Is your home’s water leaving an unpleasant taste in your morning coffee? Are unidentifiable particles clogging your faucet aerators? Reverse osmosis could be the advanced filtration answer you need. This innovative purification technique traps microscopic pollutants and chemicals that basic carbon filters miss.
Reverse osmosis utilizes selective membranes to block everything from pesticides and heavy metals down to bacteria and the smallest unwanted solids. Continue reading and see why more households are installing reverse osmosis to gain access to crisp, contaminant-free water straight from the tap. Reduce bottles while protecting your family’s health through comprehensive filtration powerful enough to tackle well water or municipal supply issues.
Understanding Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis utilizes water pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane that traps contaminants. This membrane has pores small enough to block even microscopic impurities while letting water molecules pass through. The result is some of the purest filtered water available. RO removes particulates that simple filtration cannot, along with lead, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, limescale and much more. The technology is more thorough at eliminating contaminants compared to methods like granulated carbon filters or UV lamps.
The reverse osmosis process relies on a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores that allow water molecules to pass through while trapping larger contaminants and flushing them out as waste. An RO system uses water pressure, pushing water molecules through the membrane at up to 100 pounds per square inch based on your home’s plumbing. As water is forced through, contaminants like lead, bacteria and pesticides are filtered out, leaving cleaner water on the other side.
Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
The meticulous filtration of reverse osmosis provides water free of unwanted pollutants, salts and microbes, which lends several advantages:
- Greatly improves taste, clarity and smell of water
- Removes heavy metals linked to neurological conditions
- Eliminates bacteria like E. coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium (with Kinetico Bacteria Guard filter)
- Reduces compounds tied to higher cancer risk
- Contains less dissolved solids that stain sinks and bathtubs
With purity aligned to strict quality standards, reverse osmosis water promotes better health and even improves the flavor of coffee and tea.
Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems
When it comes to home reverse osmosis systems, there are a few options to consider:
Under-Sink: An under-counter RO setup is installed below the kitchen sink and delivers 3-5 gallons of filtered water per day, providing enough for drinking and cooking needs. This is one of the most affordable and user-friendly options.
Countertop: For those wanting filtered water on demand, a countertop RO system sits conveniently on your counter or kitchen island and connects to your tap. Output is usually a few gallons daily.
Whole-House: A whole-house reverse osmosis system filters all water entering your home for bathing, cleaning, laundry and more. This is an intensive, large-scale filtration requiring significant installation.
Reverse osmosis solutions can target specific water quality issues by customizing included filters, for example adding a lead absorption component. NorCal Water’s systems are certified by independent testing organizations to reduce up to 99% of major contaminants. Our water engineers can advise the ideal configuration and maintenance to purify unique water problems in your home.
Tailoring Reverse Osmosis to Your Situation
With professional consultation, reverse osmosis can target specific water imperfections in your home:
- Well water: Effective filtration for contaminants like arsenic, sulfur and microbial cysts common in wells. (with Kinetico Arsenic Guard filter)
- Lead pipes: Removes lead and copper leached from aging distribution lines.
- Hard water: Eliminates bad taste of hard water
- Agricultural area: Eliminates pesticides, fertilizers, organic waste and more.
NorCal Water’s certified water specialists can recommend ideal reverse osmosis solutions for unique requirements. Schedule a water quality assessment today.
Making the Decision
When weighing reverse osmosis, consider costs versus convenience and health protections. While systems require an upfront purchase from $200 to $2500 depending on scope, clean water aids immunity and prevents expensive appliance damage. Maintenance is reasonable at $300-400 annually for filter changes.
For a custom recommendation on reverse osmosis system selection, connectivity, installation and maintenance, call NorCal Water Systems at (530) 535-8774. Rest assured knowing your water is contaminant-free.
Reverse osmosis filter replacements vary from once every 6-12 months for sediment pre-filters to every 2-5 years for the RO membrane itself. Annual filter changes typically cost $300-400.