REVERSE OSMOSIS
WHAT IS IT?
Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage water treatment process that removes contaminants from unfiltered water, or feed water, when pressure forces it through a semipermeable membrane. Residential reverse osmosis systems utilize at least three stages of treatment to reduce levels of virtually all contaminant types. In the final stage, the RO membrane, water flows from the more concentrated side (more contaminants) of the membrane to the less concentrated side (fewer contaminants) to provide clean drinking water. The fresh water produced is called the permeate. The concentrated water left over is called the waste or brine.
It removes 98% of dissolved solids, which makes it healthier to drink. However, these systems do not remove some bacteria and viruses. If your water comes from a city treatment plant, then it should already be microbiologically safe. Reverse osmosis may remove some bacteria, but bacteria could grow on the membrane and potentially enter your water supply. To remove bacteria, living organisms and viruses, we recommend a UV light.
Reverse Osmosis Systems remove contaminants from unfiltered water
UV lights will remove living organisms and viruses
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Reverse osmosis utilizes a semipermeable membrane with very small pores that traps contaminants while water is pushed through. In osmosis, water becomes more concentrated as it passes through the membrane to obtain equilibrium on both sides. Reverse osmosis, however, blocks contaminants from entering the less concentrated side of the membrane. For example, when pressure is applied to a volume of saltwater during reverse osmosis, the salt is left behind and only clean water flows through.
Reverse Osmosis VS Bottled Water
Most bottled water is purified through reverse osmosis, but producing bottled water wastes more water than a reverse osmosis system. Think about all the water required to make one bottle of water. When bottled water is purified, wastewater is sent to the drain, and producing the bottle uses water and petroleum. Petroleum is used again to deliver the bottled water to the store. Afterward, the truck may get washed, using even more water. A reverse osmosis system provides water that is just as pure and refreshing as bottled water while also dealing a smaller environmental impact.
Reverse osmosis also has the added benefit of perpetually producing highly purified water in your home. There is no need to run out to the grocery store to stock up on expensive and wasteful cases of bottled water. A reverse osmosis system produces bottled water quality hydration in the comfort of your kitchen. You can even fill stainless steel water bottles with RO water and store them in your fridge, so you can enjoy all the conveniences of bottled water without the disposable single-use plastic bottles and weekly grocery runs.
HELLO, I'M SIMON
I'd love to help you discover the best water treatment and filtration options for you, your family or for your farm! Contact me [519-501-7059] for a consultation so we can discuss why your water might not taste good or how to enhance your water pressure and performance.
As a water treatment professional, I'll install the water filtration system and take the time to ensure that you know how to maintain it. When you ask us to install one of our recommended filtration systems, we'll back it up with the assurance that if you have any difficulties, we're here help.