What Are Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems?
And Should You Get One for Your Home?
The phrase “reverse osmosis filtration system” sounds like something that would appear on a surprise chemistry test in a recurring bad dream.
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name; we’re here to break it down for you. What are reverse osmosis systems? How do they work? Should you get one for your home?
Let’s tap in—pun very much intended—to the information you need.
What is a Reverse Osmosis Filtration System?
As homeowners, we all want the best for our families, including access to clean, great-tasting water. If you’ve ever questioned the quality or taste of your tap water, you’re not alone. The taste of water straight from the tap is a no-go for many of us, but alternatives like bottled water raise questions of cost and sustainability. Many homeowners are turning to reverse osmosis (also known as RO) systems for a more comprehensive, permanent solution for their home water filtration needs.
Reverse osmosis systems are advanced water filtration units that remove a wide range of impurities and contaminants from your water supply. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and a multi-stage filtration process, reverse osmosis systems deliver pure, refreshing water straight from your tap.
An RO system is installed underneath your kitchen sink.
The filtered water then comes directly out of your kitchen tap.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
To help you understand how reverse osmosis works, we’ll start with a quick explanation of osmosis. Osmosis occurs when you have two solutions (like water) with different concentrations of particles or other impurities—one solution with a lower concentration of impurities and the other with a higher concentration. When a semi-permeable membrane separates the two solutions, the solution with the lower concentration will naturally move into the solution with the higher concentration, thereby balancing the concentration levels.
Are you with us so far? Don’t worry, there won’t be a test! Osmosis occurs in nature without human interference, but intelligent humans have figured out how to leverage this phenomenon for other purposes. Reverse osmosis, as the name suggests, reverses this process. Instead of letting the lower-concentration solution naturally move into the higher-concentration solution, pressure is applied so that the higher-concentration solution can push through in the opposite direction. The semi-permeable membrane acts as a selective barrier, allowing pure water molecules to pass through while trapping contaminants.
With the contaminants trapped on one side, you end up with much cleaner, “purer” water—and if you have a reverse osmosis filtration system, that clean water comes directly out of your faucet!
What Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Filter Out?
What kind of “impurities” or contaminants are we discussing here?
One of the most impressive aspects of reverse osmosis water filters is their ability to remove various contaminants. These systems can tackle impurities you didn’t know were lurking in your water. Here’s a snapshot of some of the primary substances that reverse osmosis are designed to filter out effectively:
- Dissolved solids: Minerals, salts, and metals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and lead are significantly reduced.
- Organic compounds: RO systems can remove pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in your water supply. Psst—homeowners in the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota, there is a lot of agricultural land around here, which can contribute to a high prevalence of these compounds.
- Bacteria and viruses: The tiny pores in the semi-permeable reverse osmosis membranes are so small that they can even prevent bacteria and viruses from passing through, providing an additional layer of protection. (Viruses in drinking water? Ugh, as if we needed something else to worry about, right?)
- Heavy metals: Reverse osmosis effectively reduces levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
- Chlorine and disinfection byproducts: Chlorine is a common culprit in funny-tasting drinking water; a reverse osmosis system can eliminate the taste and smell of chlorine and other disinfection byproducts.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Reverse Osmosis System Installed?
Whether you’re a homeowner in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, or anywhere else reverse osmosis systems are available, you may be wondering if an RO water filter is the right choice for your home.
There are a few things to consider before installing a reverse osmosis system. These filtration systems use extra water, and in some cases, the substances removed may have benefits—such as fluoride for dental health if you don’t use fluoridated toothpaste. Still, it’s hard to overstate the benefits of a reverse osmosis filtration system. They include:
- Clean, great-tasting water: A reverse osmosis system provides pure, refreshing water without unpleasant tastes or odors.
- Confidence in your water quality: Reverse osmosis gives you peace of mind, knowing that your family is drinking water that has been thoroughly filtered and purified.
- Potential cost savings: By investing in a reverse osmosis system, you can save money on bottled water and enjoy an unlimited supply of clean water right from your tap.
- Low maintenance: RO systems are designed for ease of use and require minimal maintenance, with simple filter replacements to ensure optimal performance.
At Bonfe, we understand that access to clean, high-quality water in your home makes a massive difference in your quality of life.
To make your transition to a reverse osmosis system even easier, we’re offering a special promotion: for a limited time, receive a FREE 1-year supply of replacement filters when you have a reverse osmosis water filter system installed by our skilled technicians.
Ready to invest in your family’s well-being and enjoy the numerous benefits of reverse osmosis filtration? Still have questions? Concerns? We’d love to talk to you and learn how we can help you achieve clean, refreshing water in your home.
Give us a call at (651) 332-6633 to schedule your installation today.
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