Artesian Waters in Elgin, IL/water filtration systems

I purchased from Artesian Waters, Elgin, Illinois, a whole-house filtration system called "Steel Tec" for the price of $3900.

The company sent out a plumber to install it in the evening of Thursday, July 27, 2006. Since we don't have a basement, the Steel Tech tank was positioned adjacent to our water heater and water inlet pipe/meter which are located on the first floor closet. This closet is between our living room/kitchen and foyer/hallway. The plumber did not have the tool to shut off the city water flow from the main pipe. Thus, during the process of attaching the copper pipe from the filter tank to the water outlet, he allowed voluminous amount of water to drain unto the closet floor that housed the water heater and water meter. Incidentally, our waste water drain is located on the foy er floor which is 1/2 inch higher than the closet floor that houses the water heater/water meter/pipes. Therefore, the water leaking from the pipe during the installation process filled the closet floor (which is at a lower level then the foyer floor) and seeped underneath the laminated wood floor in the foyer. Towels were used to soak up the water leaking from the pipes while the installer was in the process of disconnecting and reconnecting the pipes. He claimed that the filter was successfully installed and left us with a wet floor.

On Tuesday, August 1, 2006, 4 days after the installation, my husband noticed that our living room carpet was wet and discovered that there was a big water leak from the pipe near the water meter. He called Artesian Water to report the leak. At noontime, a second plumber came to tighten the pipe. Because it was still leaking, the first plumber (who intalled the filter) came again that evening. He came and said that it was the O-ring that needed to be replaced. Someone from the City Water District came to replace the O-ring that night.

Over the following days, I called and talked to different people (branch manager and the sales representative) from the company to report the damage to our laminated wood floor, consequent to the water filter installation.

On August 4, 2006, the sales representative told me not to do anything to the floor as he has been in contact with the City Water District people to discuss the situation. He said he would let me know in two days. He assured me that he will have this matter taken cared of. I waited and received no calls for a week. I then requested for someone from Artesian Waters to come and inspect the damage because the plumbers claimed that there was not much damage. As the days go by, we notice that the laminate floor edges showed increasing warping from water that has seeped underneath the floor and now the damaged area involves the whole hallway, the foyer and part of the kitchen. The plastic lining (in the closet) underneath the laminate panels a re still wet up to now.

The installer/plumber was sloppy, careless and irresponsible during the installation process in that he did not ask the City Water District to come and shut the main water pipe. He let the water flow into the closet floor, which water has no way to drain because the drain was located at a higher level in the foyer floor. He also over-tightened the O-ring leading to the leak. I trust the water filter system but I did not expect to get a damaged floor as a result of careless installation.

I have called this company many times for the whole month of August, 2006 with very poor and slow response. They kept saying that there is not much damage based on the plumbers' initial assessments. Finally, their plumber came mid- August, 2006 to examine and confirm the warping on the floor panels.

But then, the company is arguing that our damaged floor was caused by the worn-out O-ring on the City's water meter/pipe. Therefore, the company claims that it's the city's fault. I called the Streamwood City Water Department Superintendent about the situation and he said it's not their fault because they did not touch the O-ring. So, here I am. I ordered a water-filtration system. During the installation, the company's plumber caused water to leak under my laminate floor. I end up with $2700 worth of floor damage. The insurance company for our house is currently handling this but we had to put up $1000 deductible.

I believe Artesian Waters of Elgin, IL has bad business ethics. Once they got our money, they didn't care to take care of the damage incurred during the process of installation of their product. They are washing their hands. If I had known that I'd end up with a damaged floor as a result of buying this water filter, I wouldn't have purchased their product.

Betty Go

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We live in Indianapolis, IN and ordered the full home system from a local marketing company. We were told $3800 was the discounted price for one that was already being used at the office. Interesting.

We also had a TERRIBLE experience. I called and called about things. For a short while, I would get through and then eventually no one would ever answer the phone. I soon found out that company was no longer in business.

After having the system in our home for about 2 years, it started leaking. There is supposedly a lifetime guarantee, but they have no contact numbers - only an email address to which I have sent SEVERAL emails and have gotten NO replies.

I would NEVER recommend ANY Steel Tec product to ANYONE!

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I have had a great experience with Artesian Waters. My water was horrible before they installed my steel tec system. I love my water now and am happy that I decided to get one. One of the best decisions of my life! I also felt that Artesian Waters was very professional.

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My wife and I were just visited today by one of their sales people, a guy named Brandon. We were impressed by the presentation, enough to actually place an order.

However, a couple things troubled us: he had a very vague explanation of the financing options, as the numbers simply did not add up. Also, He was very persistant about getting the unit installed ASAP. Finally, we never got the $25 gift card we were promised for the visit.

In the end, we are cancelling our order after reading these comments, and doing some more research on our own. Its pretty wierd that a company does not have a website this day and age.

If anyone can contact us with some more information, we would greatly appreciate it.

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I listened to the sales pitch by Artesian Water. For doing so, I was promised a $50 gasoline certificate. They have never delivered on the certificate and they still have the nerve to call and try to sell their product. I was initially interested as I think the water at my residence needs improvement, but I would never do business with such an unethical company. They make promises with no intent to deliver. I called the Elgin Better Business Bureau but they displayed little interest. I would love to campaign against them but do not know where to turn.

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I have had the same issues w/Artesian Waters and I feel the same way. Once they got my money they dind't care. I call all the time with issues and no one ever gets back to me (hence me calling all the time) I am so frustrated - I would love to talk to an attorney. I wonder how many more clients have been screwed over by Artesian Waters.