What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is a process that can remove up to 99.99% of contaminants from unfiltered water by using pressure to force the water through a semipermeable membrane which removes the contaminants and then disposes of them down the drain in to leave you with clean water.
How an Reverse Osmosis system works
The Reverse osmosis process is a very effective way to filter your water as it removes unwanted minerals, ions, particles, and substances. Many reverse osmosis systems employ a series of different filters such as sediment filters and carbon filters.
During the process water pushes through what we refer to as an “RO membrane” which is essentially a layer that filters out contaminants and salts while still allowing the water to pass through. After the water passes through the filters and RO membrane the water goes into the holding tank and the contaminants are rid down the drain leaving you with safe, healthy, clean drinking water.
Stages of Reverse Osmosis
- Prefiltration: This happens when water initially enters an RO system. Typically the prefiltration stage includes a sediment filter as well as a carbon filter to remove any physical particles and chlorine that could damage the RO membrane.
- RO membrane: After prefiltration completes water pushes through the RO membrane and removes any dissolved particles. These may include metals, ions, and bacteria.
- Post Filtration: A post-filter enhance your water’s taste before it reaches your faucet.
RO Membrane
You’re probably feeling familiar with the words “RO membrane” by this point, however, you might still be wondering what exactly is an RO membrane and what’s the purpose of this RO membrane? Well, good news – the following paragraph should answer your questions relating to RO membranes!
A reverse osmosis membrane (more commonly referred to as an RO membrane) is a semipermeable membrane that is essential to the reverse osmosis process. A semipermeable membrane is a material that allows certain substances to pass through while not allowing others to do so.
In the case of reverse osmosis, the membrane removes pollutants such as physical particles, sediment, and any compounds/ bacteria/ viruses whilst still allowing water to pass through.
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
Reverse osmosis removes many different chemical contaminants from your water, here is a list of some examples of what the RO process removes:
Sodium
Chloride
Copper
Lead
Reverse osmosis reduces traces of other contaminants, these include the following :
Arsenic
Fluoride
Sulphate
Calcium
Magnesium
Nitrate
Phosphorus
In addition to removing harmful chemical contaminants the reverse osmosis process also removes bacteria and viruses which include the following:
Salmonella
E.Coli
Hepatitis
Norovirus
Rotavirus
For an even more in-depth analysis of what reverse osmosis removes please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/.
Types of RO Systems
There are a few different types of RO systems available on the market that all aim to provide you with clean water. Reverse osmosis systems have different stages depending on the number of pre-filters, and post-filters it has.
The main similarity between all RO systems is the RO membrane; however, reverse osmosis systems also include other types of filtration.
Here are some examples of types of filters used in an RO system:
- Sediment filter: A sediment filter removes physical particles such as dirt, sand, dust, and rust.
- Carbon filter: Carbon filters reduce VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) such as chlorine which gives water an unpleasant taste/odour.
- Semipermeable membrane: A semipermeable membrane removes TDS (total dissolved solids) such as metals, minerals, salts, and ions.
- Post carbon filter: A post carbon filter improves the overall taste of the water after finishing up the reverse osmosis process.
Below are some examples of different reverse osmosis systems and what their distinct processes include.
4 Stage Reverse Osmosis System
A 4 Stage RO System uses a sediment filter to remove dirt, sand, and other particles which then leads into a carbon filter that removes chlorine/chloramines from your water before reaching the RO membrane which removes any remaining contaminants. The last step in our 4 Stage RO system is having the water pass through a post-carbon water filter which renders your water pure as well as improves the taste of your water.
New Water on Water (WOW) RO System
The WOW RO System operates by removing contaminants from water at the molecular level. By using your household water pressure to squeeze your water against a special membrane, water molecules are separated from impurities. Rejected dissolved solids are automatically rinsed down the drain leaving only high-quality, delicious water for you to use.
As previously stated, different systems have added stages to their full water filtration process the RO process always remains the same. Another similarity to the aforementioned systems is that they all have a sleek, compact design and countertop or under-the-counter installation options.
There are also whole home reverse osmosis systems that can be installed to filter all the water used throughout your home however we’ve noticed the compact RO systems for drinking water have become increasingly popular.
Where Can I install an Reverse Osmosis System?
Reverse osmosis systems are great compact systems that can be installed in multiple locations for your convenience!
Can I install an RO system…
Under the counter or countertop? Absolutely!
RO systems are most commonly installed under the countertop at the point of use, for example, that could mean under the kitchen sink or bathroom sink. Ro systems are compact and versatile so if you would like it’s also possible to install a system countertop or even mount it in a cabinet so it’s hidden away.
For a refrigerator? Of course!
A reverse osmosis system is a wonderful addition to your refrigerator, the system would remove contaminants from your water leaving you with crystal clear water and ice.
For wells? Yes!
If your drinking water comes from a private well then a reverse osmosis system is a great way to ensure your drinking water is free of contaminants and therefore safe to drink.
Commercial buildings? You absolutely can!
Same as having an RO system installed in your home you can have an RO system installed in your business’ building to have clean water from the faucets.
In a recreational vehicle? Certainly!
Ditch the bottled water and install a reverse osmosis system in your recreational vehicle to ensure you have access to clean, healthy water even when you are in the middle of the wilderness.
Whole-home? You can, however, it may be unnecessary.
It is possible to install a whole-home reverse osmosis system, however, it is important to note that 9 times out of 10 installing a whole-home RO system is simply overkill. Unless you’ve had your home’s water tested by a professional and they’ve found that there’s a contaminant in your water that can only RO can remove, it’s most cost-effective to go with a compact RO system for your drinking water.
How is an RO Filter Different From a Regular Water Filter?
Although an RO filter and a regular water filter are both used to reduce contaminants in your water they are different in the way they function, although there are many similar contaminants that they remove they remove slightly different contaminants from each other.
Another difference to keep note of is that RO systems do produce a small amount of wastewater as the contaminated water is rid after the reverse osmosis process is completed. Below we will compare what a regular water filter using activated carbon can remove vs what an RO system removes.
What Maintenance Does an Reverse Osmosis System require?
RO systems are well-liked as they only require maintenance every 12 months to keep clean water flowing. Depending on what pre-filters and post-filters your system has it will be important to know the replacement schedule of those filters, which is usually annually.
Other than replacing the sediment and carbon filters it is recommended to sanitize your RO system once a year and replace the semipermeable RO membrane once every 2 to 3 years.
Final Though!
In conclusion, a reverse osmosis filtration system is one of the most intricate methods of water filtration. The RO process removes all sorts of different contaminants and TDS to leave you with clean, healthy water.
If you’re looking to remove harmful contaminants, reduce sodium ions, eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors in your water, and become more environmentally friendly then a Reverse Osmosis system is ideal for you!
