Great Southern Water Treatment ripoff local Distributor Of Ionics multiple scam promotional items billing & product performance Longwood Florida
I was sold what I thought was a whole house water "purification" system in February 2006 for $6990, just after I and my wife had bought our house. We submitted to the hounding phone calls for an "in-house water test" and it turned out to be a big mistake. What we thought would be a brief water quality test (with the promise of a $50 gift card) turned out to be a 4 hour long sales pitch (yes, 4 hours).
My complaint involves 3 particular aspects of the company and/or the product: Sales practices, billing explanation, and product quality. Unfortunately, the part of the contract about oral agreements being null and void makes my case a difficult one to remedy. Yet, the entire sales pitch was "oral", right? Does that mean they can tell you whatever they want to get you to sign on the dotted line? Apparently it does.
Sales Practices
Our salesman told us several lies that were intended to achieve a sale, such as how we should be concerned about all the cow and animal manure that has seeped into the groundwater over the years, and how "more bubbles in soap means it's cleaning better". Among other "tricks" were the soap rinse, in which I was told that the oily feeling of softened water was due to the natural oils in the skin being left on the hand instead of washed away by typical city water, and also in which I tasted my fingers after rinsing soap in treated water first (left hand), then in city water (right hand). The taste of soap is not detected immediately, and is detected by the tongue just after tasting the second hand (right hand, untreated water) so that it seems that the soapy taste came from the right hand, when in fact it is the delayed reaction from the first hand (left hand, treated water). These tricks are things of which more people should be made aware, especially new home buyers, which the water company(ies) seem to target.
Another part of the selling practices that we fell victim to were the "promotional items". Included with the sale were 4 boxes of soaps and detergents, all medical grade (or so we were told). The value of these was about $225-$250. Also included was a Dom DeLouise (sp?) baking set, which were high quality pots and pans. We were told that there is a lifetime replacement warranty on them. We have yet to verify that, although we do have a broken pot. The value of these was about $125-$150. The big thorn that got us, however, was the coupon booklet scam. Two small booklets of coupons, which we were told were for refunds, not rebates (big lie) were valued at $1000 each. After registering with the 3rd party for the coupon system (something we couldn't have done before the sale), we soon learned that it would take a family of 4 people ten years or more to see the savings promised, since each set of coupon requests must be mailed with only 1 voucher and a $2 processing fee, for which an equivalent value of coupons are sent back. This means you must buy more to make up for that $2 processing fee. With 100 vouchers in each of 2 books, requiring $2 each in processing fee, that comes to $400 in customer-provided (reimbursed) coupons. Assuming 25% savings for each coupon on average, that totals roughly $1600 in grocery purchases that must be made to compensate for the $2 processing fees over the entire course of use. Coupons can be clipped from the local Sunday paper and used for free, so there is absolutely no advantage to the promotional coupon books, although it is made to seem that you'll save $2000 by using them (partially true, I concede, but very misleading). Add to this the cost of postage @ $0.39 each and that tacks on another $78, negligible in comparison.
Billing Explanation
Unless you are a banker, loan officer, or familiar with financing options, the "revolving line of credit" may be a foreign term, as it was for us. We were told that the 3rd party financing the loan would not charge interest during the deferrment period of 8 months. There was NO INDICATION OF AN AMOUNT OF ACCRUING INTEREST during this period, in which we did recieve statements. There was, however, a statement of an interest charge, but after being told by the salesman that there would be none, we took his word for it - big mistake. Our balance after the 8 month period was less than $1000, but because the entire balance hadn't been transferred, we were hit with what would be over $600 in interest charges. Upon contacting both Great Southern Water Treatment and Time Investment Company (3rd party), I was basically thrown to the side and even got hung up on by GSWT. Each side said it was the responsibility of the other and so I was left high and dry with no recourse (other than the BBB and this submission).
Product Quality
The salesman indicated that the system removed "everything", leaving pure 100% H2O. I knew that some systems could achieve this, but only learned after the sale that Reverse Osmosis is the only type of system that truly can. Our system is basically no different than others costing 1/4th it's cost, and even less. Our ignorance of the water treatment market made us susceptible to the sale that ensued. The city water does contain chlorine, but the content thereof is nowhere near as dangerous or caustic to our bodies or clothes as the salesman led us to believe. Also, the inpurities in the city water are so small that the partial removal of them is trivial, whereas, upon being told that the system removed EVERYTHING, the prospect of pure water is attractive, especially since we had a 7 month old baby boy at the time, an aspect which the salesman worked hard to appeal to our parental instincts.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to right the wrong that occured when the salesman came to my home and pulled the wool over our eyes. Organizations that intentionally decieve the public should be held responsible for their actions. Either way, I will be a much more cautious and suspicious consumer from here on, but won't rest until I am satisfied with the issue at hand.
Ryan
Rockledge, Florida
U.S.A.
21 Updates & Rebuttals
Gina
Winter Springs,Florida,
U.S.A.
It may not be Great Southern it my be all Ionics representatives
#22Consumer Comment
Thu, September 11, 2008
I bought a Ionics Water Purifier in Ohio back in 2001-2002 and thought it was
a reverse osmosis since that is what the salesman kept talking about. My financing was 12 months same as cash which I paid off in 11 months. For giving
out names of friends and family I received two year supply of detergent, soap, etc.
I believe I did receive a coupon book but I must not have used it much. Furthermore, everything about the four hour sales pitch and the techniques they
used is EXACTLY like in Ohio. I just found out this year 2008 that I do not
have a reverse osmosis. Go figure, I had it disconnected by the company I bought
it from, brought down by our moving company and reconnected here by Great Southern. I also, found out others have the same kind of water softener as I do, something called bacteriostatic (a different brand though)and paid alot less than the $4800 I paid.
Impasse01
Wonderlake,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Water Aficionado
#22Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 30, 2008
It can be both helpful and or tragic when anyone can post just about anything both positive and negitive about any company and or product. It seems that what is supposed to be helpful turns into non-productive banter. Because I am a water enthusiest and have had both rainsoft and an ionics unit I thought I would pipe in on this thread.
Anyone considering a water treatment system, or those that have purchased and are researching now should pull your local water report. Most can be viewed on-line. You will notice that your city tests positive for all types of contaminants and or chemicals, chemical by-prodocts ect. It is not uncommon for cities to test positive for barium, copper, lead, nitrates, trihalomethanes, haloectec acids, beta/photon emitters ect. And they test positive on a regular basis. Your local city will say that the levels of these contaminants are what they consider to be safe to drink. This might be true?
Ask yourself a question- If you have 2 glasses of water in front of you and one contains barium, lead and trihalomethanes and the other glass does not, which glass would you prefer to drink? Which glass would you prefer to hand to your child?
With regard to the in home test, You have to ask yourself, what did you know about water before you had one?
cw
Amanda
Deltona,Florida,
U.S.A.
WOW
#22UPDATE Employee
Sat, May 10, 2008
To the ex-employee who responded that they didn't make any money working for Great Southern, that is solely your fault. When you accept a sales postion that pays commission only, you are basically writing your own paycheck. The leads that are written in the marketing department are confirmed at least two times with the family before they are given to the sales people so I assure you that they are not "bogus" or whatever it was that you called them. I have worked in the marketing department for over 3 years now and love my job. I do have to say that it gets stressful sometimes, however, I have NEVER been yelled at or cursed at. The Moses family has never treated me with anything but respect. They have given me a job that allows me to support my children as well as helped me out financially when I have needed it. Al and Alex Moses are very professional and friendly. The comment that was written by "Alex Moses" is obviously a fake and whoever did post is dishonest and not very credible at all if they can not even put their own name on it.
Xena
Orange City,Florida,
U.S.A.
OMG
#22Consumer Comment
Fri, May 09, 2008
I cant believe the tactics some ppl are using, but I think that if you want to make a company look bad I guess you have the right, but I am a customer and have been for about 7 years, I know the cost and new that everything has to be serviced. A car that you pay thousands for does not need oil change this change that change and eventually cost an arm and a leg?? Well I sorry that you feel that you had some problems, but I love my system and are extremly happy with my service, sale, appointment and all and will be reccommending to all my friends and family.
Thanks GSWT for the great unit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emily
Winter Park,Florida,
U.S.A.
not a ripoff
#22Consumer Comment
Thu, March 13, 2008
Business Operations of Great Southern Water Treatment to Evaluate Success
Regular market research must be undertaken to ensure that customers are happy with the level of service that they receive from a business
(any complaints can be used to improve the existing systems). If a business wants to remarket a product or innovate it, they can do
primary and secondary research to find out the needs and requirement of customers. Primary data would be carried out by the business
through observations, questionnaires and testing. Secondary research is usually using data, which has already been found out, and is not designed for the product in study but it is still relevant. Great Southern Water Treatment would probably use more primary methods as I think they want to know exactly what there customers want and because they make a range
of products for different industries they would have to do a lot of secondary research for it to be relevant.
Businesses can some ratio analysis to see how well there company is doing in all aspects of their business through liquidity ratios these
measure the solvency of the business and its ability to meet short term debts, profitability ratios analyze profit made of the last year
and financial efficiency ratios these analyze the efficiency of the business in terms of its resources and generating sales. Accounting
ratios are very easy to calculate and they enable a business to highlight areas of strength and weakness, which needs to be improved
and looked at.
There are two liquidity ratios, which can be calculated, the current account ratio and the acid test ratio, from the statistics I found
below on Great Southern Water Treatment it is difficult for me to calculate these, as I
do not have all the correct figures whereas a company like Great Southern Water Treatment
or any firm will have them more split up into current assets and current liabilities for example therefore they should be able to do
these calculations easily and benefit from the knowledge they receive.
They could use consumer surveys and questionnaires about products and what customers actually want, also are they pleased with the product ask them for advice and comments for improvements and use them. Great Southern Water Treatment can use any of these methods to investigate success in the business they can also just work it out by using there profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other financials. Following recent Great Southern Water Treatment market research survey customers told them that they could do better and that their delivery service could be quicker. Now that Great Southern Water Treatment know this they can start to love for solutions to this
problem and keep their customers satisfied and make themselves more appealing in the process.
Great Southern Water Treatment collates information to see if their business is doing
well and to see if they are meeting its objectives. They collate information by financials, customer surveys, employee surveys and other key performance indicators on profitability, Health & Safety,
environment, and quality.
Return on capital employed ratio, is one of the best measurements of profitability. It compares the profits to the amounts invested in the
business by the owners.
What type of ownership is Scott Bader Ltd? Explain the benefits and constraints of this type of ownership.
Private Limited Company: This is a type of incorporated business - where the business has a separate legal identity from the owners.
Often private limited companies are small, family run businesses, which are owned by shareholders. Each shareholder in a private limited company must be a part of the business and the shares can never be sold to members of the general public. Each share entitles the owner to 1 vote at the company's Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) and also to a share of the company's profit at the end of the financial year (a dividend). Each shareholder has limited liability for the company's debts and can, for that reason, only lose the value of they amount the put into the company. The company is run by a Board of Directors (who are elected by the shareholders) and a Chairman heads this. It can be very difficult for a shareholder in a private limited company to sell their shares, since a buyer must be found within the company.
Great Southern Water Treatment ownership is called common ownership. It has no external
shareholders, which makes business relationships more sustainable because Great Southern Water Treatment cannot be taken over - it is totally independent, partnerships can be made long term with customers and suppliers. Its shares are held in a charitable trust and so consequently employees are trustees-in-common of the company's assets. This unusual structure
provides significant further size to the business and employment relationships and our interaction with the wider community. Employees
have a greater role to play in the company than just performing their day-to-day role this provides incentives to work harder and good give
them a sense of well doing as they are helping others less fortunate than them world, while they are working. The charitable status brings
responsibility to the wider community particularly to those less fortunate.
What is a common ownership? The word "common" is used in a similar way to its use in common land and commonwealth. Examples are various forms
of national and public ownership, community property, and some forms of cooperative organization, but it is in fact a wider and more
fundamental concept.
Common ownership means that people may possess and manage property, but the community as a whole has the right, if it wishes, to rule on
the use of that property, or to restructure it. People are so therefore totally responsible to their fellow citizens for their
actions. Common ownership underpins equality, and complements democracy. Democracy is where people can express their wants. Common
ownership gives people the power to express these wants and at their own will.
I'm a happy customer with Great Southern Water Treatment and I hope this long statement made it clear. Don't be fooled by the false allegations made by unhappy people who probably don't pay their bills in time. Thank-you again and please choose Great Southern Water Treatment. It truly helped my babies' rash, my black clothes don't fade as fast, my dishwasher runs smoother and I save each and every month in my water bill. I've had my system for over 6 months and I love it!! I would recommend this system to everyone.
Kelly
Lake Mary,Florida,
U.S.A.
GSWT Has given me an Awesome Job and the product speaks for itself!!!!!
#22UPDATE Employee
Wed, March 05, 2008
I started with Great Southern Water about 5 years ago and I have to say it has been a pleasure working for and with the Moses family. I started as an appointment setter. Then moved up within the company and it has been a roller coaster of fun and excitment learning from the best in the water business!! I have not only learned that Floridas water is HORRIBLE but also bottled water is just as Bad if not worse then regular tap water... Why are consumers wasting their hard earned money on bottled water, it's really a waste you can do the research and find that out yourselves. Our product is Second to None!! Our System will purify your water. It tastes great and feels even better when you take that first shower... I stand behind our product not only beacuse I work their but I Use it every day. I owned Rainsoft for 7 years and it broke and NO one could fix the thing because it sucks.. Everyone who owns a home should have this product on their home not only for your health but your Family's too!! You should also protect your House from the hard water!
Cathyd
Longwood,Florida,
U.S.A.
The Great Southern Water SCAM
#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I am an ex-employee of Great Southern and I can attest that those emails are most likely from the owner or the owner's son--both of which are VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. They are scammers the whole company. They totally disrespect their employees (swear at them, yell, etc.) and mislead you into thinking you will make a lot of money. I am not denying they have a decent product, but the way they run their company is ridiculous.
They send you all over the state on a bunch of dead end leads--they say they are pre-qualified, but that is an absolute lie along with everything else they tell you. I invested a lot of time and money and got nothing back. They have a decent product, but it is run by a bunch of criminals. I can't imagine the company being in business long. How these people sleep at night I'll never know...
Again, it's a decent product, but I'd rather shower and drink straight bleach than give them a DIME. There are many other companies that offer in home water filtration products that are more reputable that I'd rather do business with. I hope this saves someone from what I went through. BEWARE of Great Southern Water--they do everything, but beat their employees (probably do that too who knows).
Cathyd
Longwood,Florida,
U.S.A.
The Great Southern Water SCAM
#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I am an ex-employee of Great Southern and I can attest that those emails are most likely from the owner or the owner's son--both of which are VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. They are scammers the whole company. They totally disrespect their employees (swear at them, yell, etc.) and mislead you into thinking you will make a lot of money. I am not denying they have a decent product, but the way they run their company is ridiculous.
They send you all over the state on a bunch of dead end leads--they say they are pre-qualified, but that is an absolute lie along with everything else they tell you. I invested a lot of time and money and got nothing back. They have a decent product, but it is run by a bunch of criminals. I can't imagine the company being in business long. How these people sleep at night I'll never know...
Again, it's a decent product, but I'd rather shower and drink straight bleach than give them a DIME. There are many other companies that offer in home water filtration products that are more reputable that I'd rather do business with. I hope this saves someone from what I went through. BEWARE of Great Southern Water--they do everything, but beat their employees (probably do that too who knows).
Cathyd
Longwood,Florida,
U.S.A.
The Great Southern Water SCAM
#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I am an ex-employee of Great Southern and I can attest that those emails are most likely from the owner or the owner's son--both of which are VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. They are scammers the whole company. They totally disrespect their employees (swear at them, yell, etc.) and mislead you into thinking you will make a lot of money. I am not denying they have a decent product, but the way they run their company is ridiculous.
They send you all over the state on a bunch of dead end leads--they say they are pre-qualified, but that is an absolute lie along with everything else they tell you. I invested a lot of time and money and got nothing back. They have a decent product, but it is run by a bunch of criminals. I can't imagine the company being in business long. How these people sleep at night I'll never know...
Again, it's a decent product, but I'd rather shower and drink straight bleach than give them a DIME. There are many other companies that offer in home water filtration products that are more reputable that I'd rather do business with. I hope this saves someone from what I went through. BEWARE of Great Southern Water--they do everything, but beat their employees (probably do that too who knows).
Cathyd
Longwood,Florida,
U.S.A.
The Great Southern Water SCAM
#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I am an ex-employee of Great Southern and I can attest that those emails are most likely from the owner or the owner's son--both of which are VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. They are scammers the whole company. They totally disrespect their employees (swear at them, yell, etc.) and mislead you into thinking you will make a lot of money. I am not denying they have a decent product, but the way they run their company is ridiculous.
They send you all over the state on a bunch of dead end leads--they say they are pre-qualified, but that is an absolute lie along with everything else they tell you. I invested a lot of time and money and got nothing back. They have a decent product, but it is run by a bunch of criminals. I can't imagine the company being in business long. How these people sleep at night I'll never know...
Again, it's a decent product, but I'd rather shower and drink straight bleach than give them a DIME. There are many other companies that offer in home water filtration products that are more reputable that I'd rather do business with. I hope this saves someone from what I went through. BEWARE of Great Southern Water--they do everything, but beat their employees (probably do that too who knows).
Orlando
Seffner,Florida,
U.S.A.
Happy Customer for more than 5 years
#22Consumer Comment
Thu, January 10, 2008
Hi,
For more than 5 years, I have owned a whole house water system supplied by Great Southern Water Treatment Inc. and endorsed by NASA. This is what I have to say:
1. The sales person presentation took less than 2 hours.
2. The price was around $2500.00
3. The water tastes better.
4. The coffee takes so much better
5. Your skin feels slippery after a shower, actually when is not, that is the way I know I have to buy salt pellets.
6. Not sure about the clothing washing, I haven't monitored it.
7. Repair/Maintenance service is hard to schedule; in my case I am one of the farthest customers; but it always comes trough.
I am about to close in my house, and one of the items specified in the contract that is moving with me is the water filtration system.
Dk
DeLand,Florida,
U.S.A.
Rebuttles and Info
#22Consumer Comment
Fri, October 26, 2007
As you can see how easy it is to post a rebuttal, I highly doubt that the "Alex M." rebuttal is Mr. Moses. It's not that hard to go to the company's website, find their phone number, and type in a rebuttal pretending to be "Alex M."
I personally own an Ionic's system for my well and I love how my water feels. To be completely honest, my husband is a sales associate so I had a lot of time to do research before buying my unit. I am a pessimist by nature, and I did a LOT of research and challenged all of the in home tests.
In the end I am completely satisfied. The money that you are spending is an investment not only for your pipes, water heater, but it is an investment for your health. I don't regret it. And I like the way the payments are set up, it's like a credit card, so the faster you pay it down, the lower your payments each month will be.
Most of the people that I've found that have owned an Ionics system for any length of time agree with me. So far this is the only dissatisfied customer I've run into.
Unimpressed Consumer
Fleming Island,Florida,
U.S.A.
Concerned Consumer
#22Consumer Comment
Thu, September 20, 2007
Having read the comments from the apparent owner of Great Southern Water Treatment, Inc., I as a potential customer show great concern. The lack of professionalism shows through the owner's response. Although it is the American Way to make money, it is also the American Way to be compassionate with your customers.
I was also looking to make a possible purchase with Great Southern Water Treatment, Inc., but after reading the childish response that the owner gave to this customer, I definitely do NOT want to be treated like a dollar sign or be called a "Sucker". The consumers are the ones that purchase the produtcs that keep the businesses in business.
I'm sure that if the customer that purchased the unit does some research, they will not have to call upon this "In Your Face" company to do any of their service calls. In fact, the new owner of this unit may be able to service it themselves and not pad the pockets of this seemingly ungrateful company. And if the customer also looks further, the hygeine for the unit may not have to be serviced until 4-5 years from the install date, instead of every year. This may allow you to have fun with your own money instead of paying for an unneeded service call.
I wish all businesses the valued success of "The American Way" and to not forget who really pays their bills.
Alex Moses
Longwood,Florida,
U.S.A.
Having Fun with Your Money!
#22REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, August 31, 2007
You are a Fool! As I sit here in my office, I just want to say thank you. Sure, our filters sell wholesale for under $300.00 and we sell them for $7000.00. It's the American way. I have bills to pay. We sold 12 more tonight and it feels good!
You got a problem with me? Then cry about it. Because besides that, this site and that lame BBB, what else you got?
Be sure to ask for me when you need to have service.
Oh, yes, you'll need service $$$. That's where I get you again.
So long sucker!
Alex M.
1.888.527.4426
Josh
Deland,Florida,
U.S.A.
Wow, do some research before becoming paranoid next time.
#22Consumer Comment
Wed, August 29, 2007
Geez you are a paranoid one, aren't you?
Next time, do some research before you try to ruin a company's name. First of all, start with the BBB. This company has absolutely NO complaints... zero... over the last year. If this company was ripping people off, there would be many more complaints. Of course, maybe you'd like to believe that they really are ripping people off, and you are the only person in the world smart enough to catch on? That's very flattering to yourself, I'm sure. The truth is, you are experiencing "Buyers Remorse". You are mad at yourself that you allowed yourself to spend more $$ than you would have liked, so the only way you can feel better about yourself is by bashing the company that sold you.
Secondly, I laughed my head off when you said the reason you didn't taste soap on your hand was because it was a delayed reaction! Tell you what... wash your hands with soap in some unfiltered water (like bottled water or something) and then taste test your hand. I guarantee there will be no "delayed reaction" to the taste of the soap. You are really reaching with that statement, lol!!
Third. I'm laughing at the fact that you are taking issue with the price of the unit you bought. Did you ever let RainSoft or Culligan do a demonstration for you? I have. I even bought a RainSoft system. I paid over $9,000 after I talked him down from his original price of $11k. Now, I recently had that unit ripped out and dropped $7k on an Ionics system that I honestly feel does a much better job. The difference between Ionics and RainSoft is that RainSoft merely "softens" your water by adding salt to it. You are drinking and bathing in salt water. My mother-in-law (who lives with us) is on a low sodium diet. RainSoft charged me an extra $900 to install a Reverse Osmosis filter on my kitchen sink so that the water would be safe for someone on a low sodium diet to drink. With my Ionics system, that is unneccessary. Something else I found interesting... when the rep did a test on my RainSoft water to "separate and settle" the sediment in my water, I found that there was still a lot of crap in my water. Lots of limescale and calcium carbonate. The RainSoft system didn't remove that stuff, it simply obscured it with the salt, making your water softer. My Ionics system completely removes that crap.
Also, the carbon filter is not the heart and soul of the system. Everyone has a carbon filter in their filtration device. Ionics is the only one to have a silver impregnated carbon media, that's true (RainSoft will grow bacteria in the carbon media in as little as 24 hours). The resin is the part that is patented. And it has a lifetime guarantee. The carbon media needs to be replaced once very 12 to 18 months to keep it from growing bacteria. But the reason you paid more for your system than you thought you should is for 2 reasons. First off, that stainless steel tank isn't cheap. It carries the NSF certification. Second, you are paying for the "brain" of the system. The brain determines when you need your resin to be backflushed. It moniters your water usage and determines it that way. If you had pressed your salesman a little more, he would have offered you a cheaper version of the equipment (that didnt' have a stainless steel tank or a 'brain'), and it would have cost you about $2,000 less. But obviously, being the impulse buyer you are, you felt you were getting a good deal at the time, and were comfortable with the payment.
And that brings me to my final point... I honestly don't feel sorry for you in the least. According to Florida Law, you had 3 days to decide you didn't want to go through with this deal, and get your money back. It's that simple, it's called the "Recinsion Law" or something like that. In home sales are subject to a 3 day recinsion period. So I find it quite hysterical that you let yourself be closed for an amount you were less than comfortable paying, didn't do anything about it for those 3 days, and then opt to mudslinging because you are mad you spent your money. Really funny stuff! Good luck with all your impulse buying in the future.
Couple of things to the European responder...
1. EPA does not "endorse" any "particular" filtration system. That does not mean that they don't investigate and register a system that claims to not grow bacteria. They still do that, and Ionics has an EPA registration. What the line you quoted actually means is that the EPA is unbiased, and does not endorse one product over another. The Ionics system has been proven by the EPA to not grow bacteria in the carbon filter, and it does carry that registration. The NSF will certify any piece of equipment so long as it passes their tests, and the company who wants their equipment certified pays the $800,000 to have the tests performed. So, yes, the Ionics stainless steel tank is NSF certified.
2. No, it does not make your water 100% pure. Only 98.7% pure. Unlike Europe, the US does not allow flouride to be removed from the water, so flouride is re-introduced into the water before it comes into your home. Of course, that is why US citizens have better teeth on average than their European counterparts.
Ryan
Rockledge,Florida,
U.S.A.
Scam of the century!
#22Author of original report
Thu, August 23, 2007
Hey Mitch what's up? Or was that Employee rebuttal written by someone trying to make me THINK it's Mitch Benton (MB), the salesman that scammed us? Hmmm . . .
I'll keep this short, my would-be friend (relatively speaking). You say I DIDN'T get scammed and that I'm making inaccurate, false claims, blah blah blah? How bout this one - GSWT (your employer) charged me $100 to replace the filter media (only about a cup and a half of the resin/carbon mixture) when I was charged almost $7000 for the whole system. Isn't the filter media the heart and soul of the purification system and the patented "WOO-h*o SILVER-IMPREGNATED CARBON" that you claim is what makes the system so pricey? What is it about my water system OTHER THAN THE FILTER MEDIA that costs anywhere NEAR $6800?!
Shame on you for 1) continuing to work for an organization that profits hugely by scamming people, WHETHER THEY KNOW IT OR NOT, 2) scamming a young family with an infant into buying something greatly overpriced that they didn't need and should never have bought, and 3) having the audacity to respond to my complaint and maintain all the half-truth, hocus pocus BS lies that you fed us before.
You really need to look inward and examine your heart's intent before you continue along the road you're on with this organization. The money may be good, but is it worth it? I don't know your heart, but I know that you took advantage of me, my wife and also my son at a point where we were most vulnerable. How many others must be going through the same thing we are? Just please give it some thought . . . and work on your grammar and punctuation.
Thanks Aafes for the info and the support.
Aafes
Viernheim,Europe,
U.S.A.
Don't let the reply from the company employee fool you
#22Consumer Comment
Mon, August 13, 2007
From the EPA website:
"EPA neither endorses nor recommends specific home water treatment units. EPA does register units that make germ-killing claims.
"Three organizations are accredited by the American National standards Institute (ANSI),and they each certify units using ANSI/NSF standards."
The EPA does NOT directly certify or approve any system.
"No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant; you must decide which type best meets your needs."
So much for 100% pure water.
You were scammed. It also sounds as if the financing disclosures may be questionable, you may want to have an attorney review the contract.
Lastly, water in your area is safe to drink from the tap. In honesty, very few water SOURCES are safe to drink directly these days due to agricultural runoff and pollutants - water taken from a well, river or reservoir is NOT pumped directly to your tap. It goes through extensive cleansing and filtering before entering the potable water supply chain.
Aafes
Viernheim,Europe,
U.S.A.
Don't let the reply from the company employee fool you
#22Consumer Comment
Mon, August 13, 2007
From the EPA website:
"EPA neither endorses nor recommends specific home water treatment units. EPA does register units that make germ-killing claims.
"Three organizations are accredited by the American National standards Institute (ANSI),and they each certify units using ANSI/NSF standards."
The EPA does NOT directly certify or approve any system.
"No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant; you must decide which type best meets your needs."
So much for 100% pure water.
You were scammed. It also sounds as if the financing disclosures may be questionable, you may want to have an attorney review the contract.
Lastly, water in your area is safe to drink from the tap. In honesty, very few water SOURCES are safe to drink directly these days due to agricultural runoff and pollutants - water taken from a well, river or reservoir is NOT pumped directly to your tap. It goes through extensive cleansing and filtering before entering the potable water supply chain.
Aafes
Viernheim,Europe,
U.S.A.
Don't let the reply from the company employee fool you
#22Consumer Comment
Mon, August 13, 2007
From the EPA website:
"EPA neither endorses nor recommends specific home water treatment units. EPA does register units that make germ-killing claims.
"Three organizations are accredited by the American National standards Institute (ANSI),and they each certify units using ANSI/NSF standards."
The EPA does NOT directly certify or approve any system.
"No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant; you must decide which type best meets your needs."
So much for 100% pure water.
You were scammed. It also sounds as if the financing disclosures may be questionable, you may want to have an attorney review the contract.
Lastly, water in your area is safe to drink from the tap. In honesty, very few water SOURCES are safe to drink directly these days due to agricultural runoff and pollutants - water taken from a well, river or reservoir is NOT pumped directly to your tap. It goes through extensive cleansing and filtering before entering the potable water supply chain.
Aafes
Viernheim,Europe,
U.S.A.
Don't let the reply from the company employee fool you
#22Consumer Comment
Mon, August 13, 2007
From the EPA website:
"EPA neither endorses nor recommends specific home water treatment units. EPA does register units that make germ-killing claims.
"Three organizations are accredited by the American National standards Institute (ANSI),and they each certify units using ANSI/NSF standards."
The EPA does NOT directly certify or approve any system.
"No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant; you must decide which type best meets your needs."
So much for 100% pure water.
You were scammed. It also sounds as if the financing disclosures may be questionable, you may want to have an attorney review the contract.
Lastly, water in your area is safe to drink from the tap. In honesty, very few water SOURCES are safe to drink directly these days due to agricultural runoff and pollutants - water taken from a well, river or reservoir is NOT pumped directly to your tap. It goes through extensive cleansing and filtering before entering the potable water supply chain.
Mb
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
You are wrong!
#22UPDATE Employee
Mon, August 13, 2007
I'm sorry that you believe you were ripped off. With that being said, I am disturbed by the fact you think you were ripped off by a company who provides people with the very best in water filtration. The source for Florida's Water is disgusting and if you really want info on that check out archives from the Orlando Sentinel were there is a whole spread on Florida's Water.
The in home tests on the water are legitimate and the Ionics system leaves you with PURE Water. I own one and no countless people who are more than happy with their system. By the way there is no delay on your tongue tasting soap. Try putting some soap in your mouth and see how long it takes you to recognize that it's there.
Also check out NASA they also use Ionics technology for filtering their water in Space. Or maybe you have heard of Starbucks, Coke, Pepsi, Countless other huge names. Also the systems are the only whole house water systems EPA certified!
Please be more accurate when trying to build a negative persona on a company with a great product.