Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment

Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment utilizes a series of filters to remove contaminants and bacteria from drinking water. The first filtration stage is a sediment filter that protects the reverse osmosis membrane by removing larger sediment particles, chlorine and dissolved salts.

This prefilter is usually changed on a yearly basis to prevent clogging of the semipermeable membrane. The system then flows through a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis membrane.

Taste and Odor

Using reverse osmosis, water is purified to the molecular level, eliminating bacteria, sediment and contaminants like chlorine. The result is healthy, delicious-tasting drinking water that you can feel good about serving your family.

In a typical reverse osmosis system, household water pressure is used to force water through a series of filters. Most systems include between three and five main stages, including a sediment filter, carbon filter and semi-permeable membrane. The sediment filter removes larger particles like sand, rust and dirt, while the carbon filter helps to reduce chlorine in the water. Once these filters are clean, the water is forced through a thin film composite membrane. This synthetic membrane is designed to allow only water molecules to pass through, while rejecting a wide range of other particles and contaminants.

The water then enters a pressurized storage tank to hold the pure drinking water. The last stage of the process involves a carbon post-filter that removes any aesthetic taste and odors left behind by the other filters. Some systems also include a re-pressurization pump to help maintain the pressure of the storage tank. All systems should be flushed, sanitized and recharged annually to ensure the best results and safety of your home water.

Health Concerns

Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane. This allows only water molecules to pass through, removing anything bigger including contaminants and health giving minerals.

A reverse osmosis system can remove a wide variety of contaminants such as lead, cadmium, chlorine, sodium, fluoride, arsenic, pesticides and pharmaceuticals from drinking water. It is also capable of removing bacteria, parasites, viruses and inorganic compounds from water. The best systems use a carbon prefilter to prevent the membrane from becoming clogged with things like glucose, urea and cysts.

While a reverse osmosis system can remove the contaminants listed above it cannot remove everything from water. This is why most systems must be cleaned, sanitized and recharged annually. This can be done by a water Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment treatment professional or the homeowner themselves by following the system’s manual and service guidelines.

There is no tried and tested evidence that the water produced by a reverse osmosis system is harmful to humans. However, some studies have linked low mineral drinking water with higher risk of bone fractures (Verd Vallespir et al 1992), certain neurodegenerative diseases (Jacqmin et al 1994) and pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia (Yang et al 1997). It has also been reported that drinking low mineral water can interfere with the absorption of minerals from food and supplements. For this reason we recommend that you supplement with a healthy diet and add fortified waters to your drinking regimen.

Money Savings

Reverse Osmosis systems are typically more affordable than other water filtration solutions, and can save homeowners money in the long run. They can help reduce energy costs associated with boiling water, and they’re better for the environment than bottled water which contributes to piles of plastic waste that fill landfills.

Reverse osmosis systems work by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane, filtering out contaminants. This process results in clean, clear, and pure drinking water. It eliminates the need for expensive bottled water, which can save home owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Water from your home’s supply line enters the system through pre-filters, which remove sediment and chlorine. These filters also protect the RO membranes by reducing fine, suspended materials that could clog or damage the membranes. Next, the water passes through a reverse osmosis membrane that removes a variety of aesthetic and health-related contaminants. The final stage of a reverse osmosis water treatment system is usually a carbon post-filter that polishes the water for consumption.

Maintenance of a reverse osmosis system is minimal, with the exception of replacing filters periodically. The pre-filters should be replaced every 6-12 months, and the RO membrane can last up to 2-3 years depending on your water quality and usage. It’s also a good idea to have the system cleaned and sanitized at least annually.

Energy Savings

Reverse osmosis filters work by forcing water across a semi-permeable membrane. It separates contaminated water from clean drinking water, with the contaminants flushed down a drain as wastewater and the cleaner water collecting in a holding tank. Most RO systems use an array of pressure vessels that hold RO membranes, arranged in parallel flow streams known as stages. Each stage has a specific number of RO membranes and can have up to six pressure vessels in total.

As water flows through an RO system, a pre-filter removes large particles and dissolved contaminants from the Filling Machine Supplier water. A carbon filter is also included to help reduce the taste and odor of many common contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, lead and other unpleasant flavors.

Once the pre-filter and carbon filters are changed, reverse osmosis begins. As water passes through the system, it is forced to the RO membrane with a very high pressure. The membrane has tiny holes that allow water to pass, but it rejects a lot of the salts and other contaminants. The rejected contaminants are sent to a drain, while the clean drinking water is pushed through a dedicated faucet.

Most reverse osmosis systems require annual cleaning and sanitation and regular filter replacement. Typically, your local water treatment professional can perform this service or you can follow detailed instructions on how to sanitize and change the filters. For homes with a heavy water usage, a whole-house reverse osmosis system that treats all the water entering the home may be more cost effective.