Abstract: A water desalination and softening system that can be used in a home or commercial environment which recirculates water past a membrane filter element in a manner to self clean the membrane and to prevent a buildup of salts and minerals on the membrane surface. The system conserves water so as to result in near zero waste by recirculating water from a reservoir tank past the membrane. The system can operate in conjunction with a building's water supply and can operate without problems in either a zero or low effluent mode or when water usage is frequent.