partial, effectively removes microplastics BUT often reintroduces MNPs when bottled. | No, does not remove microplastics. |
Removes Hardness | Yes (partially). RO softens water by removing most mineral content. Post filtration re-mineralization is an option. | No, minerals pass through, water remains hard. | No, doesn't affect minerals or hardness. | Yes, distilled water has no hardness (but impractical for whole-house use). | Yes, exchanges calcium & magnesium for sodium, effectively softening all household water. |
Removes Bacteria & Viruses | Most RO membranes can block many bacteria; when paired with UV devices will filter all microbes. | No, bacteria can slip through; not a sterilizing method. | Yes, inactivates microbes with UV light (if water is clear enough). | Yes, boiling kills microorganisms, so distilled water is sterile. | No, softening doesn't treat biological contaminants. |
Best Use-Case | Under-sink drinking water filter for comprehensive contaminant removal (suitable for both city and well water). | Faucet or whole-house filter to improve taste, odor, and reduce chlorine/chemicals throughout the home. | Whole-house disinfection for well water or extra pathogen protection (often post-filter to remove sediment). | Countertop unit for pure drinking/cooking water in labs or specific needs (requires power, slow output). | Whole-house treatment for hard water (protects plumbing, fixtures, and improves soap efficiency). |
Waste Water | Yes, produces a waste stream. Some systems are more efficient than others. | No, all water passes through to use (no waste, just replace cartridge). | No, no waste (just electrical use for lamp). | Minimal, leaves a concentrated residue that must be rinsed/cleaned from boiling chamber. | Yes, periodic regeneration flushes salt brine and minerals to drain. |
Maintenance Needs | Replace RO pre/post-filters every 6-12 months; RO membrane every 2-3 years. Sanitize tank periodically. | Replace carbon cartridges every 6 months or as needed. | Replace UV lamp annually; clean sleeve. Ensure power source. | Clean boiling chamber regularly (to remove mineral scale); occasional service. | Add salt pellets monthly; professional service tune-up once per year; resin typically lasts 10-15 years. |
Approx. Cost | $$ - Moderate upfront ($1,000-$2,000 for professional install); low ongoing cost for filters ($50-$100 annually). | $ - Low cost (filters $20-$100; DIY install). | $$ - Moderate ($300-$600 + install); operating cost for electricity. | $ - Low-medium ($100-$300 for small unit); high energy use per gallon of water. | $$ - Moderate ($800-$1,500+ installed); salt bags $5-$10/month. |
Each method plays a different role. Reverse osmosis stands out as the best choice for tackling a broad range of drinking water contaminants at a single tap. It's the most effective and practical method for point of use water filtration. Even better, using the most effective of these methods and stacking them together in one system like our ISprings partner does.
A study from Duke looking specifically at reducing PFAS proves just how useful these systems are vs alternatives. “All of the under-sink reverse osmosis and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal of the PFAS chemicals we were testing for,” Stapleton said. “In contrast, the effectiveness of activated-carbon filters used in many pitcher, countertop, refrigerator and faucet-mounted styles was inconsistent and unpredictable. The whole-house systems were also widely variable and in some cases actually increased PFAS levels in the water.”
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There are cases where RO is only a part of the solution though, and other forms of filtration prior to the drinking water stage are prudent.
Well-Water & Rural Home Solutions in Wisconsin
Living outside the city limits on a private well in Wisconsin means you're in good company—approximately 40% of Wisconsin homes rely on well water. While wells offer independence and often supply great-tasting water, they also come with unique responsibilities and sometimes specific challenges. This section focuses on comprehensive well water solutions, particularly for common rural water issues like iron and sulfur, and how they seamlessly integrate with reverse osmosis systems to provide superior water quality.
Tackling Iron and "Rotten Egg" Sulfur Problems
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If you notice unsightly orange-red rust stains on your sinks, toilets, or laundry, or detect a distinct rotten egg smell emanating from your faucets, your well water is likely rich in dissolved iron or hydrogen sulfide gas (or both). These are prevalent issues in many Wisconsin aquifers, including extensive areas of Columbia and Sauk counties. While primarily aesthetic concerns (iron and sulfur bacteria are generally not hazardous to health at typical residential levels), they can be highly unpleasant and can cause significant staining or even corrode plumbing fixtures over time.
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Iron in Water: Ferrous iron, which is initially dissolved in water, will oxidize and turn into ferric iron (rust) when exposed to air. This results in the characteristic reddish-brown stains and imparts a metallic taste. Even a modest iron level of 2 parts per million can noticeably discolor laundry and fixtures.​​​
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Hydrogen Sulfide Gas: This compound is responsible for the classic "rotten egg" odor. It's often produced by sulfur-reducing bacteria living within the well or your home's plumbing. You might notice the smell more acutely in hot water or after water has been stagnant for a period. While not typically harmful at low concentrations, the odor is certainly off-putting and can contribute to pipe corrosion over time.
Pre-RO Treatment for Well Water
It's important to understand that a small under-sink RO system alone is not the primary solution for heavy iron or sulfur contamination. In fact, high iron levels can quickly clog and damage an RO membrane, and RO systems are not designed to effectively remove gaseous sulfur. The correct and most effective approach is to install whole-house iron/sulfur filtration ahead of your RO system:
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Oxidizing Iron Filters: These systems are highly effective. Options include air-injection oxidizers (which infuse air into the water within a tank to precipitate dissolved iron, which is then filtered out) or catalytic media filters (such as those using Katalox Light, BIRM, or greensand) that trap iron and use an oxidant to regenerate the media. These whole-house systems effectively remove both iron and manganese, ensuring that the water entering your home is clear and iron-free. Many also successfully eliminate the sulfur smell by oxidizing hydrogen sulfide gas into elemental sulfur, which can then be filtered out.
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Chlorination + Carbon Filtration: In more severe cases of iron, sulfur, or bacterial contamination, a metered chlorine injection system followed by a robust activated carbon filter can provide a comprehensive solution. The chlorine effectively kills iron and sulfur bacteria and oxidizes the iron/sulfur compounds; the subsequent carbon filter then thoroughly removes the chlorine and any disinfection byproducts, delivering clean, odor-free water.​
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Water Softeners: If iron levels are relatively low (e.g., less than 2 ppm) and primarily in the ferrous (dissolved) form, some water softeners can remove it along with hardness minerals. Certain softener salts are even specifically formulated for enhanced iron removal. However, for higher iron concentrations or if sulfur is present, a dedicated iron filter is generally a more effective and protective solution to avoid overwhelming the softener.
Partner Whole Home Systems
By implementing one of these whole-house treatments, all your taps throughout the house will be free of stains and unpleasant odors. Your RO system can then serve as the final polishing step: After iron/sulfur removal, the RO unit will have a much easier job, primarily focusing on other trace contaminants like lingering nitrates, arsenic, or simply providing the ultimate improvement in taste and clarity. The RO also provides an extra safeguard if any residual sulfate or iron bypasses the pre-treatment, and it will remove the sodium that a water softener might add (if you have one), ensuring you get perfectly pure drinking water.
Other Important Well-Water Considerations
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Bacteria: Unlike municipal city water, private well water is not continuously chlorinated by a utility. PureTech strongly recommends periodic testing for coliform bacteria to ensure safety. If a test comes back positive, or if you simply desire an extra layer of protection, installing a UV disinfection unit on your main water line is a very wise investment. A UV system effectively inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Many rural customers choose UV sterilization, which, when combined with an RO system (for chemical contaminants), provides a level of protection comparable to city water standards.
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Nitrates & Agricultural Chemicals: In agricultural regions of Wisconsin, nitrates from fertilizer runoff or certain pesticides can leach into groundwater. Reverse osmosis is exceptionally effective at removing nitrates (as noted, often achieving >90% removal). If your well has elevated nitrates (common in some farming areas or near fertilized fields), an RO system is the most recommended solution for drinking water, as boiling water will not remove nitrates (it actually concentrates them). PureTech has installed many RO systems for families on farms in Dane and Sauk counties specifically to ensure safe infant formula and drinking water due to nitrate concerns.
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Low pH (Acidic) Water: While less common in Wisconsin, some wells can produce water with a low pH, which can lead to corrosive effects on plumbing (signs include greenish-blue stains from copper pipes). In such cases, a neutralizer (typically a calcite tank) can be installed as a POE system to raise the water's pH. While RO systems are not directly affected by slightly low pH, extremely acidic water could potentially shorten the lifespan of the RO membrane over time. We will assess this if relevant during your comprehensive water test.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You've learned a lot about water purification and reverse osmosis. Here are some questions we typically get from clients along, some of which we've covered to some extent already...but a recap doesn't hurt.
Get Started Today with PureTech Home Services
Clean, safe, and great-tasting water is not a luxury—it's a fundamental component of a healthy and happy home. With the comprehensive knowledge gained from this guide, you are now empowered to make an informed decision on significantly improving your water quality. Whether you're actively dealing with a specific water problem (such as a funny taste, an unpleasant odor, or known contaminants like lead or PFAS) or simply desire the invaluable peace of mind that comes with pure water on tap, PureTech Home Services is here to solve your water purification issues.
Why Choose PureTech Home Services?
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We are a local, family-owned and operated business proudly based right here Poynette, WI. We are your neighbors—people who live, work, and raise our families in the very communities we serve. Our dedicated team is composed of highly trained water quality specialists who possess an intimate understanding of Wisconsin's water issues, and a passion for educating our community of the hidden contaminants still lurking in our water systems.
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Top-Notch Equipment: We exclusively install Isprings equipment, renowned for their reverse osmosis systems and warranties. We use these same filtration systems in our own homes.
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Unwavering Customer Satisfaction: We consistently maintain a 5-star customer rating across various platforms because we genuinely care about your experience and satisfaction. From prompt appointments and honest, transparent advice (we will never upsell you something you don't truly need) to spotless cleanup after installation and ongoing post-install support—we consistently go the extra mile for every client.
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Competitive Pricing: Our water treatment solutions are not only effective but also affordable, and our pricing often comes in lower than that of larger national brand competitors.
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Dual Warranty Protection: We stand unequivocally by our work and the quality of our systems. You receive the full extended manufacturer's warranty on the equipment, combined with our PureTech labor warranty. If something isn't quite right, we will promptly and professionally fix it. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.
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So, are you ready to finally enjoy pure, worry-free water throughout your home?
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Contact us today for your FREE Quote.