Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods of removing contaminants from drinking water.
The technology can remove up to 99.9% of pollutants in water, making it clean, pure and healthy for drinking and cooking.
Some of the contaminants removed by reverse osmosis from water include heavy metals like lead, total dissolved solids(TDS), nitrates, VOCs, chlorine and fluoride, among others.
However, although highly effective, this technology does not remove every pollutant from water. Some contaminants are very tiny and manage to pass through the tiny RO membrane pores.
Reverse osmosis does not effectively remove chlorine byproducts, bacterial microorganisms, viruses and dissolved gases like methane and radon.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
Reverse osmosis is a water filtration and purification method that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane.
During the process, water contaminants are filtered and flushed out, leaving clean, pure and great-tasting water.
What Does Reverse Osmosis Remove from Water?
Reverse osmosis removes dissolved solids like fluoride and arsenic through the RO membrane.
A reverse osmosis system includes a sediment filter that eliminates dirt and debris from the water. It also comes with a carbon filter that removes chlorine and bad tastes and odors.
Other contaminants removed by reverse osmosis from water include:
- Volatile organic compounds(VOCs)
- Chemical contaminants(metal ions and aqueous salts)
- Colloids
- Particles
- Certain microorganisms
What are the Advantages of Reverse Osmosis?
As aforestated, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods of removing contaminants from drinking water. It improves the overall water quality.
It eliminates impurities like chlorine that alter the taste of the water. Remineralizing the reverse osmosis water gives it a better taste.
Switching to reverse osmosis enables those who use a lot of single-use plastic bottled water to reduce plastic waste.
Additionally, if you are used to purchasing bottled water, you will be surprised at how much you will save after installing a reverse osmosis system.
Related Questions
Which entity is not removed by reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis does not remove dissolved gases like radon, methane, chlorine byproducts, and pesticides.
Does reverse osmosis remove E.coli?
Reverse osmosis technology is highly effective in removing E coli and other bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter.
Does reverse osmosis remove organic compounds?
Reverse osmosis reduces the levels of organic compounds in drinking water. RO systems remove volatile organic compounds as well as certain inorganic contaminants.
Are minerals removed by reverse osmosis?
Yes, reverse osmosis removes minerals from water, including calcium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, phosphorous and fluoride.
Removing essential minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water gives it a flat taste. To improve the taste of the RO water, you have to remineralize it.
What are the downsides of reverse osmosis?
The major downside of reverse osmosis technology is that it wastes a lot of water. You will never come across an RO system that does not take some water down the drain.
Even those that claim to be zero waste still waste water. It is only that the water is used for other purposes.
Additionally, the best reverse osmosis systems come with a very high price tag, are costly to install and require expensive maintenance.
Reverse osmosis also removes essential minerals in water and decreases pH.
Resources Page
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog/what-is-reverse-osmosis
https://www.iwapublishing.com/news/reverse-osmosis-and-removal-minerals-drinking-water
