The Build Show Podcast A Backup Water System?
Mar 6, 2026
Chris Christal, Aquaria regional VP and head of marketing, explains atmospheric water generation in plain terms. He covers how condensation-based units make potable water, compact residential systems and modular scaling. They discuss climate limits, filtration and taste, typical costs and maintenance, plus use cases from tiny houses to neighborhood and emergency installations.
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Air Water Has Very Low Dissolved Solids
- Atmospheric-sourced water has extremely low TDS because it bypasses groundwater contamination and pipe aging, often producing TDS ~4.
- Aquaria filters to 0.002 microns, removing particulates, microplastics, viruses and avoiding common well contaminants like arsenic and nitrates.
Mineralize Only At Point Of Drinking
- Don't mineralize bulk-generated water at the machine if you'll use it for bathing and dishes because mineral cartridges are costly at high flow.
- Instead add small mineralization cartridges at point-of-drinking fixtures for better mouthfeel.
Budget For A Full Hydropak Installation
- Expect installed residential system costs roughly $18,000 to just under $50,000 depending on tank size, trenching, pad and distance.
- Most full installations land near $40,000 for a large machine plus decent tank and short trenching.