Clean, pure water is essential for good health. But with all the contaminants that can enter our water supply, from lead to pesticides, how can we be sure the water from our taps is safe to drink?
That’s where a reverse osmosis (RO) water filter comes in. RO filtration is one of the most effective ways to remove impurities from drinking water right in your own home. Read on to learn more about the many advantages of installing an RO water purification system.
RO’s Superior Contaminant Removal Capabilities
Reverse osmosis utilizes a multi-stage filtration process to remove up to 99% of contaminants from water. This includes:
- Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Bacteria and viruses
- Salts and other dissolved solids
- Asbestos fibers and more
Boiling water may effectively eliminate microbes, but it falls short in removing chemical pollutants, which can persist and potentially lead to health risks. Aqua Home Supply’s water filter system, on the other hand, employs an advanced water filtration system incorporating activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and cutting-edge methods to ensure your water is free from harmful microbes and chemical contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. Here’s a visual representation of the water contaminants removal capabilities:
Source: EPA, NSF, WHO, AWWA, FDA
This chart clearly shows that with an RO system, you can rest assured the water you’re drinking is free of dangerous toxins and impurities.
Energy Efficiency of RO Systems
Many people don’t realize that RO systems are remarkably energy efficient. They utilize the existing water pressure in your home to push water through the membrane filters. This passive filtration process doesn’t require any electricity whatsoever.
Compare this to other popular filtration methods:
- Water softeners use electricity to power their ion exchange process.
- UV light systems rely on electricity to sanitize water.
- Distillers boil water using electric heating elements.
RO filters are able to purify your water using just your home’s water pressure. This makes them a smart, low-energy solution.
Instant Access to Clean Water
One of the biggest conveniences of an RO system is enjoying purified water from every faucet in your home instantly.
No more waiting for pitchers to slowly filter water or boiling water before you can drink it. With an RO filter hooked up directly to your water supply, you have contaminated-free water on demand.
Turn on any faucet or showerhead connected to the RO system and enjoy clean water right away. The purification happens in real time as the water flows through the membrane filter. It’s that quick and easy.
Mineral Removal and Its Implications
One common myth about RO filters is that they strip water of essential minerals. In reality, RO systems only remove inorganic minerals like calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals. These minerals make water “hard” and can build up limescale in pipes and appliances.
The mineral removal during the RO process has several advantages:
- Eliminates limescale buildup which can corrode plumbing and damage appliances over time. This improves the lifespan of water-using fixtures and equipment.
- Removes heavy metals like lead, copper, and mercury which can have detrimental health effects.
- Softens the water, making hair and skin feel smoother after bathing.
- Enhances the taste since hard minerals affect the flavor of the water.
While it’s true that RO water has reduced mineral content, this actually improves taste and helps appliances run more efficiently.
The minerals the body depends on like iron, zinc, and B vitamins are not removed by RO filters. These essential nutrients still need to be obtained through a healthy diet—not drinking water.
Economic Advantages of RO Systems
Installing an RO water filter provides major cost savings compared to continually buying bottled water.
The average cost of bottled water is $1.00-$2.00 per gallon. An RO system can supply you with purified water for only $0.002 per gallon. For a family of four drinking one gallon per person daily, that translates to over $1,400 in savings per year.
The initial investment in an RO system will pay for itself quickly when you calculate how much you’ll reduce spending on bottled water or other filtration solutions. Rest assured that with proper maintenance, an RO system can provide purified water for 15 years or more.
Enhanced Food Flavor with RO Water
Unpurified tap water can negatively impact the taste of food and drinks. Chemicals like chlorine can leave behind unpleasant flavors, while minerals affect beverage tastes and even texture.
With an RO system, you’re starting with filtered water free of odors, flavors, colors, and chemical residues. Using this clean slate of water noticeably enhances the flavor of:
- Coffee, tea, juices, and other beverages
- Soups, sauces, and simmered dishes
- Rice, pasta, and other cooked grains
- Desserts and baked goods
Give your recipes and meals a tasty boost by cooking and mixing with pure RO-filtered water.
Addressing Common Concerns
If you’re new to RO systems, there are a few common concerns that are understandable. Here’s some reassurance:
1. Taste
Many people find the taste of RO water to be unusual at first. That’s simply because it’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water that you’re used to. Over time, you’ll likely grow to love the clean, refreshing taste of RO water.
2. Wasted Water
RO systems do require draining concentrated water during the filtration process. However, drain efficiency has improved in modern systems. Many now recycle this water to improve the overall RO efficiency.
3. Maintenance
While RO systems require occasional filter changes, they generally only need replacement every 6-12 months. Basic upkeep is quick and straightforward for most homeowners.
Key Takeaways
In summary, installing a reverse osmosis water filtration system can provide numerous important benefits for households seeking cleaner, safer drinking water. RO effectively removes a wide range of contaminants that may be present in tap water, including metals, minerals, chemicals, and microbiological pathogens. RO systems also eliminate hard water minerals that can lead to scale buildup and clogged plumbing over time.
For families concerned about potential health hazards from contaminants like lead, asbestos, arsenic or nitrates in their home’s water supply, a properly maintained RO system is one of the most effective and affordable solutions available. For peace of mind and improved health, installing a reverse osmosis filtration system is an investment that pays dividends in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is reverse osmosis water perceived as bad for you?
There is a common myth that RO water lacks essential minerals that the body needs. In reality, RO filters only remove inorganic minerals like calcium and magnesium that make water hard. The body gets essential minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from food—not water. So RO water is not bad for you at all.
2. Is reverse osmosis water beneficial for health?
Yes, RO water is very beneficial for health! RO systems remove up to 99% of contaminants like lead, pesticides, asbestos fibers, and more. Drinking purified RO water protects you from these toxins and chemicals. Many studies show links between clean water and improved health.
3. Why does reverse osmosis water taste different?
The unfamiliar taste of RO water is simply because it’s free of chemicals, chlorine, and dissolved solids that you’re used to tasting. Over time, many people grow to love the clean, refreshing taste of RO water. Think of it like a “clean slate” ready to enhance the flavor of anything you add to it.