REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS
Answers to frequently asked questions about RO
WHAT IS REVERSE OSMOSIS?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a process that separates water from its impurities by forcing the water through a thin plastic film or "RO Module". The impurities are flushed away and the high quality water is collected.
HOW IS REVERSE OSMOSIS USED?
RO has many applications. It is used to desalinate sea water for drinking. It is used to produce high quality water for kidney dialysis. RO is used to reduce heavy metals and other contaminants from waste waters so that it can be recycled and reused. RO is also critical to industry for production of ultra-pure water used in micro chip manufacturing and other sensitive processes. It is also one of the most economical ways to provide high quality drinking water in the home.
HOW DOES A REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVE MY DRINKING WATER?
A reverse osmosis drinking water system typically combines an RO module with particulate and activated carbon filters to reduce a wide range of substances from tap water. The particulate filter is used to reduce larger particles such as dirt, sand, and rust suspended in the water which could clog the membrane of the RO module. The activated carbon filter reduces unpleasant tastes and odors as well as chlorine. The RO module reduces the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. Included in this TDS group are heavy metals and inorganic substances such as sodium, lead, arsenic, nitrates, asbestos, and many others. Some organic substances are also reduced. A final activated carbon filter is added to polish the taste of the water as it is dispensed. Remember that these substances are not necessarily in your water.
A reverse osmosis drinking water system can improve the taste and clarity of your drinking water. Because RO systems can reduce a variety of substances from water, they can also help to ease your concerns about some of these substances.
CAN A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM TREAT ALL THE WATER IN MY HOME?
Yes it could, but, reverse osmosis is a slow process! Most household RO systems produce up to about 35 gallons of purified water per day. A very large system would be required to treat all the water required for daily household uses such as washing clothes, doing dishes, and showering. The complexity and expense of such a system typically limits its use to commercial applications. Also, the high quality of RO water is not necessary for most household chores. Softened water is often better suited to these uses.
HOW DO REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS DIFFER FROM OTHER TYPES OF DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS?
Activated Carbon Filters can reduce many organic substances and chlorine. They cannot reduce total dissolved solids, nitrates, sodium, or other inorganic substances which can be reduced by RO. Activated carbon filters filter water on demand and do not require a storage tank. However, they do have a limited capacity.
Particulate Filters reduce only physical particles suspended in the water, such as sand and dirt from drinking water. They do not improve the taste or odor of water, nor do they reduce dissolved organic and inorganic substances. Particulate filters filter water on demand.
Ultraviolet Lights kill bacteria and other living organisms which may be present in water. UV cannot reduce or remove substances from water. Therefore, UV is often used with other treatment products such as activated carbon and particulate filters. UV systems require electricity.
RO 585  Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
  • High quality water production
  • Superior performance
  • Safe operation and durable construction
  • Proven inert materials
Effective contaminant reduction, specifically:
  • Arsenic
  • Asbestos
  • Barium
  • Cadmium
  • Hexavalent Chromium
  • Trivalent Chromium
  • Fluoride
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Nitrate
  • Sodium/TDS
  • Selenium
  • Radium 226/228
  • Cysts
Note: Remember that the substances reduced by these systems may not be in your water supply.
ONCE MY REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IS INSTALLED, IS THERE ANY TYPE OF MAINTENANCE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
The activated carbon and particulate pre filters in the system remove chlorine and sediment. They must be changed periodically. Typically, these filters should be replaced annually along with the final carbon polishing filter. Replacement frequency may vary due to your local water conditions and the quantity of water being filtered by the system. With proper pre filter maintenance, the RO module will typically last many years.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY SYSTEM IS WORKING?
By using a digital TDS meter (part no. 578) to read the TDS level before RO and after RO.  The unit of measurement is ppm.  Divide reading of "after RO" by "before RO"      If the value is greater than 0.2 than the membrane need to be replaced,  0.2 means the system has 80% rejection rate.   
DON'T PEOPLE NEED THE MINERALS THAT ARE REMOVED FROM THE WATER?
It's true that certain vitamins and minerals aid in the promotion of good health. To ensure that recommended levels are maintained, it's best to depend on eating a well balanced diet. the beneficial minerals present in tap water typically exist in such small amounts that enormous amounts of water would have to be consumed to realize any dietary benefit from them.
IS RO WATER OK FOR PLANTS?
RO drinking water is not only OK for plants, it is recommended. The chlorine and dissolved heavy metals that may be present in tap water can cause the soil to harden, inhibit water absorption, and cause leaves to discolor. In addition, mineral deposits which may develop over time in potted plants can become toxic to the plant. Since RO water has a very low mineral content, these problems are avoided.
CAN I USE RO WATER FOR OTHER THINGS?
High quality RO water is recommended for cooking, making ice cubes and beverages, giving to pets, and cleaning glass and jewelry. Its low mineral content makes it ideal for use in steam irons, car batteries, and humidifiers. It can even be used as a spot-free rinse for your car.