    |
Reverse Osmosis
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Reverse Osmosis.
- What is reverse osmosis?
- How effective is reverse osmosis for improving water quality?
- Who should consider purchasing a reverse osmosis system?
- Specifically, which contaminants does a reverse osmosis system remove?
- Beyond reducing health-related contaminants what are some other benefits
of installing a reverse osmosis water system?
- Does a reverse osmosis system remove biological contaminants?
- How do I properly maintain my reverse osmosis system?
- What does a reverse osmosis system look like and where is it installed?
- How do I select the right home water treatment system
for my needs?
1. What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment process in which water is forced
through a semi-permeable membrane that has very small holes or pores.
Clean water passes through and impurities that are too big to pass through
the membrane are left behind and flushed away.
2.
How effective is reverse osmosis for improving water quality?
RO is very effective in reducing a range of home water contaminants. This is
possible because the reverse osmosis membrane is comprised of microscopic
pores which allow the pressurized water molecules, among the smallest
molecules known to man, to pass through contaminants, and even dissolved
ions are left behind. Additionally, RO systems always include a sediment
pre-filter that traps fine suspended materials that permanently clog the
membrane. Most RO systems also include a carbon pre-filter to remove
chlorine, along with other contaminants that may damage RO membranes and
affect that taste, color, and odor of the water.
Reverse osmosis is a low-energy process, useful for substantially reducing
the complete dissolved mineral content of water. The process is practical in
sizes ranging from a few gallons to million of gallons per day.
3.
Who should consider purchasing a reverse osmosis system?
Anyone concerned about the quality of their home drinking water --
particularly if they notice taste or odor problems or are aware of high
levels of dissolves minerals in their water supply -- should consider an RO
system. Additionally, RO systems often are recommended for immune-comprised
individuals who could be especially susceptible to infection from various
waterborne contaminants. Reverse osmosis systems, which generally include
both and RO membrane and pre- and post-filters, offer a comprehensive means
of eliminating more than 90 percent of potentially harmful contaminants in
home drinking water.
4. Specifically, which contaminants does a reverse osmosis system remove?
A reverse osmosis system can treat for a variety of contaminants including:
Aluminum, Arsenic, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Chlorides, Chlorine, Copper,
Cryptosporidium, Cyanide, Fluoride, Giardia, Lead, Mercury, Nitrates,
Radium, Radon, Silver, Sodium, Sulfide, Trichloroethylene, and Total
Trihalomethanes.
5. Beyond reducing health-related contaminants what are some other benefits
of installing a reverse osmosis water system?
There are many benefits to installing a reverse osmosis system beyond
greatly reduced concentrations of contaminants. Cleaner, sparkling drinking
water is probably the most noticeable. Because there is little to alter the
RO-treated water's natural state, the flavor of food can come though without
any "chemical" taste. Brewed items such as coffee, tea, or soups may have a
richer, more robust flavor, and fruit juices and powdered drinks mixed with
RO-treated water may taste better, too. Even ice cubes can take on a crystal
clear appearance.
Additionally, because of its low mineral content, using RO-purified water in
household appliances such as steam irons and humidifiers can keep them
working longer and more efficiently.
6.
Does a reverse osmosis system remove biological contaminants?
RO systems are capable of removing certain biological contaminants such as
Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The pore size of the RO membrane along with the
amount of pressure applied to the water will generally determine the rate of
reduction of such contaminants. The Water Quality Association (WQA)
cautions, however, that while RO membranes are reliable for treatment of a
range of health contaminants, design considerations such as tiny seal leaks
or manufacturing imperfections may prevent a unit from offering foolproof
protection against biological contaminants for consumer drinking water
systems. Therefore, WQA suggests that absolute disinfectant (a reduction of
contaminants greater than 99.9 percent) be ensured with cyst-rated and
certified products and post-disinfection systems such as ultraviolet light.
7. How
do I properly maintain my reverse osmosis system?
The filters of your RO system should be changed periodically. In general,
both the re- and post-filters should be replaces about every six months, or
at least annually; however, the maintenance schedules may vary due to local
water conditions, the quality of water being filtered, and the
manufacturer's recommendations. The reverse osmosis membrane normally lasts
between 3 to 5 years. WQA suggests you closely follow the maintenance
schedule provided by your water treatment specialist of the manufacturer to
ensure that the system is in proper working order.
8. What does a reverse osmosis system look like and where is it installed?
Most RO systems are compact units installed under your sink. (In some cases,
they can also be installed in the basement, a closet, or anywhere that is
convenient). A typical system is comprised of one or more pre-filters, a
reverse osmosis module, a post-filter, and a pressurized holding tank (see
diagram below). The pre-filters trap sediment, chlorine, and other
contaminants before allowing water to pass into the reverse osmosis module.
The RO module, containing the RO membrane, further isolates a range of
contaminants before allowing treated water through the post-filter. The
treated water received a final "polishing" as it flows through the
post-filter and into a holding tank connected to a tap on the kitchen sink.
The wastewater rejected by the RO is sent down another line into the drain.
9. How do I select the right home water treatment
system for my needs?
Call Bonfe's and we'll have one of our
water quality specialists evaluate your water and determine the most
effective type of water treatment for your particular needs.
Testimonials
You've earned a regular customer. Your technician was
courteous, knowledgeable, and clean. We had a reverse osmosis system
installed and my wife cannot stop talking about how convenient and great
tasting the water is. The technician, Mike, was very helpful. He looked at
our water heater & water softener and made sure that they were working
properly.
Steve
Inver Grove Heights
|
