Is this is good price for a water softener and R/O drinking water system?

Question:I received an estimate from Clearwater on a new watersoftener and a reverse osmosis drinking water system, everything inlcuded - including installation for $1600. My father seems to think that this price is high. Is it, or is it a fair price? Also if you have a softener, do you need the r/o system as well or is it ok to just drink the softened water?

Answers:
Your paying to much depending on how large the water softener is. Yes, you should have a RO system along with a water softener. Water softeners raise the TDS(total dissolved solids) in water with excess sodium. It's not healthy to drink all that sodium. You can get a system much cheaper than that, not installed but installation usually cost about $200-$300 dollars. My company would sell you a top of the line water softener and RO for $1000.00 delivered to your house. Installation would be up to you. You would save 3-4 hundred dollars.