What if I told you there are several water filtration systems on the market these days? With so many out there, it really makes it hard to choose which would be best for the home. The condominium I occupy had a osmosis water systemwith changeable filters installed by the homeowner’s association when the building was constructed over 25 years ago. I am very concerned about fitness, health and longevity, so I really decided to put this system to the test and see what it was all about. I really didn’t know what a reverse osmosis water system did, so I happened onto the internet to see what information I could find out and decide if this was the best choice in water purity.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a process by which pressure is used to force a solution through a semi-permeable membrane allowing passage of solvent but not solute. It’s best known for being used for desalination (or removing the salt from sea water to make it fresh) however it has been used to purify things for the medical (dialysis), domestic and industrial (food industry, car washes, water plants) settings since the early 1970’s.
In terms of drinking water purification, many homes use reverse osmosis systems as a common step for improving water for drinking, cooking and showering. This type of RO system includes several steps used to get water prepared for use. These included:
- A trapping device (sediment filter) for removing rust and calcium carbonate
- A secondary sediment filter with a finer openings chemicals along with chlorine which can breakdown the RO membranes
- A RO filter/membrane
- Sometimes an optional second carbon filter and finally
- An ultra-violet lamp
Let’s face it, reverse osmosis water units have had their day and now their popularity is fading fast. Reverse osmosis systemes are based on old technology and could still leave you facing many potential health dangers, while denting your budget.
Reverse osmosis systemes were designed for the photographic industries which needed large quantities of the stuff demineralized and then suddenly these reverse osmosis water units were touted as a good solution for the domestic market.
Part of that reason was lack of competition, whereas nowadays we have many superior alternatives.
Ok, so the main drawback is they strip out the essential minerals we need to stay healthy, like calcium and magnesium. It has been shown that we absorb these minerals better via water than from food.
If we don’t get these minerals our bodies will take them from our teeth and bones to compensate, leading to potential long-term health problems, proving that reverse osmosis systemes are not the solution.
They are expensive to maintain, most require electricity to run, and are extremely wasteful. Let me tell you, they will discard around 2-3 gallons for every one they produce, which is quite unbelievable in these water conscious times.
Reverse osmosis water units are also extremely noisy, even the very latest models. One guy I read about disconnected it and threw it out on his porch! Imagine a constant whining coming from your under sink cupboard.
They tend to cost three times more than superior multi filtration systems, and require regular maintenance and attention.
I apologize if am being so negative about these reverse osmosis systemes, but I really don’t understand why these products are still available in light of the superior alternatives, that have little or zero wastage and require no power to run them.
What you should be looking for is a multi or twin stage filtration unit, which employs an activated carbon filter, recommended by the US EPA as the most effective method of contaminant removal.
These systems will remove around 99% of all known toxins and contaminants from your drinking water, leaving it pure and safe. Reverse osmosis water units will remove chlorine but still leave in many dangerous toxins.
Remember, a recent study has shown we have over 2100 toxic chemicals that can cause to cancer in our drinking water. It is up to us to protect ourselves with a good quality multi stage filter, and not leave ourselves open to potential harm by using reverse osmosis systemes.
Believe me, if you research further into reverse osmosis water units, you will understand exactly what I mean, and I hope I have helped point you in the right direction.