Reverse Osmosis, or RO, by definition, is a technology that is used to remove a large majority of contaminants from water. RO’s remove impurities by pushing pressurized water through a semi-permeable membrane. A Reverse Osmosis water treatment system is capable of removing up to 99% of all contaminants from water. Contaminants include, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals, dissolved salts (ions), organic particles and bacteria, including e-coli.
An RO works by forcing water through different pre-filters, including sediment and carbon in order to remove all impurities. Finally, the water passes through the membrane and finally to your faucet. The first filter is for sediment, to trap particles, including dissolved solids such as calcium carbonate. The second filter, also for sediment, has smaller pores to catch the finest of sediment. The third filter, an activated carbon filter, to trap organic chemicals and chlorine as well as control odor. Finally, the water passes through the thin film composite membrane. Once the water passes through the pre-filters and membrane, it is ready to use. Water from an RO’s is so pure it needs its own waterline and faucet, that prevent corrosion. RO water is the freshest, cleanest drinking and cooking water available today.
RO technology has many different uses. The most common is to desalinate ocean water into potable water for drinking and cooking. Commercial sized RO systems are commonly found on ships or in arid countries. RO’s are also used in the production of concentrated juices, as well as on all produce misting bars in Whole Foods.
An in home RO can be installed under the sink for single use, such as a faucet in the kitchen and a line to an ice maker or refrigerator. In addition, larger RO’s are installed in basements or water treatment areas. Larger RO’s can accommodate many water lines, including multiple faucets, refrigerators or ice makers. The price of an RO fully installed is roughly the same price the average family of 4 spends on bottled water annually. Clean water and preventing more plastic bottles from entering our landfills is the perfect way to stay Green in 2019. In home RO systems provides endless safe, healthy, clean cooking and drinking water.