Everything You Need to Know about Reverse Osmosis Drinking-Water Filters
If you're late to the reverse osmosis drinking water party, that's okay! Let's get you up to speed on how reverse osmosis works and how effective it is.
Your body is 60% water and needs water to function properly. Everything from your joints to your skin to your brain depends on water.
So, when you're thirsty, are you more likely to grab a glass of water or a sugary beverage?
Believe it or not, bottled water consumption rose 120% in the period between 2000 and 2015, while carbonated drinks saw a decrease.
Because more and more Americans are seeing the benefits of drinking water over other beverages, we're also seeing a corresponding increase in concern about water quality.
While there are many water-purification options on the market, water treated through reverse osmosis (RO) can be the answer to your drinking-water worries. Stick around to get answers to these questions:
- What is RO water?
- Is it good for your health?
- What are its other benefits?
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water: Everything You Need to Know
Reverse osmosis is an extremely efficient and effective filtration system that removes 95%–99% of contaminants found in water.
In the RO process, applied pressure forces water through a partially permeable membrane, leaving behind minerals, impurities, and chemicals such as lead, arsenic, copper, radium, and bacteria, to name a few. The result is pure water.
Health Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
Many health professionals recommend reverse osmosis drinking water. Let's see why.
Removes Sodium
If you suffer from high blood pressure or kidney or liver disease, or you're on a low-sodium diet, RO water is highly recommended because sodium molecules get filtered out by the membrane.
Safe for Those with Compromised Immune Systems
For cancer patients whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy treatments, and for others with weakened immune systems due to different conditions, contaminated water can lead to infection. Drinking and cooking with reverse osmosis water is much safer for anyone in this situation.
Filters Parasites
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that affects the small intestine and can cause cramping, fever, and diarrhea, as well as malnutrition and dehydration in young children. RO filters out cryptosporidium and other dangerous parasites and bacteria.
Other Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
Besides being better for your health, there are financial and sensory benefits to having a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
Save Money
No more disposable bottled water! You'll be able to eliminate the need for these expensive and wasteful bottles when you have pure, RO drinking water at your fingertips.
Buy yourself a reusable water bottle and enjoy pure drinking water even when you're on the go.
Better Taste
While some might argue that water doesn't really have a taste, in blind taste tests, participants declared that RO drinking water reigns supreme.
The purified water has a clean, refreshing taste because all unpleasant odors and chemical tastes have been removed.
Better for Cooking and Drinks
Coffee, tea, or any drink that's made with water tastes better with RO-treated water.
Also, your food will taste better when preparing it with water devoid of chemicals such as chlorine. If you were to, say, cook your pasta in chlorinated water, there's a good chance you'd notice that swimming-pool taste in the pasta.
Easy to Maintain
The sediment, carbon, and polishing filters in the RO unit need replacing every 12 months. If you keep up with the replacement schedule, the membrane will last for two to three years.
Other maintenance includes cleaning and sanitizing the system on an annual basis. It's a simple process, so you can hire someone to do this or do it yourself.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, more and more options are popping up. Let's take a look at some of the various types and brands.
1. iSpring RCC7 Five-Stage RO System
When space around your faucet is an issue, you'll find this system to be beneficial. It's only 18 inches tall, so it will fit in your cabinet right under the sink. It comes with a fancy faucet that is lead-free and can be mounted on the counter.
2. APEC Top Tier Ultra Safe
Made in the USA, this RO filtration system is one of APEC's best. Like the previous option, the tank and filter system are compact enough to fit inside a kitchen cabinet.
Sold with a chrome-coated faucet and leak-free fittings, it removes 99% of the contaminants found in water.
3. Hydro-Logic 31035 100-GPD
Worried about wasting water? This system conserves 25% more water than most other reverse osmosis systems.
It has the capacity to produce 100 gallons of clean water per day and remove 98% of chlorine and contaminants.
4. Home Master TMAFC Artesian
This RO system makes use of advanced technology that allows the water to circulate twice through an artesian remineralization filter. This process produces pure pH-balanced water.
Its superior design allows for easy, no-hassle filter changes. The filter element and housing are an all-in-one assembly and just unplug when the filter needs to be replaced. Also, a fast flow kit is included so the water flows twice as fast as most other systems.
Is Reverse Osmosis the Answer for You?
You now know virtually everything you need to know about reverse osmosis drinking water, so you can make an informed decision about adding an RO system in your home. Click here to learn more about under-sink filters.
