When it comes to clean to drinking water there are an array of water filtration systems that are available on the market. Each filtration system will remove different types of particles depending on the contamination your family are being exposed to, but the one that will remove all the particles and leave you clean water is a reverse osmosis system. If you haven’t heard of this before, don’t worry, we’re to help. We’re going to give you the break down reverse osmosis systems and how they can provide you with clean water at home.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is the process by which water is forced through a semipermeable membrane. When pressurised water is forced through this membrane, it captures any particles that are in the water and keeps them on one side of the membrane with clean water being on the side of the other. The membrane is so fine, that it allows the smaller particles of water to pass through and leaves particles such as lead on the other side. It is the mechanism of pressurisation that leaves you with the clean water on the outer layer of the membrane. This clean water can then be accessed through as variety of methods depending on the filtration system that you installed in your home.
Can You Have A Reverse Osmosis System At Home?
Previously, Reverse osmosis systems were exceptionally expensive and couldn’t be fitted into the home. It was high level technology with an array of parts that needed someone in the know to be able to put together. However, as time has gone on, more companies have started putting together their own systems and making them more available for the consumer market. Due to the increased number of systems that are now available, they come in an array of shapes and sizes. This means that you can find a system that can easily fit under your counter or as a point of entry system, so all the water that comes into your house is particle free.
Types of Systems
When it comes to choosing which system you want, it would first help to know which systems are available to you. There is no denying that reverse osmosis systems are expensive, they cost a lot of money to purchase, install and maintain, but if they are the difference between you and your family having safe and clean drinking water, you can’t put a price on it. If you are trying to reduce the amount of bottled drinking water you buy, then you can invest in an under the counter system. These systems are small, compact and provide your family with clean drinking water at the turn of the tap.
They are a cheaper alternative to whole house systems; however the filters will still need to be changed at regular intervals and you will need to ensure a specialist does this. If you are concerned about your family being exposed to high levels of chlorine or other contaminants when they shower, then a point of entry or whole house system might be the option for you to consider. These units are much larger in size and are installed where the water comes into your home. These will require fitment from a service technician who knows what they are doing. These systems, especially the larger ones will always require a high level of serving and parts. It will be worth negotiating a service term with your provider when you purchase the system.
Reverse Osmosis Drawbacks
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, there are some drawbacks to them. One of the main draw backs to it is the removal of all particles within the water. This may sound like a good thing, but within water there are actually particles that we need. Minerals such as sodium, magnesium and zinc are present it out water and help regulate a healthy body. Learn about what is TDS in water. If you do make the change to a reverse osmosis system you will also need to consider supplementing your families’ diets with these additional minerals as they are vital for body function and repair.
Another drawback is the fact that you will regularly need to change the semi permeable filters on a regular basis. This can be expensive, especially in a whole house system. You will need to change all the filters at the same time, and you will need to have someone come in and do it for you, it isn’t a job that you can do on your own.
Why Should You Get A Reverse Osmosis System?
Having mentioned the drawbacks of reverse osmosis, it is clear that it should only be reserved for homes that have a high level of lead contamination. A large quantity of lead in the water course can cause a huge amount of health problems, especially in young children.
These can include but are not limited to developmental issues, behavioural problems and cognitive issues. This is why reverse osmosis should be reserved for those areas where lead in the water or other serious contaminant could cause damage to you and your family.
Wrap Up
When it comes to water filtration systems, the top of the pile really is the reverse osmosis system. It works by forcing water through a semi permeable membrane, which allows the water to pass through, but captures any and all particles, leaving you and your family with clean, water. The draw back to this is, is that the minerals that we need to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle are also captured. So you will need to consider supplementing your family with these. However, if you are in an area with a high lead content, then this system is the best choice for you. They come in an array of sizes and fitments, so you really can tailor your system to your needs. When you are looking to purchase your reverse osmosis filter, you will want to check about service intervals and costs, as this will make all the difference to the affordability.
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