Reverse osmosis systems

The process of reverse osmosis has been around for over 100 years, but it’s energy intensive process made it quite expensive and not a viable option for home filtration. However, over the past 10 years recent improvements in design have allowed companies to produce affordable systems that can be utilized for home use.

If you’re currently searching for a water filter for your home or business this will help you understand the why RO is the top choice for millions of American households.

1. Most effective method for difficult to remove contaminants: RO systems can remove 1000’s of chemicals such as lead, mercury, fluoride, chlorine, sodium, copper, chloride, chromium, arsenic radium, sulfate, and many more. Unlike standard water filters, pitcher filters, and faucet filters, RO systems can remove PFOA’s which have been an increasing issue with recent water reports.
2. Minimal Maintenance: RO systems require very little upkeep which entails cleaning and replacing filters which is done approximately once a year depending on your water quality. While these systems may seem complex, they’re actually quite simple. They have very few moving parts and all replacement parts are readily available and affordable.
3. Saves Time and Money: Once you make the switch to filtering your own water at home you can stop buying cases of bottled water, cancel your water delivery service, and stop buying expensive refrigerator filters that are ineffective. After purchasing a system, your annual cost of replacement filters and water (including waste water) is approximately $40.49. Your average annual savings on bottled water is $233.11 and only doubles with each member of your household.
4. Clean Crisp Taste: If you haven't tried RO water yet I think you would be surprised when I told you that 90% of bottled water is processed using reverse osmosis. RO systems produce some of the most pure and best tasting water which is why bottled water companies use the same process.

When it comes to water everyone’s situation is different. Some people may have crystal clear water with no smell, or slightly yellow water with a sulfuric smell. Even if the contamination is not visible your water could be unsafe or bad for your health. Reverse osmosis is the best solution to treat odor, taste, appearance, and provide you with the reassurance that the water you’re consuming is safe.

Reverse osmosis systems are one of the most effective in home water filter systems.

Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Enteric, Sulfate, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Mercury, Cyanide, Norovirus, Rotavirus, Sodium, Chloride, Copper, Chromium, Lead, Arsenic, Fluoride, Radium, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Nickel, Phosphorus.

There are many manufactures of reverse osmosis systems and in most cases use similar components and function the same way. However, where the bigdifference is quality of components, performance, and efficiency. Purchasing a cheap inefficient RO system can end up costing you more in the long rundue to the amount of water they waste and problems that arrise. 

Reverse Osmosis System Components:

1. Feed water adapter: This attachment installs directly to your cold water line that runs to your kitchen faucet so that it can divert water to the reverse osmosis system. It does not affect the function of the faucet or water pressure.
2. Polypropylene Spun Sediment filter: This is the most common first stage of a reverse osmosis system. This pre-filter removes visible particulate such as dirt, sand, dust, debris, clay, and rust. Removing these larger particles earlier in the filtration process helps extend the life of membrane and carbon filters in the system.
3. Granular Activated Carbon Filter: The second stage is where organic and synthetic chemicals such as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides are removed. Also known as a GAC filter, granular activated carbon is made from organic material such as wood, lignite, and coal. Due to the increased surface are of a GAC filter they’re highly effective at absorbing and removing bad taste and odor from water.
4. Carbon Block Filter: Just like GAC filters, carbon block filters are made from wood, lignite, coal, and remove pesticides, volatile organic compounds, arsenic and sediment. Unlike granular filters, the carbon in this filter is a solid block. This is beneficial because it forces the water to have longer contact with the filter media which improves it’s contaminant removal. The only downside with carbon block filters is the effect they have on flow rate. Since carbon block filters slow down flow rate it’s best for systems to only use one carbon block filter and one granular carbon filter. 
5. Automatic shutoff Valve: Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are dependent on water pressure to control when water is being filtered and when the system turns off. The automatic shut off valve or ASOV relies on the pressure from the tank to indicate once it’s full. Once the tank is full the ASOV shuts off water to the membrane and drain. Once water is drawn from the storage tank by turning on the faucet and the pressure drops within the tank, the ASOV opens again and allows the system to refill the tank.  
6. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The reverse osmosis membrane or RO filter is where the system does all the heavy lifting and removes the majority of dissolved solids and contaminants. This is the 4th stage on most systems directly following the ASOV. Reverse osmosis membranes are highly effective at removing metal ions, aqueous salts, sodium, chloride, copper, chromium, lead, arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, phosphorus, and PFOA’s. 
7. Flow Restrictor: To prevent excessive waste and maintain pressure on the inlet side of the membrane a flow restrictor is added on the drain line off the membrane housing. This part is crucial for a reverse osmosis systems to function properly. If there was not flow restrictor water would take the path of least resistance and only flow through the drain line.
8. Storage Tank: Since reverse osmosis systems typically produce 50-100 gallons of purified water a day they must use a storage tank so that you have filtered water on demand. These tanks have a pressurized bladder inside that boost the water pressure at your faucet. 
9. Carbon Post Filter: To ensure your water is clean and odorless it passes through the 5th and final stage which is a carbon post filter. This is similar to the second stage GAC filter and is comprised of activated  carbon.
10. Optional Ultraviolet Purifier: For homes without adequate disinfection and sterilization of their water it's best to have a UV filter on your reverse osmosis system. Homes that are on well water do not have added chlorine to kill microorganism and bacteria that may be prevalent in your natural water source.
11. Optional Alkaline Filter: Since reverse osmosis does such a good job of removing dissolved solids it's often a concern that it removes beneficial minerals. Studies show that we receive all the necessary minerals directly from our diet and any we take in from the water we drink is an added benefit. Alkaline filters naturally add back those minerals and increase the alkalinity of the water. 
12. Faucet: Since reverse osmosis systems operate independently of your kitchen faucet they must have a separate faucet installed. This allows you to use filtered water as you please so that you don’t waste filtered water on washing your hands or dishes. 
13. Drain line: Since reverse osmosis membranes separate the contaminants in your water they require flushing of these contaminants as waste. This drain line allows this process to be automated and runs directly to your drain saddle.
14. Drain Saddle: The drain saddle is the final step for your waste water. This attaches on the p-trap or drain under your sink and allows the drain line to connect with ease.

Whether your water comes from the city or a well, we all know that water contamination does pose a serious health risk to everyone. Reverse osmosisa