Reverse Osmosis

 Water -  

It's one of the simplest substances known to man, yet one of the most critical to our health and survival.  It is also one of the easiest substances to contaminate.  Often called "the universal solvent," water has a tendency to dissolve a little of everything if comes in contact with, from beneficial elements to harmful chemicals, minerals, and other contaminants.  Some of these impurities occur naturally in water while others enter water supplies through complications with aging municipal water treatment systems, ground water wells, or internal home plumbing systems.  That's why a growing number of people are turning to home water treatment systems to ensure clean, fresh drinking water in their homes.

One of the most effective and cost-efficient home water treatment systems available today uses a process called reverse osmosis (RO).   RO systems work by pressuring water up against a semi-permeable membrane that stops contaminants from passing but allows clean, clear water to get through.  Both health-related contaminants- such as lead and asbestos- as well as many aesthetic contaminants that affect the taste, color, and odor of water are reduced or eliminated by an RO system. NOTE

Reverse osmosis systems, usually compact units installed under the sink, produce high-quality water perfect for use in drinking, cooking, and making ice cubes.  The low mineral content of RO-treated water also makes it ideal for use in steam irons, car batteries, and humidifiers.  Today, more than 70 percent of Americans say they are concerned about the quality of their home water.  A reverse osmosis system is an effective means of providing a household with gallons of fresh water at a fraction of the cost of premium bottled water.

How Reverse Osmosis Works...

Osmosis is the natural tendency for water of lesser concentration (containing more dissolved particles) to pass through a semi-permeable membrane and dilute water of a higher concentration (containing more dissolved particles).  Eventually, the fluid concentration on both sides of the membrane is equalized.

Reverse Osmosis, as its name implies, is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis.  By applying pressure to the water solution of higher concentration (the incoming water), the flow of liquid is reversed.  Under these conditions, the membrane still rejects the contaminants, but allows the fresh cleansed water to pass through.  The purifies water is collected in a holding tank and the contaminants are flushed away.  the process, originally designed to make sea water drinkable for the Navy, removes sodium, as well as lead, arsenic, nitrates, asbestos, and a range of other contaminants from household drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: In California, State Law requires that any reverse osmosis manufacturer or installer making specific health claims for its drinking water product must have that product tested and certified by a state approved lab.