Clean water is a necessity for drinking and cleaning. Unfortunately, many households get salt-saturated water that lowers the efficiency of cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Therefore, a water filtration system has become somewhat of a necessity for modern homes. With the advent of technology, newer filtration systems have entered the market. How do they compare with each other?
Does reverse osmosis make an efficient filtration system? Below, we discuss this filtration mechanism and whether it’s a suitable option for your home.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Osmosis refers to the process of particles moving from an area of higher concentration to on area of lower concentration. Reverse Osmosis is the opposite of this as particles move against the concentration gradient with the help of external energy.
Therefore, in a reverse osmosis filtration system, water moves from a more concentrated side to a less concentrated side. Meanwhile, contaminants move in the other direction.
As a result, the purified water is called permeate.
A reverse osmosis system has several stages, although the RO membrane is the most integral part of the mechanism.
Along with the RO membrane, many reverse osmosis systems have a carbon and a sediment filter. The placement of these filters determines if they’re pre-filters or post-filters.
They have the following functions:
- RO Semipermeable Membrane: The RO membrane is semipermeable. Thus, it blocks some particles while letting others pass through. It removes dissolved solids from the water.
- Sediment Filter: This filter removes rust, dust, and dirt from water.
- Carbon Filter: A carbon filter removes odor-causing contaminants, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds. Plus, it removes impurities that cause water to have a bad taste.
Contaminants Removed By A Reverse Osmosis System
An RO system can remove a number of impurities from water, including the following:
Difference Between Reverse Osmosis System and Conventional Water Filters
The RO membrane differentiates the reverse osmosis system from regular water filters. The membrane effectively removes parasites, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, unpleasant taste, odor, herbicides, and fluoride from water.
While regular water filters only remove sediment and dirt particles up to one micron, an RO membrane can remove even smaller particles on the molecular level.
Benefits Of A Reverse Osmosis System
Overall, an RO system makes a dependable and efficient water filter since it can remove particles that ordinary filters let through. Here are some advantages of an RO system.
- Reduces Dissolved Solids: Apart from an RO system, only a water distiller can remove total dissolved solids. However, it’s still not as efficient as a reverse osmosis system.
- Sodium Reduction: Since sodium is not added for water softening in the case of an RO system, the sodium content in drinking water decreases.
- Removes Odors and Taste: Along with contaminants, an RO system also removes the unpleasant taste and odor of water.
- Environment-friendly: Instead of buying bottled water, an RO system offers a more eco-friendly option.
- Easy Installation: Since it can easily fit under the kitchen sink, an RO system is simple to install.
Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Homeowners looking for reverse osmosis systems for their homes should give the following options a try.
AquaTru Filter
The AquaTru water filter features a four-stage filtration process and NSF certification to ensure that you and your family are drinking clean water. It can remove up to 80 contaminants from drinking and cleaning water.
The carbon filter removes suspended solids, sand, and rust.
Meanwhile, the RO membrane eliminates lead, fluoride, radium, and chromium. The AquaTru water filter also has a post-filter element with activated carbon that removes pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs.
Since it’s a countertop filter, there’s no need for installation. Even as a novice, you can set it up in under ten minutes. Plus, the filter has a separate brine tank that you can easily empty once it fills up.
Flexeon BT-2000
The Flexeon RO system is a whole-house design that comes pre-assembled on a stand. Thus, there’s no need to mount it on a wall. However, its installation is a bit troublesome.
As for operation, the BT-2000 has an RO membrane with sediment and carbon pre-filters that you must be replaced every six months. Since the filtration system is lightweight, you can also transport it easily.
Neo-Pure RO-4300
If you’re on a hunt for an under-sink RO system, the Neo-Pure is a good option. It’s low profile and pretty easy to install.
Moreover, the RO system has non-plastic replaceable filters that won’t add to your carbon footprint when you discard them.
However, replacing them isn’t as simple as a quick-change filter. The Neo-Pure system is trusted by named pharmacies in the US, including Walgreens.
Along with the RO membrane, it has a 5-micron pre-filter and a post-filter with activated carbon that you must replace annually.
Modern Homeowners Shift To RO Systems
While some people are still bent on using conventional filters, modern homeowners have shifted to RO systems since they are more efficient at cleansing water.
Along with dissolved solids and pathogens, an RO membrane also removes heavy metals.
Besides, these filters easily fit under your kitchen sink or sit on the countertop, like the AquaTru Filter, so there’s no hassle of complicated installation. If you’re considering installing a reverse osmosis filter in your home, choose one from our suggestions above.