Water filtration is certainly beneficial for all households. Filtered or purified water is healthier to drink and is also better for the skin and hair. However, there are several different water filtration systems on the market, and they should be chosen carefully for a specific purpose. Some drinking water systems, for example, are suitable for use on one or two faucets but may lose their benefits if they are applied throughout the house. Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective water filtration options available, but should they be used throughout the whole house or only at specific points?
What is a reverse osmosis system?
Reverse osmosis is an extremely effective water filtration system that removes the majority of contaminants by pushing the water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane allows the passage of water molecules but keeps out the majority of dissolved salts, organics, bacteria and pyrogens. The result is that the water that you get from your faucet is as close to pure as possible, with most of the chemicals used to sanitize it left behind.
What are the benefits of reverse osmosis?
The primary benefit of reverse osmosis is that it removes the majority of contaminants found in the water that is piped to your home. Bacteria are forced to stay behind the semi-permeable membrane, together with chemicals such as nitrates, perchlorates, arsenic and hexavalent chromium. These chemicals can usually not be filtered out by conventional carbon filtration systems. Water filtered via reverse osmosis is much healthier and purer than water that has not been filtered.
What are the disadvantages of reverse osmosis?
One possible drawback with reverse osmosis systems is that they come with a heavier price tag than most other filtration systems. Reverse osmosis systems also tend to waste a lot of water – up to 20 gallons for every one gallon of product water. For this reason, they are best used on single installations – say in the kitchen sink, for example.
Reverse osmosis as a whole-house solution
Considering the cost and potential for water waste, reverse systems are probably not the best choice for whole-house filtration systems. As mentioned above, they work best when installed in one place, like the kitchen. They should also be used to treat water for drinking and cooking only. Water for bathroom use can best be filtered another way. Remember that whole-house solutions remove residual levels of chlorine from the plumbing throughout the house. This can lead to a potential health risk because chlorine is a disinfectant. With that disinfectant removed, bacteria can start to grow between filter and faucet. For these reasons, water filtration experts generally don’t recommend using reverse osmosis as a whole-house solution.
About Aqua Soft
Aqua Soft Water Systems Inc. Authorized independent Kinetico Dealer for Palm Beach and Broward County. Our dedicated sales staff is here for all of your water needs to find the right water treatment options for your water problems and within your budget. If you need more information about the merits of filtered water vs. purified water, or advice on which system will suit the needs of your household, from carbon filtration to reverse osmosis, contact us today.
