BASIC triple-mount
For water where, in addition to mechanical protection, softening is also appropriate.
- pre-filter, 1 µm
- ion-exchange softening cartridge
- main filter with ART CARBON
ASSEMBLY PRICE4 499 CZK
Choose triple-mount →
HOME / KITCHEN / DRINKING WATER
Water you actually want to drink every day. No bottles. No jug. Straight from the kitchen tap.
Under-sink filtration treats only the water you drink and use for cooking. No need to filter the shower, the washing machine, or the whole house. The right assembly is chosen according to your water source and what you need from it.
We don't start with a filter. We start with the water. If you're unsure, we'll recommend an assembly based on your situation — and for a well or unclear water source, we'll suggest the right assessment first.
I. WHY UNDER-SINK
Better drinking water. Without filtering the whole house.
Under-sink filtration makes sense when you want to specifically treat water for drinking, cooking, coffee, or tea — without using filtration capacity on showering, laundry, or flushing.
- Convenience. Filtered water is ready directly at the kitchen tap.
- Smaller scope. You treat only the point of use where you want higher quality or targeted polishing.
- Clear choice. A standalone filter, recommended dual-mount, or triple-mount depending on your water.
- Predictable service. Before purchasing you can see the price of the assembly and the replacement filters.
II. FOUR ROUTES TO DRINKING WATER
Filter jug, bottled water, reverse osmosis — and under-sink adsorption filtration.
Every solution has its place. The difference lies in convenience, treatment scope, service requirements, and what water problem you actually need to solve.
| Filter jug | Bottled water | Reverse osmosis | AQUA VIVA / ART CARBON | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily use | Jug needs to be refilled and stored. | Requires buying, carrying, and storing bottles. | Flow-through or tank system under the sink depending on configuration. | Filtered water available directly from a dedicated tap outlet. |
| Treatment scope | Smaller volumes of drinking water. | Only the purchased volume. | Membrane separation with broad scope; suitability depends on the specific water. | Targeted under-sink filtration for drinking and cooking only. |
| Mineral content | Depends on cartridge type. | Depends on source. | Membrane removes dissolved minerals; assembly may include remineralisation stage. | The adsorption stage is not designed to blanket-remove dissolved minerals. |
| Waste water | None. | None. | Concentrate stream produced during membrane separation. | No waste water stream during normal operation of the adsorption filter. |
| What it asks of you | Regular cartridge replacement and refilling. | Repeated purchasing. | Regular servicing according to the unit type. | Installation and regular replacement of filtration cartridges. |
This is not intended to dismiss other technologies. Reverse osmosis is the right choice in certain situations and is used where a specific water source or treatment goal requires it.
III. WHAT WE SHOW AS EVIDENCE
Independent tests at the Technical University of Liberec.
In flow-through filtration, the speed of adsorption at short water contact times matters. That is why we present specific results together with the contact time at which they were measured.
Results from different contact times cannot be automatically compared with each other, and cannot be transferred without further work to every input water.
| Substance | Contact time | Granular activated carbon | ART CARBON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naproxen | 10 seconds | — | above 91 % |
| Naproxen | 30 seconds | 20 % | above 90 % |
| Carbamazepine | 30 seconds | 16 % | above 90 % |
| Simazine | 1 minute | — | 89 % |
| Simazine | 5 minutes | 0 to 1 % | — |
Values are taken from independent tests cited in the technical documentation. Each row states the specific contact time; figures from different contact times cannot be mechanically compared with one another.
IV. WHICH ASSEMBLY TO CHOOSE
A single filter works. Two stages protect it better.
From operating experience we recommend not using only a single standalone filter for under-sink filtration, but at minimum a simple two-stage assembly.
- 1. Mechanical pre-filter 1 µm — captures particles before they reach the main filter.
- 2. Main filter with ART CARBON — targeted polishing of water before the dedicated kitchen outlet.
- Optional ion-exchange cartridge — added between the pre-filter and the main filter if hardness treatment is needed.
V. VARIANTS AND PRICING
Most households need this assembly.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM / START HERE
AQUA VIVA BASIC dual-mount
Our recommended starting assembly for standard under-sink filtration: a mechanical pre-filter captures fine particles before water enters the main AQUA VIVA stage.
- mechanical pre-filter, 1 µm
- main AQUA VIVA filter with ART CARBON
- installation fittings for under-sink connection
ASSEMBLY PRICE
3 599 CZK
Replacement cartridge BASIC: 2 499 CZK. Replacement interval depends on water quality, consumption, and operating conditions.
Choose dual-mount →
Further variants
If you need to treat water hardness, prefer bayonet-style quick-change, or are ordering a replacement cartridge only.
Starter kit BASIC
Classic screw-on housing with basic installation fittings. Can be used standalone; for better operating protection we recommend adding a pre-filter.
KIT PRICE2 999 CZK
Choose BASIC →
Starter kit TWIST
Bayonet housing for fast, clean cartridge replacement — no tool, no dismantling the assembly.
KIT PRICE3 499 CZK
Choose TWIST →
Get a recommendation
Tell us where your water comes from, whether you have an analysis, and what bothers you about it. We'll recommend a specific assembly — or tell you if a filter won't solve your problem.
FIRST RECOMMENDATIONnon-binding
Describe your water →
Replacement filters
Already have an AQUA VIVA system? Order your replacement cartridge here — BASIC or TWIST.
Replacement filter BASIC
Replacement filtration cartridge for compatible BASIC system.
FILTER PRICE2 499 CZK
Order BASIC replacement →
Replacement filter TWIST
Replacement bayonet cartridge for compatible TWIST system.
FILTER PRICE2 990 CZK
Order TWIST replacement →
Prices shown are current guidance for the assemblies displayed. Submitting an enquiry does not create an automatic order or payment obligation. Availability, exact assembly contents, delivery, any installation, and final price will be confirmed before a binding order is placed. A three-way mixer tap, delivery, and installation are not included in the assembly price unless explicitly confirmed. For well water, we recommend checking a water analysis before ordering.
VI. BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Practical questions that usually hold people back.
Will it fit under my sink?
A two-stage assembly is mounted on a shared bracket on the side wall of the under-sink cabinet. It needs a clear vertical surface and enough clearance below the filters to slide the cartridges out during replacement.
If you are unsure, take a photo of the space under your sink and send it to us. We will assess whether the space is suitable for both installation and subsequent cartridge changes.
Who installs it, and does a hole need to be drilled in the worktop?
The assembly can be installed by any plumber. It connects to the cold-water angle valve, and the filtered water has its own outlet.
If you choose a three-way tap or a separate dedicated faucet, one hole is needed in the worktop or sink. Many sinks already have a blanked-off hole that can be used.
The exact scope of installation is confirmed according to the specific kitchen, tap type, and chosen assembly.
How do I know when it is time to change the filter?
The pre-filter is visible — in its transparent housing it gradually discolours and fills. Check it approximately every three to four months.
For the main filter, the interval is guided by capacity and time: follow the recommended interval for your water quality, consumption, and operating conditions.
At installation it is worth setting a simple service regime so you know when to check and change each cartridge.
Will minerals remain in the water?
The ART CARBON adsorption stage is not designed to blanket-remove dissolved minerals. This is different from membrane processes, which use a different separation mechanism.
The suitability of any technology is always assessed against the incoming water and the treatment goal.
Does the filter change water hardness and limescale?
The carbon stage alone does not reduce hardness. If limescale in the kettle is the problem, that is what the ion-exchange cartridge is for — the triple-mount assembly.
Whether softening is needed for your water can be seen from an analysis or from a hardness figure from the water utility.
I have a well or borehole. Can I just order?
We do not recommend it. With a private water source, composition varies from location to location, and nitrates, iron, manganese, turbidity, and microbiology all need to be considered. A standard kitchen assembly is not enough on its own.
Send us your available analysis and a brief description. We will propose a configuration that matches your water — or tell you that the solution lies somewhere other than an under-sink filter.
What if I move house?
The assembly can be dismounted. It disconnects from the angle valve and moves to the new kitchen. In the old property, only the tap hole remains if a three-way tap was installed.
VII. OPERATION AND SERVICE
Filtration is one system. Each cartridge has its own interval.
The replacement interval is not universal. It depends on input water quality, hardness, volume drawn, and operating conditions.
- pre-filter 1 µm — check against actual clogging, approximately every 3–4 months,
- ion-exchange cartridge — replace according to water hardness and exhausted capacity,
- ART CARBON cartridge — replace according to manufacturer guidance, water quality, and consumption,
- replacement cartridges supplied individually and as a complete service kit.
1.mechanical pre-filter
2.–3.softener and ART CARBON by capacity
VIII. THE SIMPLEST FIRST STEP
Not sure what to choose? You don't need to know the filter names.
Tell us whether you are on mains supply or have your own source, what bothers you about the water, and whether you want to filter only drinking water in the kitchen. Include an analysis if you have one. If not, we'll tell you whether you need one to make the right choice. If an under-sink filter is not the right path, we will say so before you buy.