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An Even Simpler Guide to Reverse Osmosis Water Technology
The simplest way to explain reverse osmosis is that it is a method to purify your water. It removes a large majority of contaminants like chlorine, sediments, dirt, salt, etc. It is one of the most effective water purification methods on the market and is often installed in restaurants, aquariums, whole house filtration systems, and kitchen faucets for drinking water. There are a few types of reverse osmosis systems to consider: whole house filtration, commercial RO filtration, point-of-use, and aquarium filtration. The science and technology are slightly different for each system, but ultimately the goal is to purify and receive high quality water for your home or business.
To know how reverse osmosis functions, we must dive a little deeper: What exactly is reverse osmosis, and how does it work? This guide will provide a clear and simplistic overview of RO technology, its benefits, and how it can be a game-changer for your household water needs.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that removes contaminants from water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as total dissolved solids (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, sulfates), pharmaceuticals, PFAS/PFOS, herbicides, bacteria, microorganisms, sediments, chemicals, and other harmful substances.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
The RO process can include several stages, each designed to remove specific types of contaminants. Several of the products we feature include 3-stage or 5-stage reverse osmosis systems to meet every need such as purified drinking water, better water for cooking, and a way to reduce or remove chemicals.. Everybody’s tap water is different and the standards that need to be met after each stage vary depending on the home or business. The more stages the water passes through, the purer the water.
Ultra Drinking Reverse Osmosis System Compact 3 Stage 50 Gallons Per Day
The 3-Stage Filter
Stage 1: The Dual Sediment and CTO Filter
Purpose: Water passes through a dual sediment filter and CTO filter, stopping large particles such as dirt, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), foul odors and tastes, and chlorine from entering the rest of the system.
Function: Prevents clogging and protects the membrane from large particles.
Stage 2: The RO Membrane
Purpose: Water then enters the semi-permeable RO membrane where it filters dissolved solids such as lead, arsenic, and other chemicals, heavy metals, and organisms.
Functions: The water goes through an immense amount of pressure to remove and separate molecular level contaminants from the water.
Stage 3: Post Carbon Filtration
Purpose: Removes any remaining TDS and improves taste
Function: The last stage in the filtration process. It is ready to drink!
5-Stage Premium Reverse Osmosis Complete System - 50 Gallons Per Day with 4/5/14 gallon storage tank
The 5-Stage Filter
Stage 1: The Sediment Filter
Purpose: Water first passes through a sediment filter to remove larger particles like dirt and rust.
Function: Protects the more refined filters in following stages to prevent clogging.
Stage 2: Granulated Activated Carbon Filter
Purpose: Effective bad taste and odor reduction and VOC reduction; aka it reduces the chemicals that pass through the filter.
Function: Reduces the foul taste and odors from the water by filtering chlorine and chloramine.
Stage 3: Carbon Block Filtration
Purpose: a carbon block filter removes chlorine and other organic chemicals that can affect the taste and odor of the water.
Function: Further reducing chemicals. In RO systems, chlorine is a culprit at reducing the lifespan of the RO membrane. A secondary filter that reduces chlorine and chloramine will help the RO system function properly for as long as possible.
Stage 4: Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Purpose: This membrane blocks contaminants, including dissolved solids, bacteria, and heavy metals, allowing only clean water to pass through.
Function: Water is forced through the semipermeable RO membrane under pressure.
Stage 5: Post-Filtration
Purpose: Remove any remaining TDS and improve the taste.
Function: The last stage in the filtration process. It is ready to drink!
REVERSE OSMOSIS REPLACEMENT FILTER SET RO CARTRIDGES 5 PCS. WITH 50 GPD MEMBRANE
Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
Removal of Contaminants
Reverse osmosis is highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including:
- Dissolved solids: Such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Chemicals: Including chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride.
- Heavy Metals: Such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
- Microorganisms: Including bacteria and viruses.
- Pharmaceuticals: Drugs disposed of in the waters or flushed down the toilet
- Nitrates and Nitrites: Most commonly found in well water; comes from agricultural fields, poorly maintained septic system, animal waste, or compost piles
- Organic Compounds: pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Improved Taste and Safety
While city water is cleaned to a specific standard by water districts, the chlorine treated water is also quickly exposed to the vices of several plumbing systems to get to you. On the other spectrum, well water is sent directly to you, but is not treated or tested for microorganisms. You’re left with several possibilities of drinking dozens of contaminants. RO systems remove these impurities and enhance the taste and odor of drinking water, making it not only safer but also more enjoyable to drink. It’s the perfect method to achieve the best cup of coffee, tea, lemonade, or even best home cooking!
Better than Bottled Water
Believe it or not, it is not required for bottled water to be better than tap water. As long as the bottled water is the equivalent of the EPA’s standards of tap water, the water is considered safe to drink. A reverse osmosis system in your home guarantees control over the water you drink and the contents within. Another nice perk is that using an RO system reduces the need for bottled water, thus decreasing plastic waste and carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of bottled water.
Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems
There are various types of RO systems available, catering to different needs and preferences:
1. Commercial Reverse Osmosis Systems: Installed in restaurants, hospitals, laboratories, commercial, and industrial environments. These large scale systems are designed to use between 200 GPD and 10,000 GPD.
2000 GPD Commercial Reverse Osmosis System- Hydroponics, Breweries, Coffee, Teas
2. Undersink Reverse Osmosis Systems: A point of use system that is typically placed under bathroom or kitchen sinks. For clear ice and water, you can connect it to your refrigerator. You may also install them in the garage for your utility sink, gardening, or to wash your car for a spot free rinse.
100 GPD Ultimate Reverse Filtration System 5 Stage, 4 gallon storage tank.
3. Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems: There are areas in the US where the water is extremely hard and contains varying chemicals and contaminants. For example, mining towns or cities near fracking sites are more likely to have an enormously high hard water level.
Source: Public Domain. Mean hardness as calcium carbonate at NASQAN water-monitoring sites during the 1975 water year. Colors represent streamflow from the hydrologic-unit area. Map edited by USEPA, 2005. Modified from Briggs, J.C., and Ficke, J.F., 1977, Quality of Rivers of the United States, 1975 Water Year -- Based on the National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 78-200. Notes from Source: *Although from 1975, it is reflective of current national assessments. **Regional reference only and not an individual water analysis.
These areas would benefit from a whole house filtration system that implements a wholehouse sediment and CTO system, a water softener, and a commercial grade RO system. Areas with mining and fracking typically have multi-stage systems to remove specific chemicals in the water to avoid damage to the RO membrane. Depending on household water consumption, such systems would produce 200-10,000 GPD. Use a TDS meter to find out your water quality level.
XWH-1000 iFilters Whole House Water Filtration System | PRO-S-80E Pro+Aqua Whole House Water Softener | RO300 iFilters Commercial Reverse Osmosis System |PRO-RO-I PRO+Aqua RO Commercial System
4. Aquarium Reverse Osmosis Systems: Modern and compact, these systems save space and provide on-demand purified water into your fish tank.
Aquarium 3 Stage Reverse Osmosis System AQ-M100, Compact 100 GPD
Common RO System Concerns and Misconceptions
RO Health Concerns
One common concern is the removal of essential minerals from water. RO systems are designed to remove all types of impurities, sediments, minerals, and dirt, etc.. This includes the removal of the good minerals that we love like calcium and magnesium. However, the primary goal is to eliminate harmful contaminants. The minerals lost in the RO process is not detrimental to the overall health of any individual that maintains a balanced diet. In commercial or business settings, removing all contaminants from water allows for full control of what is in the water. For breweries, tea and coffee shops, and hydroponics, this is essential to maintain quality control.This allows the business to add their own TDS and ingredients for a consistent final product. For the home user, adding a post alkaline filter can transform clean ordinary water to healthy alkaline mineral rich water.
Disadvantages vs. Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
Some people worry about the wastewater produced by RO systems. For every two gallons of purified water, one gallon of wastewater is produced. In several cases, the purified water gained far outweighs the benefits of water lost. Without the heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, your quality of life is increased. You’ll have cleaner windows, healthier gardens, spotless cars, and of course healthier and better tasting water. As time goes on, reverse osmosis technology is becoming more efficient in minimizing water waste. If wastewater is a concern, Pro+Aqua offers a one-to-one waste ratio while maintaining outstanding filtration performance.
PRO+AQUA Premium 100 GPD RO System, 6 Gallon Holding Tank
As we mentioned, one of the most common uses of reverse osmosis is to better a home’s drinking water, coffee, alcoholic drinks, teas, smoothies, and cooking. Did you know that RO water is also used in soaps, shampoos, maple syrups, hand sanitizers, car washes, and several other water based products? Water is everywhere. Reverse osmosis is influential, moldable to fit our needs. The largest benefit of RO water is its purity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reverse Osmosis in Simple Terms?Reverse osmosis is a water purification method that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from water, ensuring it is safe and clean for consumption.
Is it Healthy to Drink Reverse Osmosis Water?Yes, drinking reverse osmosis water is healthy as it removes harmful contaminants. While it also removes some minerals, these can be easily obtained from other dietary sources or adding a post filter to reintroduce healthy minerals into your drinking water.
What are the Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water?The main disadvantage is the removal of some beneficial minerals and the production of wastewater. However, the health benefits and improved taste of RO water often outweigh these drawbacks.
Should I Install A Water Softener or a Reverse Osmosis System?For whole house systems, we recommend both. Water softener and reverse osmosis systems are able to work together. If you install only a reverse osmosis system, you subject the RO membrane to harmful contaminants that haven’t been properly filtered through. The lifespan will decrease and you’ll need to replace the membrane far sooner than originally expected. If you install only a water softener, you’ll remove the hard minerals and dirt, but the harmful chemicals and microscopic organisms are still passing through to your home and drinking water. We offer a water softener and reverse osmosis whole house bundle to allow both systems to work together and give your home better quality water.
For point of use systems like your kitchen sink or bathroom, we recommend a 3-stage or 5-stage RO system.
iFilters Filtration
Reverse osmosis technology offers an effective and reliable solution for ensuring clean and safe drinking water at home. By understanding how RO systems work and their benefits, you can make an informed decision about the best water purification method for your household.
Ready to enhance your water quality? Explore iFilters’s range of reverse osmosis systems to find the perfect solution for your home. By understanding how reverse osmosis technology works and addressing common concerns, you can make informed decisions about your home’s water quality, ensuring it is both safe and enjoyable for your family.
