How RO systems protect against harmful contaminants
RO systems have become popular in home and commercial purifications of drinking water as being very effective. Advanced filtration systems are the best against harmful contaminants found in tap water. This post aims at examining the working process of the reverse osmosis system, eliminating harmful substances and making the water safe and clean for drinking.
How does the reverse osmosis process work?
Reverse osmosis is the technology whereby water is purified to be drinkable by the use of a semipermeable membrane, which pushes out ions, molecules, and large particles from the drinking water1. Its process utilizes pressurized water that forces its molecules into the fine pores of the membrane while keeping the impurities too large to penetrate.
A simple RO system consists of the following major components:
- Pre-filtration
- Semipermeable RO membrane
- Post-filtration
- Storage tank
- Dispensing faucet
This is the order of the movement of the water in this device:
- Water is filtered first through pre-filters to remove larger particles like suspended solids and chlorine
- High-pressure water is passed through the RO membrane
- Filtered water is collected in a storage tank
- Wastewater containing leftover impurities is flushed away
- Clean water is again filtered with a final polishing filter prior to its supply
This multiple-step process allows RO systems to effectively remove up to 99% of dissolved impurities from water.
Contaminants removed by RO
Reverse osmosis is quite effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including:
Inorganic compounds
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Copper
- Nitrates
- Sulfates
- Fluoride
- Radium
Organic compounds
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Pharmaceuticals
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Microorganisms
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Protozoan cysts
Other impurities
- Sediment
- Chlorine
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
The RO membrane is like an extremely fine filter with pores as small as 0.0001 micron in size. It can so easily filter contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through.
Benefits of RO filtration
There are a number of benefits that make RO systems to stand tall for water purification:
Complete Contamination Removal: RO Water Purifier removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, organic compounds, and bacteria found in water. This cannot be done even by any other method.
Improved taste and odor
Elimination of chlorine, sediments, and other contaminants does enhance the appearance and odor of the drinking water systems of RO heavily.
Cost-effective solution
While RO units cost more as an initial investment than most filtration systems, over the long term it is a cost-effective alternative to bottled water.
Customizable systems
You can design RO systems with additional filters that target certain contaminants in your municipal water supply.
Space saver
Under-sink RO units occupy less space and give you purified water right there at your tap, on demand.
Things to consider
While very efficient, RO systems have some limitations also to consider:
- They pass some wastewater during the process of filtration
- They remove beneficial minerals alongside contaminants
- The membrane sometimes needs to be replaced from time to time
- Water pressure also determines the system’s performance.
Maintenance needs
An RO system requires regular maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Some maintenance needs include;
- Replacement of pre-filters every 6-12 months
- Replacement of the RO membrane after two to three years
- Sanitize the system every year
- Inspect for leaks and also watch the quality of the water
Proper servicing ensures that your RO system will continue to give you good drinking water for years to come.
Choosing the best RO system
To ensure the proper selection of an RO system, take into account the following
Water quality
Have your water tested and discover what contaminants exist. This will help determine which additional filters might be needed.
Daily water usage
Choose a system with a suitable capacity for your household.
Space available
Measure the space in which you plan to hang the unit to ensure proper fit.
Certification
Look for systems that have been certified by either NSF International or the Water Quality Association.
Warranty and support
Choose a manufacturer that has a good warranty and a company that is prepared to stand behind you.
Environmental consideration
While reverse osmosis is very effective at purifying your water, it does indeed produce wastewater during the course of treatment. While not the most environmentally friendly system, there are ways of minimizing any impact:
- Choose a highly efficient system, therefore, one that generates less wastewater
- Harvest RO rejects water in the home for other uses, such as watering plants.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis systems provide a strong defense against a wide range of waterborne contaminants, delivering pure, clean drinking water for homes and businesses. Learn about how these systems work and why they may be such an effective solution for deciding if adding RO filtration to your own water treatment plan is a good idea for you.
An RO system, properly installed, well-chosen, and properly maintained, will last for years with high-quality pure drinking water and peace of mind toward knowing that the water coming from your home’s faucets is safe to drink. And because the issues with water quality continue to grow, an RO system remains one of the most effective and accessible solutions for ensuring clean, contaminant-free drinking water.
