The phrase “Reverse Osmosis” may be familiar to you, and you probably know that it pertains to water treatment. However, you may not feel like you know enough about it to make a commitment. What is reverse osmosis and how does it work? How do you know if it’s the right choice for you and your family? What’s important to keep in mind when shopping for a reverse osmosis filtration system? We’ll answer all these questions and more!
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a water filtration process that removes contaminants in 4-5 stages. It works like this: with the help of water pressure, tap water passes through a semi-permeable membrane. As it’s pushed through, inorganic substances are pulled from the water and flushed down the drain. The healthy water is then stored in a tank for use.
Believe it or not, reverse osmosis has been around since the late 1970’s. Over the last few decades, it has gained traction due to its user-friendly design and cost-effectiveness. It’s also known for being one of the most efficient methods of eliminating contaminants.
What’s the Difference Between Reverse Osmosis and Traditional Filtration?
With traditional filtration systems, contaminated materials are stored within the filters. Reverse osmosis removes them completely by immediately sending them down the drain. Reverse osmosis is also known for removing more dissolved chemicals and salts compared to standard filters.
The Four Filtration Stages
Once as water goes through the RO system, homeowners can enjoy clean, safe drinking water. While some RO treatment products offer five filtration stages, four is the norm. These steps are as follows:
- Sediment Filter. This first filter is designed to remove dirt, sediment, and other coarse, earthen particles. These can harm the RO membrane, which is why sediment is removed at the beginning of the process.
- Carbon Filter. The carbon filter removes chemical contaminants such as chlorine. Again, this step comes early in the process to protect the RO membrane. However, it also plays a part in delivering great-tasting and smelling water.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane. The RO membrane does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to contaminant removal. At the same time, it’s specifically to let clean water pass through to the final stage.
- Final Carbon Filter. This last step is intended to refine the clean water and verify its purity. Any contaminants that have survived up to this point will be eradicated.
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Eliminate?
- Lead
- Fluoride
- Nitrates
- Pesticides
- Chlorine
- Sulfate
- Calcium
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Sodium
- Barium
- and much more!
Signs You Could Benefit from Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis water is a popular choice for residents because it’s safe, simple and highly effective. However, you may still be unsure if this treatment system is right for you. If the following statements apply to you, you’ll certainly benefit from installing a reverse osmosis system in your home:
- Your Water Tastes “Off.” Reverse osmosis is known for making water taste, smell and look great. If your water has a chemical taste, smells foul, or looks dirty, it could indicate you need a thorough treatment system. RO is one of the best systems on the market today.
- You Want Something That’s Easy to Maintain. Luckily, RO systems don’t contain many complex parts that require replacements. Maintaining them is extremely easy and hassle-free.
- You Want to Save Money. Buying cases of bottled water week after week adds up over time. RO water is better quality, and it’s a long-term investment that’ll save you plenty of money.
- You Care About Having Clean Water. If you’re concerned about the state of your water supply, it’s best not to wait. You never know what contaminants could be lurking in your water. Unfortunately, if your water goes untreated, these can lead to health risks. You and your family deserve pristine water you can count on for cooking, cleaning and bathing.
At Atlantic Blue Water Center, we recognize that our customers want water treatment solutions they can rely on. Our ARBO (Atlantic Blue Drinking Water System) incorporates four RO filtration stages to filter your water and enhance its quality. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Learn More about Reverse Osmosis Systems with Atlantic Blue Water Center
If you want to reduce your exposure to harmful contaminants, it’s vital to filter your drinking water. At Atlantic Blue Water Center, we help our customers remove toxins and contaminants from their water supply. If you want to learn about the contaminants currently in your home’s water, bring a sample to our storefront, and our lab technicians will perform an in-depth assessment of its quality.
We provide water treatment solutions like reverse osmosis for homeowners that want a cleaner water supply. We’re also focused on providing additional education on water treatment, water quality, and issues associated with water contaminants. Call us at (410) 751-9200 if you’d like more information about our services.