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Complete Price Guide · India · 2027
Industrial RO Plant Cost in India (2027):
Prices by Capacity, Installation & ROI
Two suppliers quote ₹3.5 lakh and ₹8.5 lakh for a "1,000 LPH industrial RO plant." Both are right — because they are not quoting the same thing. This guide explains the real cost of a complete industrial RO system from 500 LPH to 50,000 LPH, what drives the price difference, and what your investment actually returns.
500 LPH
₹2.5–6L
Complete system
2,000 LPH
₹8–18L
Complete system
5,000 LPH
₹20–40L
Complete system
10,000 LPH
₹40–75L
Complete system
Industrial RO plant pricing in India in 2027 is one of the most confusing buying experiences in any capital equipment category — because two suppliers quoting different prices for the same stated capacity are almost never quoting the same scope. One quote might include a complete pre-treatment system, storage tanks, automation, commissioning, and a two-year warranty. Another might be for the RO machine alone, with everything else as an extra. This guide cuts through the confusion with an honest, comprehensive breakdown of what industrial RO plants actually cost in India in 2027 — by capacity, by scope, and by total cost of ownership over 10 years.
What This Guide Covers
01Why RO Plant Quotes Vary So Dramatically
02Capacity-Wise Price List (500 LPH to 50,000 LPH)
03What a Complete System Includes vs. What Is Left Out
046 Factors That Drive Price Differences Between Quotes
05Installation Cost Breakdown
06Annual Operating Costs — What You Pay After Purchase
07ROI — What Your Industrial RO Plant Investment Returns
08Frequently Asked Questions
Section 01
Why Industrial RO Plant Quotes Vary So Dramatically — The Honest Explanation
The single most important thing to understand before you start comparing quotes for an industrial RO plant is this: capacity (LPH) is not a specification — it is a category. Two plants both described as "1,000 LPH Industrial RO Plant" can be as different from each other as a bare car engine and a fully assembled, registered vehicle. The stated capacity tells you the permeate output of the RO membrane stage alone. It says nothing about what comes before it (pre-treatment), what comes after it (storage, UV, post-treatment), how it is controlled, what brand the membranes are, or whether the steel frame will last 5 years or 20 years.
The Three Price Zones — and What Each Really Means
In the Indian industrial RO market in 2027, you can reliably divide quotes into three zones. The lowest-price zone (often 40–60% below the median) almost always represents the bare RO machine: a frame with membranes, a high-pressure pump, and basic pipework — no pre-treatment, no storage tank, minimal instrumentation, manual operation, and the cheapest available membranes. The mid-price zone represents a reasonably complete system with standard pre-treatment (sand filter, carbon filter, sometimes a softener), basic automation, product water storage, and established brand membranes. The higher-price zone represents a fully engineered system with comprehensive pre-treatment matched to your source water analysis, PLC automation with remote monitoring, SS 304 pressure vessels and storage, branded membranes with extended warranty, and comprehensive commissioning and training.
None of these three zones is automatically the wrong choice — the right one depends on your water quality, your production environment, and how much operational risk you are willing to carry. But comparing prices across zones as if they are the same product is where most first-time buyers go wrong and end up disappointed.
The most expensive mistake in RO plant buying: Choosing the lowest-price quote without understanding what it includes — then spending the next 3–4 years in frequent service calls, membrane replacements, and process downtime that cost more cumulatively than the difference between the lowest and mid-range quote would have been upfront. Always compare on complete, matched scope before comparing price.
Section 02
Industrial RO Plant Price List India 2027 — Capacity-Wise Complete System Costs
The prices below represent complete installed system costs — including pre-treatment (sand filter, carbon filter, antiscalant dosing), RO machine with branded membranes, product water storage tank (SS 304), interconnecting pipework, basic automation, delivery to site, installation, and commissioning. They do not include civil work, electrical connection from main panel, or site preparation.
Complete System Price by Capacity (India 2027)
| Capacity | Daily Output (16 hrs) | Complete System Cost | Typical Application | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 LPH | ~4,000 L | ₹1.2L – 3L | Small office, clinic, restaurant | Light Commercial |
| 500 LPH | ~8,000 L | ₹2.5L – 6L | Medium factory, 50-room hotel, school | Small Industrial |
| 1,000 LPH | ~16,000 L | ₹4L – 10L | Mid-size factory, hospital, food unit | Industrial |
| 2,000 LPH | ~32,000 L | ₹8L – 18L | Large factory, dairy, bottling unit | Industrial |
| 5,000 LPH | ~80,000 L | ₹20L – 40L | Large manufacturer, hospital complex | Heavy Industrial |
| 10,000 LPH | ~1.6 lakh L | ₹40L – 75L | Very large plant, pharma, power sector | Heavy Industrial |
| 25,000 LPH | ~4 lakh L | ₹90L – 1.8Cr | Large industrial estate, municipality | Utility Scale |
| 50,000 LPH+ | ~8 lakh L+ | ₹1.8Cr – 4Cr+ | Municipal, SEZ, large township | Municipal / SEZ |
| All prices are for complete installed systems including pre-treatment, storage tank, commissioning. Civil work, electrical connection from main panel, and site preparation are extra. Prices vary by supplier, location, water quality requirements, and automation level — the ranges reflect this variation. | ||||
Why the Same Capacity Has a Wide Price Range
Even within the same capacity, a wide price band exists because of legitimate differences in specification. A 1,000 LPH system can cost ₹4 lakh or ₹10 lakh for very good reasons — the ₹4 lakh version uses a mild steel frame with basic membranes, manual operation, and a single-stage sand filter. The ₹10 lakh version uses a fully SS 304 frame, DuPont FilmTec or Toray membranes, PLC automation with auto-flush and low-pressure cutoff, a water softener because the source water needs it, a UV steriliser, and a 10,000-litre SS 304 product water storage tank. Both produce 1,000 litres per hour of RO permeate. Their performance, reliability, and 10-year total cost of ownership are very different.
40–60%
Price difference between bare machine quote and complete system quote for same capacity
25–35%
Of total system cost typically goes to pre-treatment — the most important part
10–15 Yrs
Expected service life of a well-specified, well-maintained industrial RO system
3–5 Yrs
Typical payback period for most industrial RO plant investments in India
Section 03
What a Complete Industrial RO System Includes — vs. What Is Often Left Out
Before comparing any two quotes, insist on a written scope document from every supplier. Here is the definitive breakdown of what a complete industrial RO system should include versus what is commonly excluded in lower-price quotes to make the headline number attractive.
✓ What a Complete System Includes
- Raw water storage tank (HDPE or RCC, appropriately sized)
- Multi-media sand filter (FRP vessel, food-grade graded media)
- Activated carbon filter (removes chlorine, organics)
- Water softener (if source hardness > 150 mg/L)
- Iron removal filter (if source iron > 0.3 mg/L)
- Antiscalant dosing pump and day tank
- 5-micron cartridge filter housing + elements (initial stock)
- High-pressure pump (branded — Grundfos / KSB / Kirloskar)
- RO membrane housings (SS or FRP)
- RO membranes (branded — FilmTec / Toray / Hydranautics)
- Permeate and reject flow meters
- Conductivity meter on permeate line
- Pressure gauges at each stage
- Control panel (manual / semi-auto / PLC)
- Auto-flush system on shutdown
- Low pressure cutoff to protect pump
- Product water storage tank (SS 304, appropriately sized)
- UV steriliser on product line (for potable applications)
- All interconnecting pipework (CPVC / SS as required)
- Delivery, installation, commissioning, and operator training
- Warranty documentation and AMC terms in writing
The hidden cost trap: A buyer who accepts the bare-machine quote at ₹3.5 lakh for a 1,000 LPH system and then adds pre-treatment, storage tank, UV, pipework, commissioning, and site preparation separately typically ends up spending ₹7–10 lakh total — more than the complete-system quote they turned down as "too expensive." Get a total-installed cost from every supplier before making your decision.
Section 04
6 Factors That Drive Price Differences Between Industrial RO Plant Quotes
Once you are comparing quotes on matched scope, price differences still exist — and they are driven by specific, identifiable factors. Here is what is actually behind the price variation in the Indian market in 2027.
1. Membrane Brand and Grade
DuPont FilmTec, Toray, and Hydranautics membranes cost 30–60% more than unbranded or Chinese equivalents — but last 2–3× longer in most Indian borewell conditions and deliver consistent rejection rates. The membrane brand alone can shift a quote by ₹40,000–1,50,000 depending on system size.
2. Frame and Vessel Material
MS (mild steel) painted frames cost significantly less than SS 304 frames — and corrode much faster in the wet, chemical environment of an RO plant. An SS 304 frame adds 15–25% to the machine cost and pays back in a system life of 15+ years rather than 6–8 years.
3. Pump Brand and Specification
A Grundfos, KSB, or Kirloskar high-pressure pump costs 2–4× a generic Chinese equivalent and delivers significantly better energy efficiency, longer service life, and genuine spare parts availability. Pump quality directly affects both energy costs and downtime frequency.
4. Automation Level
A manual control panel adds ₹20,000–50,000. A semi-automatic PLC with auto-flush, low-pressure cutoff, and tank level control adds ₹60,000–1,50,000. Full PLC with remote monitoring, conductivity alarms, and data logging adds ₹1.5–4 lakh. Higher automation reduces operating errors and extends membrane life.
5. Pre-Treatment Design Depth
A standard pre-treatment (sand + carbon) costs ₹40,000–1.2 lakh. Adding a water softener for hard water costs ₹60,000–2 lakh more. Adding an iron removal system for high-iron borewell adds ₹80,000–1.8 lakh. The right pre-treatment is not optional — it protects membranes worth many times more than its own cost.
6. Supplier Location and Service Network
A supplier 50 km from your site with a local service team is worth a 10–15% price premium over a supplier 800 km away, because response time when something needs attention directly affects your operational continuity. Evaluate the service network with the same seriousness you evaluate the equipment specification.
Section 05
Installation Cost Breakdown — What to Budget Beyond the Machine Price
Installation costs for an industrial RO plant are often the least well-communicated part of the total project budget. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you need to plan for beyond the machine and pre-treatment system costs.
Civil Work
₹30K–3L
Platform base, drainage channel, shed/enclosure if outdoor, epoxy flooring if required. Scale with system size and whether existing infrastructure exists.
Electrical Connection
₹15K–1.5L
Dedicated supply from main panel to RO control panel, earthing, and safety switches. Larger plants with 3-phase high-pressure pumps need proper electrical sizing.
Transport & Freight
₹8K–60K
Depends on distance from supplier. Always insist on freight insurance. Unloading at site for large systems may need crane or forklift — factor this in.
Commissioning
₹10K–50K
Professional commissioning including performance verification, all-stages testing, instrument calibration, and operator training. Should be included in supplier scope but confirm in writing.
Source Water Test (NABL)
₹3K–8K
One-time cost before purchase — the most valuable money you spend. NABL water analysis determines correct pre-treatment design and prevents membrane selection mistakes.
First-Year Chemicals
₹8K–40K
Antiscalant (annual supply), membrane cleaning chemicals (CIP chemicals for first cleaning), sodium bisulphite for chlorine neutralisation if needed. Often excluded from machine quotes.
Total installed project budget rule of thumb: Add 25–40% to the machine + pre-treatment quote to arrive at your realistic total project budget, covering civil work, electrical, freight, commissioning, and first-year chemicals. A ₹10 lakh machine + pre-treatment quote typically becomes ₹13–14 lakh total installed project cost. For large systems above ₹30 lakh, the civil and electrical proportion tends to shrink to 15–20% of total.
Section 06
Annual Operating Costs — What You Pay After the Industrial RO Plant Is Installed
The purchase price is a one-time cost. The operating cost runs for 15 years. Understanding what your plant will cost to run annually is essential for genuine ROI calculation and for comparing proposals from suppliers who may differ on operating cost more than capital cost.
Electricity
₹0.50–1.80/KL
Main ongoing variable cost. A 1,000 LPH plant running 16 hrs/day at ₹8/unit consumes approximately ₹280–450/day in electricity. VFD-equipped pumps reduce this by 15–25%.
Antiscalant Chemical
₹8K–35K/yr
Annual antiscalant cost scales with plant capacity and dosage rate (typically 3–5 ppm of feed flow). Good antiscalant extends membrane life significantly — don't economise here.
Cartridge Filters
₹6K–30K/yr
5-micron cartridge filter elements replaced every 1–3 months depending on feed turbidity. Budget 4–12 replacements per year depending on feed water quality and plant size.
Membrane Cleaning (CIP)
₹5K–20K/yr
Chemical cleaning every 3–6 months for a well-pre-treated system. CIP chemical kit costs ₹2,000–8,000 per cleaning. More frequent CIP signals pre-treatment issues.
UV Lamp Replacement
₹3K–12K/yr
UV lamps have a rated life of 8,000–9,000 hours (approximately 12 months at 16 hrs/day). Replace annually for food/potable applications — never run a degraded UV lamp.
AMC (Annual Maintenance)
₹12K–80K/yr
Annual maintenance contract with your supplier covering 2–4 service visits, labour, and emergency response. Strongly recommended — AMC costs are small versus unplanned repair bills.
Membrane Replacement
₹40K–3L every 3–6 yrs
Full membrane set replacement every 3–6 years depending on feed water quality and pre-treatment effectiveness. Amortised annually this is ₹8K–75K per year depending on system size.
Softener Salt
₹8K–40K/yr
If your system includes a water softener (recommended for hard water), regeneration salt is an ongoing consumable. Consumption depends on source hardness and flow rate.
| Plant Capacity | Annual Operating Cost | Cost per 1,000 Litres Treated | 10-Year Total Operating Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 LPH | ₹55,000–1.1L/yr | ₹5–12/KL | ₹5.5–11L |
| 1,000 LPH | ₹85,000–1.8L/yr | ₹4–8/KL | ₹8.5–18L |
| 2,000 LPH | ₹1.4L–3L/yr | ₹3.5–6/KL | ₹14–30L |
| 5,000 LPH | ₹3.5L–7L/yr | ₹3–5/KL | ₹35–70L |
| 10,000 LPH | ₹6L–12L/yr | ₹2.5–4/KL | ₹60–1.2Cr |
| Operating costs assume well-maintained systems with proper pre-treatment. Poorly maintained systems or those with inadequate pre-treatment will have 2–3× higher membrane-related costs. | |||
Section 07
ROI — What Your Industrial RO Plant Investment Actually Returns
An industrial RO plant is not just a cost — it is an investment that delivers measurable returns. Here is the ROI calculation framework most industrial buyers should apply.
The Direct Savings from Your Own RO Plant
The most straightforward ROI calculation compares the cost of producing purified water with your own plant against the cost of buying treated water from external suppliers or purchasing tanker water. In most Indian industrial situations, the breakeven is reached well within the plant's first 3–5 years — and every year thereafter represents pure cost saving.
Illustrative ROI — 2,000 LPH Industrial RO Plant, Factory Replacing Tanker Water
Plant Investment (complete)
₹14L
Previous Tanker Water Cost
₹45L/yr
RO Plant Annual Running Cost
₹2.2L/yr
Annual Net Saving
₹42.8L/yr
Payback Period
4 months
10-Year Net Saving
₹4.1Cr
Additional ROI Sources Beyond Direct Water Cost Saving
Process efficiency improvement: Consistent, on-spec water quality reduces product rejections in food, pharma, and textile processes — often worth 2–5% of production value annually. Equipment protection: Scale-free, pure water extends the life of boilers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and process equipment — deferring capital replacement by years. Regulatory compliance: Having your own certified water treatment system strengthens your audit position with food safety, pharma, and export quality inspectors. Reject water reuse: Properly designed plants with reject water recovery systems recapture 20–35% of water that would otherwise be wasted, reducing source water costs further.
An industrial RO plant is one of the very few capital investments in a manufacturing facility where the payback period is measured in months rather than years, and where the return continues improving for 15 years. The water cost saving alone usually justifies the investment within the first year. Everything else — better process output, protected equipment, stronger compliance — is return on top of that.
10-year total cost of ownership is the right metric: A ₹5 lakh plant that costs ₹1.5 lakh/year to run has a 10-year total cost of ₹20 lakh. A ₹8 lakh plant that costs ₹90,000/year to run has a 10-year total cost of ₹17 lakh — and performs better throughout. Always calculate 10-year total cost, not just purchase price, when comparing proposals.
Section 08 — FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial RO Plant Cost in India 2027
QWhat is the price of a 1,000 LPH industrial RO plant in India in 2027?
A complete 1,000 LPH industrial RO plant in India in 2027 costs between ₹4 lakh and ₹10 lakh, installed and commissioned. The wide range reflects genuine scope differences: a basic system with manual operation and standard pre-treatment is at the lower end; a fully SS 304 system with PLC automation, branded membranes (FilmTec/Toray), comprehensive pre-treatment matched to your water analysis, UV steriliser, SS 304 product water storage tank, and two-year warranty is at the upper end. The bare machine (no pre-treatment, no tank, no commissioning) can be quoted for ₹1.3–2.5 lakh — but this is not a complete installed cost.
QWhat is the price of a 500 LPH commercial RO plant in India?
A complete 500 LPH commercial RO plant costs ₹2.5–6 lakh installed in India in 2027. The lower end covers a basic semi-automatic system with standard sand and carbon pre-treatment, generic membranes, and a manual control panel. The upper end covers a fully specified system with SS frame, branded membranes, water softener (if hardness requires), UV steriliser, HDPE or SS storage tank, PLC control, and full commissioning. For food, pharmaceutical, or potable water applications, always insist on the more complete specification — the cost difference is recovered quickly in membrane life alone.
QWhat is the price of a 5,000 LPH industrial RO plant in India?
A complete 5,000 LPH industrial RO plant costs ₹20–40 lakh installed in India in 2027, including full pre-treatment train, branded membranes, PLC automation, SS 304 product storage, commissioning, and first-year AMC contribution. At this scale, the plant is typically designed in multiple membrane array stages (e.g., 4:2 array), and pre-treatment includes a water softener, antiscalant dosing, and iron removal if source water requires it. Civil work and electrical connection from the main panel are typically separate and add ₹2–6 lakh depending on site conditions.
QWhy is one RO plant quote ₹3 lakh and another ₹9 lakh for the same LPH capacity?
Because they are almost certainly not quoting the same system, even though the capacity stated is the same. The ₹3 lakh quote is likely for the bare RO machine alone — the membrane housing, pump, and frame — with no pre-treatment, no storage tank, no UV, no automation beyond basic switches. The ₹9 lakh quote likely includes a complete pre-treatment system, SS 304 frame, branded membranes, PLC control panel with auto-flush and alarms, product water tank, UV steriliser, and commissioning. Before comparing prices, ask both suppliers to give you a line-by-line component list. Then compare the actual scopes.
QWhat is the annual maintenance cost of an industrial RO plant?
Annual maintenance cost for an industrial RO plant in India depends on capacity and ranges from ₹55,000–1.1 lakh for a 500 LPH plant to ₹6–12 lakh for a 10,000 LPH plant. The main components are: electricity (largest ongoing cost), antiscalant chemical (₹8,000–35,000/year), cartridge filter replacements (₹6,000–30,000/year), UV lamp replacement (₹3,000–12,000/year), periodic membrane cleaning (₹5,000–20,000/year), and AMC service contract (₹12,000–80,000/year). Membrane replacement every 3–6 years adds ₹8,000–75,000 per year when amortised. Total per KL of treated water is typically ₹2.50–12 depending on plant size.
QHow much does industrial RO plant installation cost in India?
Installation of an industrial RO plant in India typically costs ₹30,000–3 lakh for the civil and electrical work, beyond the machine and pre-treatment system price. Civil work (platform, drainage, shed if needed) runs ₹30,000–2 lakh depending on system size and whether existing infrastructure exists. Electrical connection from the main panel runs ₹15,000–1.5 lakh. Professional commissioning by the supplier is typically included in the system price but confirm in writing. In total, budget 25–40% above the machine price for everything needed to make the plant operational.
QWhat is the payback period for an industrial RO plant investment in India?
Payback periods for industrial RO plants in India typically range from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the scale of savings they generate. Plants replacing expensive tanker water supply often pay back in 6–18 months. Plants replacing municipal water purchased at commercial tariffs typically pay back in 2–4 years. Plants processing borewell water at near-zero source cost (where the saving is in improved process quality and equipment protection rather than water procurement cost) may take 3–5 years. The ROI calculation should also include reduced equipment maintenance costs and improved process output quality, not just water cost savings alone.
QWhat membrane brand should I insist on in an industrial RO plant?
For industrial applications in India, the established and recommended membrane brands are DuPont FilmTec, Toray, Hydranautics (Nitto), and LG Chem. These brands offer documented performance specifications, consistent quality, genuine spare parts, and predictable membrane life (3–6 years with proper pre-treatment). Ask the supplier for the specific membrane model number (not just the brand) and the manufacturer's data sheet for that model. Document the membrane brand and model in your purchase order. Avoid unbranded or generic membranes in industrial applications where consistent product water quality matters — the cost saving is not worth the performance uncertainty.
QDoes industrial RO plant price include GST in India?
Industrial RO plant prices in India attract 18% GST on the equipment, and installation services also attract GST (typically 18%). When comparing quotes, always check whether the stated price includes GST or is exclusive of it. Some suppliers state ex-GST prices to make their quote look more competitive — a ₹5 lakh ex-GST quote becomes ₹5.90 lakh with GST. If you are a registered business, you can claim input tax credit on GST paid for the plant and installation, effectively reducing your net cost. Always ask for a detailed, GST-inclusive breakup from every supplier.
QWhat is the difference between a commercial RO plant and an industrial RO plant?
The terms "commercial RO plant" and "industrial RO plant" are often used interchangeably in the Indian market for systems above 250 LPH capacity. In practice, the distinction is use-case rather than technical: commercial plants typically refer to systems for hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, and educational institutions — where the application is primarily potable water and the operating environment is relatively clean. Industrial plants typically refer to systems for manufacturing facilities, process water treatment, boiler feed, and production processes — where the application may require higher purity, more robust construction, and greater flow consistency. The technical specifications (membranes, pumps, pre-treatment) can be identical — the difference is in how the system is designed and specified for its environment.
QHow long does an industrial RO plant last in India?
A well-specified and well-maintained industrial RO plant in India lasts 12–18 years — sometimes longer — before major structural components need replacement. The membranes are replaced every 3–6 years (a planned operating cost, not a system failure). The high-pressure pump is the next most common replacement item, typically after 8–12 years. The frame, pressure vessels, instrumentation, and control panel of a quality system easily last 15+ years. Plants that fail early — within 3–5 years — almost always did so due to inadequate pre-treatment causing rapid membrane damage, not because the RO machine itself was defective.
QWhich is the right RO plant capacity for my factory?
Calculate your total daily purified water requirement across all uses (process water, boiler feed, cooling tower makeup, CIP, utility, domestic), divide by your daily operating hours (typically 16–20), and add 20–25% for growth and downtime buffer. Example: factory needs 48,000 litres/day running 16 hours — (48,000 ÷ 16) × 1.25 = 3,750 LPH → purchase a 4,000 LPH system. Do not size for today's demand only — size for 5–7 years out, because adding capacity later is more expensive than installing adequate capacity upfront.
QShould I buy from a local RO plant manufacturer or a national brand?
Both can be excellent — the decision should be based on three factors: (1) Technical capability: can they design a system correctly for your specific water quality based on your NABL water analysis? Ask for references of similar installations. (2) Service network: how quickly can they respond if something needs attention? A national brand with no local service presence is less useful than a local manufacturer with a strong service team. (3) Warranty and AMC terms: what is committed in writing? A local manufacturer with strong reference sites, good technical knowledge, and a documented AMC programme is often the better choice for ongoing reliability than a distant national brand with better marketing but slower service response.
The Right RO Plant Price Is the One That Covers the Right Scope
Price shopping for an industrial RO plant on capacity and headline cost alone is one of the most reliable ways to end up with a system that disappoints. The plants that perform consistently for 15 years are not always the most expensive — but they are always correctly specified for their source water, correctly pre-treated, and installed with the kind of care that means the commissioning numbers hold up three years later, not just on day one.
Get your water tested before you talk to any supplier. Share the analysis with everyone you quote. Ask for a line-by-line scope document. Calculate the 10-year total cost, not just the purchase price. And visit at least one reference site of your preferred supplier before committing.
At Kaveri RO, we supply industrial RO plants across Rajasthan and India — correctly sized for your demand, correctly pre-treated for your source water, and built to perform for 15+ years. We are happy to give you an honest, detailed quote with a full scope document — and reference sites you can actually visit. Start with your water analysis and your daily water requirement, and we will do the rest.