RO purifiers, or reverse osmosis purifiers, are one of the most popular water filtration and purification methods. RO water purification systems work by using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing the pure water through and blocking anything larger than a water molecule.

Reverse osmosis was first discovered in the 1940s and the systems have come a long way since then. Drinking water can contain harmful chemicals including radium, fluoride, chlorine and arsenic, all of which RO purifiers are able to remove. Studies have actually proven that RO filtration systems coupled with a variety of filtration systems including UV lighting can remove everything bad from the water including radiation and nuclear waste.

Pros and Cons of RO Water Purification Systems

If you are wondering which is the best RO water purifier for you, the first thing to think about is whether reverse osmosis water filtration is the best water purification process in your case. There are several disadvantages to an RO water filtration system.

First of all, herbicides, pesticides and chlorine are smaller than water molecules and will pass through an RO filter. You will need to use an additional carbon filter if you want to remove these. On the other hand, many RO systems come with a built in carbon filter. Secondly, reverse osmosis destroys the minerals found in water which give water its flavor and are good for your health. RO wastes a lot of the water passing through it.

Two or three gallons of water are used for every gallon of purified water produced when using an RO water purification system. RO is also a very slow process when compared to alternative water purification options.

The water collected will not contain any sugars, salts, ions or molecules larger than water molecules. The filtered water will not taste pleasant like carbon filtered water. However, RO water purification systems work well if you are just removing earth, silt or other large molecules from your water supply and RO purifiers require minimal maintenance.

Bacteria and disease-causing pathogens are larger molecules than water so these will be removed with an RO water purifier. The coliform bacteria, however, cannot be removed with RO. Reverse osmosis water purification is an ideal method of contaminant removal in areas without a municipal water sources or areas at risk from waterborne diseases. Using a reverse osmosis drinking water system can also help you to achieve better health in the long run.

Before You Decide on RO Purification

It is important to have your water tested before deciding to buy an RO water purifier. The water test will tell you about the minerals and bacteria present in your water supply and these results will tell you whether RO purification is the best way to treat your water. Also, you need to think about the intended water use, for example drinking only, cooking and drinking, all household uses etc, before choosing a water filtration system.

Depending on the water test results, you might discover that reverse osmosis is the best water treatment option for your household. Adding chemicals to water or boiling it do not make the water pure but RO can filter out bacteria, chemicals and other impurities. A lot of RO systems come with carbon filters, meaning they are able to remove more chemicals and toxic waste and provide you with safe, clean drinking water.