What Exactly is Reverse Osmosis
Unfiltered water is often fraught various contaminants, such as herbicides, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, lead, and much more. When safe, healthy drinking water is important to the well-being of family, many homeowners turn to Reverse Osmosis systems for a bit of reassurance. Reverse Osmosis, often referred to as RO, utilizes a process that purifies water of dangerous contaminants through the use of a semipermeable membrane. During the act of filtration water flows through the RO membrane in order to produce purified drinking water, with a bit of wastewater left over. These semipermeable membranes have a long, hard to pronounce name, but they:
- Utilize small pores to block contaminants
- Allow water molecules to flow thru small pores
- Use pressure for processing various volumes of water
What Makes an RO System Work?
Before utilizing the semipermeable membrane, an Reverse Osmosis purification systems work to remove chlorine and sediment through the use of a prefilter. Once it's processed through the prefilter, the membrane goes to work at removing various solids. The water moves along past the membrane onto a postfilter, which polishes drinking water before providing flow toward sink faucets, shower heads, toilets, and more depending on the setup. The various stages involved in any particular system is completely dependent upon the model, manufacturer, and needs of the homeowner. With that being said, it's important to note that there is a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing postfilters and prefilters alike.
Although the semipermeable membrane is at the core of the RO system, the other forms of filtration utilized by any given unit can range from 3 to 5 stages of filtration. Rest assured, in addition to the membrane, each RO system contains a sediment filter, as well as a carbon filter. As mentioned, water begins by flowing through a prefilter that catches a lot of sediment, in addition to chlorine. The semipermeable membrane removes total dissolved solids (or TDS). Here is a quick rundown of what each stage is capable of offering:
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Semipermeable Membrane
Removes dangerous contaminants from flowing through to drinking water. This includes bacteria, viruses, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and much more that may sneak past the initial prefilter stage.
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Sediment Prefilter
Catches initial contaminants, including dust, rust, and dirt. This prefilter actually extends the life of subsequent modes of filtration, by preventing clogs and damage. The sediment prefilter is so important, it is built into most systems.
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Activated Carbon Filter
Neutralizes contaminants by bonding to chlorine and other compounds that contribute to negative flavor and scents in tap water.
In areas where arsenic or fluoride are especially concerning, a Reverse Osmosis system can be a true savior for households. The RO membrane works hard alongside other stages of filtration, in order to reduce or remove up to 99% of sediment, dirt, debris, chemicals, and more, commonly found in tap water. Total dissolved solids (or TDS), volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), parasites, and heavy metals will all be a thing of the past with the installation of a Reverse Osmosis purification system.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Good to Consume?
Contaminants that are impossible to see with the human eye, are still capable of making people extremely sick. A purification system such as an RO system works by filtering away dangerous contaminants before it even reaches your tap. Although the process of RO does remove beneficial minerals (such as magnesium and calcium), that doesn't mean Reverse Osmosis water is bad for you. When you consume a varied diet, full of fruits and vegetables, you will get the vitamins and minerals you need for food. However, if it's a concern for your water to be stripped of minerals, it's easily remedied through the use of a remineralization stage. This type of add-on puts essential minerals back into drinking water.
Best Reverse Osmosis Installation Areas
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Under the Sink
The most common installation for an RO system would be under the sink, often referred to a point of use installation (or POU). This may be a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or utility sink, or under a sink where tap water is typically accessed.
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For Wells
A private well can be a great way to control your water source, until it isn't. Runoff can put contaminants into well water, which is where an RO system can be extremely helpful. It is for this reason that many homeowners opt to install one by a well.
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Refrigerator Use
You can easily connect a Reverse Osmosis system, intended for under-sink, to your refrigerator. This will be a means to provide safe and healthy drinking water, straight from your fridge.
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To Benefit Aquariums
Saltwater and freshwater enthusiasts can't get enough RO water for their fish tanks. While many fish stores provide RO water at a price, and some grocery stores sell it on demand, installing a system of your own by an aquarium is a life saver. No more toting around water from building to building. No more stress over whether your tap's nitrates/nitrites are too high. Just good, healthy water when you need it.
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RVs and Campers
Although the concept of utilizing an RO system in an RV seems complicated, where there's a will there's a way. A Reverse Osmosis system requires proper drainage, whereas RVs utilize storage tanks. Most campsites won't provide drain hookups, but RO systems are still possible.
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Portions of a Home
While an RO system is a great solution for whole house water filtration, it doesn't mean it's a requirement. There are some cases where an RO system for your whole house is overkill, unless you are facing specific dangerous water contaminants. This type of water purification system is also incapable of providing flow rate required to pressurize a whole house. In this case, a booster pump is needed to provide the water pressure needed. In this case, though, a storage tank also demands a UV system in order to properly disinfect water held therein.
There is a lot to consider when looking into purchasing a whole house system for your home. It would only be a decent suggestion if the current water quality is so low you have to have an RO system to make your water source safe. Otherwise, you might battle scale buildup on the RO membrane, especially if you have hard water. This will effect overall performance, and cause the system to fail prematurely. Certain types of contaminants may foul the RO membrane, such as iron.
What is the Overall Lifespan of an RO System?
Typically, you can expect to get anywhere from 10 to 15 years out of your Reverse Osmosis system. However, the lifespan of other internal components and stages will differ from the overall RO system itself. The membrane, for example, requires periodic replacement, whereas prefilters or subsequent stages need replacing 1 to 2 times each year. These timelines may also change depending on your overall water conditions. Regardless, expect to replace your RO membrane every 2 to 4 years, if only to ensure proper operation and optimal water quality levels.
