Reverse Osmosis filtration is a process where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane to reduce total dissolved solids and other contaminants from water to supply clean, fresh drinking water. A typical residential reverse osmosis system will have 3 to 7 stages of filtration consisting of a 5-micron sediment pre-filter, an Activated carbon filter, a Block carbon filter, a Reverse Osmosis Membrane, an In-line Activated carbon post filter, and a water holding tank. The pre-filter and carbon filters are there to remove sediment and any chlorine that may be present in the water supply to protect the membrane from becoming fouled out with iron and large particulate matter to protect the reverse osmosis membrane. The RO membrane is the essential stage of filtration and removes up to 99% of contaminants that may be in the water supply. The list of contaminants a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system will remove is extensive. There are many potentially harmful contaminants in drinking water such as Nitrates, Lead, Arsenic, Trihalomethanes, "VOCs" (Volatile Organic Compounds), PFAS, and many more that are potentially harmful to our health. A Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is designed to reduce or remove these things to give us high-quality drinking water.
Let's look at the Reverse Osmosis Process and how drinking high-quality, pure water, every day can help our health and save us money.
The Reverse Osmosis Process:
The RO membrane consists of many layers of spiral wound filaments which restrict the passage of contaminants and force them to the drain. The product water is drawn from the inside of the membrane and sent to a storage tank before it goes through final carbon filtration as it goes to the RO faucet or refrigerator. A typical residential Reverse Osmosis system makes anywhere from 10-75 gallons per day of high-quality drinking water depending on the TDS (Total dissolved solids) of the incoming water supply, feed pressure, and temperature of the water. Generally the higher the TDS less product water and lower quality water will be created. For high TDS water a “Booster Pump” is used to boost the incoming water pressure to the membrane to improve the quality and quantity of water produced.
Cutaway of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane and RO Membrane in filter housing:
Particulate size removal chart for a Reverse Osmosis system:
Diagram of a Reverse Osmosis System installation under a sink:
When feasible it is recommended to have the reverse osmosis system installed in the basement for easy maintenance, and filter changes and to not tie up valuable space under the sink. Larger storage tanks can be used when installed in the basement and product tanks can even be hung in the floor joists to help with water pressure to the RO faucet and refrigerator. Delivery pumps can also be used to boost the pressure from the storage tank to run water across the basement, operate refrigerators efficiently, and supply higher pressure to multiple locations and RO faucets. RO filters are changed every 6-12 months and the RO membrane is changed every 3-7 years depending on water usage and incoming water quality to the RO. Filter changes can cost anywhere from $60 to over two hundred dollars depending on the RO system and the type of filters to change. RO membranes generally cost $65 to $120. Anyone can change these filters but certain procedures need to be followed when changing RO filters to protect against bacterial cross contamination from our hands that can potentially contaminate the RO system. Periodic sanitizing of the complete RO system is recommended to prevent possible contamination.
There are three styles of residential reverse osmosis systems:
2. 3-4 stage RO system with a one-piece manifold and replaceable filters
3. 3-6 stage RO system with a one-piece manifold and quick change filter cartridges
Reverse Osmosis storage tanks come in many sizes to accommodate necessary water storage:
Rather than getting into the histrionics about dangerous things that can potentially be in our water and how they can be hazardous to our health, let’s just address one fact. We all need to drink more water! Our Doctors tell us that, our bodies tell us that every time we get thirsty, we all need to get away from drinking so many sugary drinks, energy drinks, coffee, drinks with artificial sweeteners, etc, etc. Dehydration is actually the number one contributor to health-related issues. Our bodies are over 80% water so keeping hydrated is of the utmost importance and drinking water is the only way to rehydrate.
Having to constantly buy water is time-consuming, expensive, and a pain to constantly be buying bottles of water or scheduling water delivery. Not to mention finding the space to store it all. All of us need to drink more water and many of us are, evidenced by the bottled water that is flying off store shelves and being delivered to households every week. The bottled water industry has been growing by nearly 15% annually. A Reverse Osmosis drinking water system is the answer to this problem and the most practical way of having all the quality drinking water we need (AT PENNIES PER GALLON) and will give your family high-quality drinking water 24/7, 365 days a year. So do yourself a favor! Get a Reverse Osmosis system for your family and DRINK UP there is plenty of water for everyone!
Here are helpful links about reverse osmosis, drinking water contaminants, drinking water regulations, and concerns about what may be in our water.
Wikipedia - What is Reverse Osmosis
EPA - Drinking water contaminants
EPA - Groundwater and Drinking water
How Stuff Works - Reverse Osmosis
Water Sense - Reverse Osmosis
I wish you, Good Days, and Good Water!
Ray McConnell
The Water Softener Blog
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