What is a home reverse osmosis system?

A home reverse osmosis system uses osmotic activity to purify water.  Reverse osmosis or RO is the process of allowing water to pass through a filtering device referred to as a membrane.  The membrane differs from traditional filters in that they have microscopic openings.  These openings are so small that they only allow tiny water molecules to pass through.  Larger molecules such as those found in compounds, can’t. 

Reverse osmosis is considered as a very effective method of eliminating contaminants from drinking water.  Some reverse osmosis membranes are even equipped with electrical charges that act to repel certain particles and keep them away from the membrane. 

How does a home reverse osmosis system work?

At the heart of the home reverse osmosis system are the semi-permeable membranes.  Using pressure, water is forced through these membranes in order to filter unwanted materials and organisms.  The solution that is raw water is then separated by these membranes – first is the water that contains unwanted contaminants and the second, which has already passed through, is the purified water.

Disadvantages of a home reverse osmosis system

There are several key points that need careful consideration if you’re thinking about installing a home reverse osmosis system.  For one, this is a system that requires professional installation, particularly for homeowners who are inexperienced with the device. 

Space is also an issue depending on the size of the system you have purchased.  Proper maintenance of the system is also required and whether or not you will have to obtain this professionally will depend on your technical know-how and your agreement with the vendor.

A home reverse osmosis system also has relatively slower flow rates so yield is considerably limited.  This is why storage tanks are needed in order to act as reservoir for clean water and produce a more desirable volume.

Is a home reverse osmosis system right for you?

A home reverse osmosis system is currently one of the best ways to remove contaminants, particularly lead, chromium and other heavy metals, asbestos and radium.  It is also highly efficient in filtering TDS or total dissolved solids and organics that have already dissolved in water. 

For homes that have problems with pesticides, chlorine and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in water, a home reverse osmosis system will be a very reliable device.  However, it does tend to be highly wasteful of water.  To produce a 5-gallon amount of pure, clean water, a home reverse osmosis system will have to process from 50 to 90 gallons of water. 

It can also require some cost to purchase, install and maintain.  A complete system will cost anywhere from about $350 to $3000.  Filters and membranes also have to be replaced periodically plus the system also requires regular maintenance.

However, it does have its very attractive advantages.  A home reverse osmosis system offers the best protection against water contaminated by radioactive materials such as strontium and plutonium.  Homes that are located in areas near nuclear facilities will find that this is the best water purification system they can use.