Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing dissolved contaminants

Introduction

Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing dissolved contaminants that are invisible to the naked eye but potentially harmful if consumed. By filtering water before it reaches the body, reverse osmosis supports the kidneys' natural function and ensures you consume cleaner water.

While it's true that reverse osmosis removes some beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, the impact on your health is minimal. The human body is composed of 70-80% water, which primarily hydrates, lubricates joints, and supports organ function—processes that do not rely on mineral content from water. The essential nutrients your body needs are typically absorbed through food rather than water; thus, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will adequately provide these minerals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that total dissolved solids (TDS) not exceed 500 parts per million to ensure safety and taste. Many areas in the U.S. exceed these TDS levels, making reverse osmosis an advantageous option for reducing excess minerals and other contaminants, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of drinking water.

Advantages of reverse osmosis water

Reverse osmosis water offers numerous advantages, particularly for health, household uses, and environmental impact. Here’s a detailed look.

Health benefits

• High contaminant removal: RO systems remove up to 99% of harmful substances, including arsenic, chlorine, PFAS, and other hazardous compounds.

• Improved drinking water quality: They ensure safer drinking water by eliminating many contaminants, supporting better overall health.

Environmental benefits

• Decreases plastic waste: Using an RO system at home reduces reliance on bottled water, cutting down on plastic consumption and waste.

• Maximizes water efficiency: Modern RO systems are designed to minimize wastewater, promoting a more sustainable approach to water purification.

Cost benefits

• Saves you money: Although the initial investment might be significant, an RO system is more cost-effective than buying bottled water over time.

• Lowers maintenance costs: RO systems protect refrigerators and coffee makers from damage caused by mineral deposits.

Does a reverse osmosis system waste water?

Reverse osmosis systems are sometimes criticized for their water use. Most RO systems waste about four gallons of water for every gallon produced. Unlike other filters that trap contaminants, a reverse osmosis system divides water into two streams: one stream delivers purified water to a faucet, and another carries the filtered contaminants to the drain as wastewater, called brine.

However, the brine water is used for a purpose, so it is not exactly wasted. The wastewater in an RO system helps clean the water, just like a dishwasher uses water to wash dishes or a washing machine uses water to clean clothes. However, it is our job to care for the environment, minimize the amount of water sent to the drain, and increase the efficiency of the RO system.

How to improve the efficiency of your RO system

• Add a permeate pump. Installing a permeate pump to a reverse osmosis system is the best way to increase efficiency. Permeate pumps reduce the wastewater from an RO system by 75 to 80%. Not every RO system can accommodate a permeate pump, so make sure the system you choose can. 

• Use the RO reject water for landscaping or artificial lakes. Drain water has higher total dissolved solids (TDS) levels, but the water has been filtered, making it perfect for your lawn or garden.