You’ll be able to tell how refreshing and pure water tastes if you have ever sipped from a glass of water from someone who has reverse osmosis. Perhaps you are concerned about water quality and want your family to have safe drinking water. Reverse osmosis, (R.O. Reverse osmosis (R.O.) is the best way to get water that’s pure for your home. It is water as nature intended. These systems are complex and can they affect your home’s water supply.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Many homeowners are familiar with reverse osmosis. However, unless they have one in their homes, they may not be aware of its benefits or how it works. Reverse osmosis can be a very sophisticated method of water filtration. It can even improve the taste and quality of your water, even if it has been treated.
Let’s first define reverse osmosis to understand how it works. defines osmosis as the passage of water or solvents through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane holds the particles back. Normal osmosis travels naturally from the highest water concentration to the low concentration. Osmosis is the process by which plants draw water and nutrients from the soil.
The basic process of reverse osmosis is very similar to that of osmosis. It involves molecules moving through semipermeable membranes to filter out water contaminants. Reverse osmosis is different in that it requires external pressure to force water through the membrane. This is because it does the opposite of what you would find in nature. The lower content of pure H2O is found in unfiltered water, whereas the higher concentration is found on the other side of the membrane. External forces are required to push the water through the system. The membrane of reverse osmosis blocks all types of contaminants, leaving only the uncontaminated water and contaminants on one side.
Reverse osmosis is a process that removes microscopic contaminants from water. The semipermeable membrane allows water molecules to pass through, while other contaminants are captured and flushed out. This results in high-quality, deliciously filtered water that is fresh and free of contaminants.
We now have a basic understanding of reverse osmosis. Let’s dive in to learn more about reverse osmosis water filter systems for home use. When it’s necessary, how it works and if it is right for you.
What Is A Reverse Osmosis System?
If you have water softeners, or other filtration systems (such as a fixture-mounted carbon device), that aren’t meeting your needs, reverse osmosis can be a great choice. While some people may be happy with softened water, others prefer bottled water that has a crisper, more filtered taste.
Reverse osmosis systems can filter out contaminants better than some systems. The reverse osmosis system, also called the “RO” system, can capture contaminants that are not captured by other systems. Reverse osmosis water systems are certified to reduce:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Copper
- Nitrates and Nitrites
- Chromium (hexavalent and trivalent)
- Selenium
- Fluoride
- Radium
- barium
- cadmium
- Cyst (cryptosporidium).
- total dissolved solids (TDS)
Soft water is great for washing, cleaning, and showering. Some people prefer not to drink soft water. It can still contain high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) depending on the water’s hardness. This can adversely affect the taste. This is because the hard minerals are replaced with sodium and other contaminants in your water may not be removed by a softener.
Reverse osmosis systems can remove unwanted sodium and other contaminants. This makes it a great combination for homes that have both a water softener and a reverse-osmosis unit.
What Is Reverse Osmosis Filtering?
We have simplified the definitions of reverse osmosis. However, there are many more steps involved in using reverse osmosis to purify water.
Three cylindrical canisters are used in reverse osmosis systems. One is the membrane, the other two are the carbon filters. Let’s examine the purpose and function of each stage of filtration in reverse osmosis systems.
Step 1 Prefiltration
Protecting the membrane is the first step in purifying water using a reverse osmosis water system. This helps to remove larger particles, as well as some dissolved solids. It also reduces chlorine levels. This cartridge is also known as the carbon block filter or sediment filter. This helps preserve the membrane from becoming clogged with too much sediment, or damaged by chlorine exposure.
Step 2 The Reverse Osmosis Membrane
After the initial filtration, the real magic happens with a reverse-osmosis system. Under pressure, water flows through the semipermeable membrane. The reverse osmosis membrane, a synthetic plastic material, allows water molecules to pass. But, calcium, sodium, and chlorine as well as larger molecules such as glucose, urea, and cysts, cannot pass.
Paragon Waters Solutions uses thin-film composite membranes (TFC). They are resistant to bacteria and have an average rejection rate of 95-97 percent. TFC membranes do not have chlorine resistance, so a carbon prefilter should be used.
Steps 3 and 4: Final Polish after Filtration
The water goes through a second carbon (or post) filter before it is ready for consumption. This removes any contaminants that may have escaped the first two steps. The water is then stored in a tank until it’s ready for use. The final step is the activated carbon filter in-line, which polishes your water as soon as it comes out of your faucet. This filter is used to remove any odors or flavors from your water while it is still in its holding tank. This is a “just in case” step to ensure that your water tastes amazing!
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Is Right For You?
Installing a reverse-osmosis system will allow you to enjoy fresher, better-tasting tea and coffee right from your kitchen sink. You can switch from bottled water to tap water if you are still using it. Reverse osmosis systems are a smart investment. They can save you money over the long term and are better for the environment. Paragon Waters Solutions offers home reverse osmosis systems if you are interested. For a spot-free wash, you can use reverse osmosis water to wash your car.
For more information on reverse osmosis systems for drinking water, please complete the form below. We will connect you with a local water expert in your area to arrange a free consultation in your home.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Paragon Water Systems. Paragon Water Systems is a water filter supplier. We know that the best product comes from the best materials. We manufacture home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, under sink water filtration systems, showerhead filtration systems, carbon cartridges, and a wide variety of other products. Our focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.
