If you own a home, you might have heard the term “reverse osmosis water system,” or “RO system” tossed around. The term itself can feel a little intimidating if you are not familiar with it, but the basic functions and how this system operates are fairly simple, though based on some scientific principles and terminology. There are many benefits to using a reverse osmosis water system, so we have put together a brief explanation of what it is and how you can benefit from one.
What is “Reverse Osmosis”?
To understand what reverse osmosis means, it helps to know what regular osmosis is.
Osmosis is the process of water passing through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated to a higher concentrated side in an effort to create equalization on both sides of the membrane.
In layman’s terms, the membrane acts as a natural barrier for various particles, so the water molecules, which can pass back and forth, do so in order to create the equalization.
Reverse osmosis is similar in the sense that the semi-permeable membrane does allow the passage of water and not the other molecules and contaminants, but the water does not pass back and forth. Instead, it passes through the membrane, leaving everything else behind as waste, so you are then left with clean water on one side.
What is the Process of an RO Water System?
While the semi-permeable membrane is an important factor in the system, there are many more parts of a reserve osmosis water system that help create the clean filtered water that you get as a result.
For instance, there are a couple of filters that the water will go through before and after the semi-permeable membrane. These are typically referred to as pre-filters or post-filters depending on the order in which they fall.
Every system is different, but the most common filters are sediment filters which remove things like dirt, dust, or rust, carbon filters which remove volatile organic compounds, and of course, the semi-permeable membrane which removes dissolved solids from the water as it passes through.
After that, the water is put into a storage tank where it waits for use. Then, once you turn on the faucet, the water goes from the storage tank, through one more filter that polishes the water, and then out the faucet for your usage.
The storage tank is necessary for the system to work properly because the total process of the RO water system is a relatively slow process. Typically, it takes about a minute to produce just a few ounces of purified water, so the tank keeps water ready for you at all times so you never have to wait.
Benefits of an RO Water System
Now that you know the process that the water goes through with a reverse osmosis water system, the benefits are pretty obvious.
Because the filtration system is so extensive, you end up with healthier, better tasting water that is as free from contaminants as possible. It is both an efficient and thorough way of putting the highest quality water in your home!
Find Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration in Austin
Looking for the best water filtration system to free your home from the effects of hard water? Contact Austin Water Solutions, a vendor for water filtration systems in Austin TX, for more information.