Considered one of the best choices in water filtration, reverse osmosis system are what many households wish to implement. Famed for removing a great many contaminants from drinking water it’s no surprise that RO systems are so highly coveted.
How much is a Reverse Osmosis System
This effective reputation of reverse osmosis systems comes, however, at a high price. Before fully committing to such an investment, many would wonder if they are worth it.
How Efficient is an RO System?
Reverse osmosis systems remove many common drinking water contaminants like heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates. Reverse osmosis also reduces minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Limescale forms due to calcium and magnesium in drinking water which makes deposits inside water-using appliances. Over time this accumulation of limescale will damage these appliances.
When considering the quality of water coming from RO water filter, in the long run, it will be worth it, especially as it protects other appliances that use water. An RO system boasts a 90% rate of efficiency or even higher, and this is a testament to the multilayered capacity they display.
Advantages of Reverse Osmosis System
- A reverse osmosis filter reduces certain expenses. Using tap water is not an option for many as the water quality does not permit it. Opting to buy bottled water can be costly thus filtered tap water can be a better option with the right filter. Reverse osmosis systems are capable of producing high-quality filtered water that will make buying bottled water unnecessary.
- Implementing a reverse osmosis system is a safe alternative to bottled water and even has environmentally positive effects. Usually, the water obtained with this type of filter is considered better for cooking and making coffees or teas. Many have reported an improvement in taste and as such this reflects in cooking and consumption.
- If the RO system filters the water that enters the home, then the washing machine, dishwasher, and even the central heating system will benefit from it. Contaminated water can severely damage these household appliances. Reduced efficiency in the home heating system and washing machine can be a hassle. Repairs or replacements will surely add up the extra cost. In a case such as this, an RO system can prove most useful.
Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis System
- Reverse osmosis filtration systems use a semipermeable membrane to clean water. This membrane creates wastewater. This water is unusable so it just ends up being flushed away.
- A noticeable dip in water pressure is evident with the use of an RO system, which can be an issue.
- Maybe the greatest discouragement in implementing an RO system is the price. RO filter costs are not small, and as a first-time buyer, this can be daunting.
- What’s more is that not only the buying price is high, but maintenance can prove expensive as well. RO systems usually have multiple layers with different types of filtration cartridges. These need to be changed after a period of use, and some of these cartridges are more expensive than others. However, changing them is not a day-to-day requirement and they can last for months. The semipermeable membrane lasts for 2 years. The amount of time is enough to plan ahead and make sure they can be replaced with longer-lasting alternatives that fit the filtration system.
Additional Considerations
There have been many concerns raised about consuming filtered water and the validity of its safety. Statements about how the resulting filtered water is in some way stripped of healthy mineral and cause the water to become acidic. The process of reverse osmosis is not one that further contaminates or creates unhealthier water. In fact, purification is a great way to protect against contaminants that thrive in water, and which could be a bigger danger.
As for the lack of minerals in the water, this claim only looks at minerals present in water, and people get their dosage of minerals from other sources they consume. Placing these concerns solely on drinking water is entirely unrealistic and does not encompass the whole spectrum of the human diet.
Reverse Osmosis System Review
It’s up to every user to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of RO filtered water. In the end, the higher cost of a filtration system can prove beneficial in saving expenses down the road with other appliances.
There are also the more disagreeable disadvantages of wastewater and lower pressure that could discourage some buyers.