With so many water purification technologies available, choosing a new system can be a little daunting. Reverse Osmosis is one of the most economical methods to remove up to 99% of contaminants from your water supply. So, here we will explore this technology to provide all the details you need to make an informed decision. 
How Reverse Osmosis Works:
RO systems use a membrane to filter out any contaminants. The RO membrane pore structure is far tighter compared to the membrane used in UF systems. RO membranes have the capability to reject virtually all particles including organics and bacteria. This method of water purification is so effective that it is used by most of the leading water bottling facilities.
Water is pushed through the membrane to allow the pure water to be driven through and collected from downstream of the membrane. Since the membrane is very restrictive, this type of device can have a slow flow rate, but it is possible to compensate for this with a storage tank that allows an adequate volume to be produced in a reasonable period.
What is Removed From RO Water?
RO is an effective water treatment method as it also involves ionic exclusion. Since only solvent is passed through the semi permeable membrane, virtually all dissolved molecules and ions are retained, including sugars and salts. The membrane rejects salt ions using a charge phenomena action.
This makes RO highly effective at removing several impurities including total dissolved solids, asbestos, turbidity and other heavy metals. RO can also remove any chlorinated pesticides or heavier weight VOCs. This provides an efficient and economical method to purify tap water or act as a pretreatment for a reagent grade water polishing system. RO treatment can also provide insurance against nuclear radiation. The system will protect your water supply against radioactive plutonium or other contamination in your drinking water. So, if your home is near a nuclear power facility, you can ensure your household is protected.
The Advantages and Limitations of RO:
RO systems offer some excellent advantages including systems that require minimal maintenance and effectively remove all types of contaminants. While some systems are limited to only removing hardness, minerals or other contaminants, RO can remove microorganisms, dissolved inorganic, particles, colloids, and pyroxenes. The primary disadvantage is that the flow rates are typically limited to a certain rate of gallons per day. This can be overcome by choosing a correctly sized system that has a storage tank, providing an adequate supply for your household needs. Therefore, if you are considering RO, you will need to choose your new system carefully to ensure that it meets your specific needs.
If you are still unsure about whether reverse osmosis would be the best choice for your home, you should contact a water treatment professional. A fully WQA certified and experienced technician can not only assess your water supply, but guide you through the myriad of options that meet the industry standards and will provide you with the best quality water. .
With more than 25 years experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Terry is a WQA (Water Quality Association) certified water specialist, LEVEL 3, as well as a WQA certified sales representative. Terry currently sits on EcoWater Systems (a Berkshire Hathaway Company) national Peers committee, as a water treatment expert advising other water professionals with less experience on best trade and technology practices. EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is one of the biggest water treatment and water delivery businesses in the state.