How Reverse Osmosis Contaminant Removal Enhances Home Water

Are you concerned about what’s really in your tap water? Many homeowners are seeking ways to get cleaner, safer water straight from the kitchen sink, and that’s where reverse osmosis systems come in.

This purification method is highly effective at removing contaminants. In fact, reverse osmosis (RO) can eliminate a surprisingly wide range of unwanted substances, making it a popular choice for improving household water quality.

So, How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Think of RO as a super-fine sieve for your water. Your home’s water pressure, often referred to as applied pressure from the pressure feed, pushes tap water, or feed water, through a special material called a semipermeable membrane. This RO membrane is a key component in all RO systems.

This osmosis membrane, typically a thin film composite (TFC), has pores so small—around 0.0001 microns—that they block most contaminants, dissolved solids, and even salts based on their molecular weight and ionic charge. In natural osmosis, water flows from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one to equalize the pressure. However, RO works by applying pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure, forcing water molecules to pass through the RO membranes in the opposite direction.

The impurities and rejected substances are then flushed away as wastewater, leaving concentrated brine, while you receive much cleaner drinking water. The ratio of purified water produced to wastewater is known as the recovery rate, which can vary between different filter systems. It’s a physical process. No chemicals are added during this stage for the actual RO removal process, which separates contaminants from the water used for consumption.

What Reverse Osmosis Contaminant Removal Actually Takes Out

You might be surprised by the extensive list of things an RO system can handle. This technology has been trusted for years to deal with significant impurities found in water.

Getting the Lead Out

Lead in drinking water is a serious concern, especially for families with young children. Old pipes can sometimes leach lead into the water supply. An RO system is very effective here, capable of removing up to 98% of lead. This can give you much greater peace of mind every time you turn on the tap for a drink.

Say Goodbye to Chlorine Taste and Smell

Municipal water treatment systems often use chlorine to disinfect water. While it kills germs, chlorine can leave an unpleasant taste and smell. The carbon filters, often using granular activated carbon, included in most RO systems, can remove chlorine very effectively, often up to 98%.

This means your water will taste fresh and clean, more like nature intended. Better-tasting water often encourages more water consumption, which is beneficial for health.

Reducing Fluoride Levels

Fluoride is often added to public water for dental health. However, some people prefer to remove it from their drinking water. RO systems can remove between 85% and 92% of fluoride.

If reducing fluoride is a priority for you, a RO system is a good option to consider. This allows individuals to control their fluoride intake more directly.

Tackling Pesticides and Herbicides

Agricultural runoff can sometimes introduce pesticides and herbicides into water sources. These chemicals aren’t something you want your family drinking. RO systems, particularly with their activated carbon filtration stages, can remove up to 99% of these unwanted organic compounds.

This is another big win for water quality, providing an extra layer of protection against potentially harmful substances. Many comprehensive water filter systems include stages specifically for these types of contaminants.

Fighting “Forever Chemicals”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a growing concern. They don’t break down easily in the environment or our bodies. The good news is that RO systems are highly effective at removing them.

Studies show removal rates typically range from 90%–99%. This makes RO a strong defense against these persistent pollutants, ensuring safer water.

The Multistage Purification Powerhouse

A typical RO filter system doesn’t just rely on one filter. It’s a multistage process for effective water filtration. First, the feed water usually passes through prefilters. These sediment filters are crucial as they remove large particles, such as sand, silt, dirt, and rust, which could otherwise clog or damage the delicate RO membrane.

Following the sediment filter, an activated carbon prefilter, often using granular activated carbon or a carbon block, adsorbs chlorine and organic compounds. This not only improves taste and odor but also protects the RO membrane from chlorine degradation, helping it last longer and maintaining the efficiency of water filter systems.

Then, the water hits the RO membrane itself. This is where the core action of the contaminant removal happens, filtering out the tiniest impurities. After the semipermeable membrane, treated water often goes through a final carbon post-filter, sometimes another layer of granular activated material.

This polishes the water, improving its taste one last time before it reaches your glass, ensuring you get high-quality water. Many filter housings are designed for easy replacement of these RO filters, and some systems may use John Guest style fittings for simple, secure connections between stages. Regular filter replacement is vital for optimal performance and to ensure safe water quality.

What About Bacteria and Viruses? 

This is an important point. While the RO membrane is extremely fine, RO systems aren’t typically designed as the sole method to remove bacteria and viruses. These filter systems focus primarily on chemical and particulate contaminants rather than microbiological ones.

If bacteria are present in your feed water, they could potentially grow on the prefilters or even damage the RO membranes over time. So, if your water source is biologically unsafe (like some well water), you’ll need an additional step, especially if considering it for purifying emergency water, where biological safety is paramount.

Many people pair an RO system with an ultraviolet (UV) water sterilizer, often requiring replacement UV lamps periodically. The UV light neutralizes bacteria and viruses, and then the filter removes other contaminants. This combination offers comprehensive protection and helps ensure safe drinking water from various water systems.

Does RO Remove Healthy Minerals?

You might have heard that RO systems remove everything, including healthy minerals. It’s true that RO water filtration reduces the mineral content because minerals are generally larger than water molecules and get filtered out by the osmosis membrane. This reduction also lowers the total dissolved solids count in the treated water.

However, we get the vast majority of our essential minerals from the food we eat, not from osmosis water or even some types of bottled water. The health benefits of using RO to remove harmful contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides, generally far outweigh any concerns about mineral reduction in drinking water. A balanced diet will give your body what it needs, and some water filter systems even offer remineralization stages if desired to add back certain minerals to the RO water.

Is RO Water a Good Choice for You?

Choosing water filter systems is a personal decision. If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, a RO system offers a high level of filtration, effectively purifying the water. It can improve the taste, smell, and safety of your RO water.

Consider what’s in your local water and what your main concerns are. For many, an RO works by providing a reliable source of clean water, making it a smart investment in their family’s health and well-being.

Conclusion

Getting cleaner, better-tasting water for your home in Salisbury, NC, or a surrounding area in our great state is easier than ever with reliable water filtration solutions. RO contaminant removal offers a powerful solution by tackling a wide range of impurities, from lead and chlorine to pesticides and even those persistent forever chemicals. This process ensures that the water passes through the system, resulting in higher-quality treated water.

Understanding what these water systems can do, including the specifics of how RO works and its limitations, helps you make an informed choice for your household. Regardless, the technology behind RO contaminant removal means you can enjoy a higher standard of water every day. This sophisticated water filter makes tap water safe to drink for many, providing an excellent alternative to bottled water.