Selecting the Best Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
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Background
Looking for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is not easy. There are so many factors that need to be considered. In this article we will mention some of the RO options available and provide “link” references to more detail information on each of the options.
1) Booster Pump to increase the incoming PSI and make the system more efficient
2) Three pre-filters including 2 carbon block filters so that you can remove all of the chlorine and it’s by-products.
3) RO membrane size to meet your family needs
4) Permeate Pump to increase efficiency and reduce waste water
5) DI Filter to take the TDS down to near or at zero
6) Ultraviolet Light to eliminate bacteria
7) Size of storage tank that will meet your needs
8) Post filter to finish the water just before it reaches your faucet.
Depending on your incoming water, you may not need several of these options but that is what you must determine as you search for the Reverse Osmosis system that will provide you the quality and quantity of drinking water at your home.
Function of a Reverse Osmosis System
This will be a brief non-technical description of reverse osmosis function. In the home, reverse osmosis systems (RO), produce purified water used for drinking and cooking. Also called “point-of-use” systems, they are typically designed to be installed beneath the kitchen sink, and include a faucet for dispensing the purified water. In very general terms, this process involves a semipermeable membrane which will only allow relatively pure water to pass through it. On one side of this membrane, there is a high concentration of impurities (contaminants from your water source). Pressure is applied on this unprocessed water to make it flow through the membrane, and out to the other (low pressure) side. Purified drinking water is collected on the low pressure side of the membrane. Impurities that were not able to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane are washed to drain. Purified water is stored in a storage tank for the home owner to dispense water from the faucet into a glass or other container.
Is Reverse Osmosis Effective In Improving Water Quality?
Yes, RO is the most convenient and effective method of reducing a wide range of home water contaminants. It filters water by squeezing water through a semi-permeable membrane which is rated at 0.0001 microns (equal to 0.00000004 of an inch).Reverse Osmosis is a low-energy process and it is capable of removing the TDS from your incoming water.
Who Should Consider Purchasing A Reverse Osmosis System?
Anyone concerned about the quality of their drinking water.If you have noticed a taste or odor problem or are aware of high levels contaminants in your water, you should be doing your home work (research) as to which model of RO system best meets your family needs. Further, RO systems are recommended for immune-comprised individuals who could be especially susceptible to infection from various waterborne contaminants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Reverse Osmosis as a method for removal of a dangerous microorganism cyst called Cryplosporidium. Properly equipped RO systems offer a comprehensive means of eliminating over 90% of the potentially harmful contaminants in home drinking water.
We hope this brief introduction to Reverse Osmosis has helped you better understand the need for better quality drinking water and the research you will need to do to be prepared to purchase RO equipment. To gain a greater understanding about the various functions of a Reverse Osmosis system and the options we have noted above, just click on the items listed below and you will be transferred to a detailed article on each subject.
