Understanding the Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

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Over 50 years ago reverse osmosis water filter and distillation filter systems were initially developed for use in the industrial areas, like printing, photo processing, and other areas which required de-mineralized water.

The process of a reverse osmosis water filter involves a process of filtration at a slow speed. This media retains most solid matter while permitting the water to pass. The semi-permeable membrane used in a reverse osmosis water filter contains tiny pores through which water can flow and is restrictive to such organic compounds as salt and other natural minerals, which are generally larger molecular composition than water.

The technical definition of pure water is water containing only hydrogen and oxygen molecules. This “pure” water does not occur naturally in our world, therefore our water contains impurities. As water travels through our rivers and streams, it carries mineral sediments with it. Our ground water, which we use in our municipal water systems, contains pesticides, herbicides, bacteria, viruses and also some industrial waste.

There are some downsides to a reverse osmosis water filter. The first is that it removes these minerals in the water which serve a vital function in the body’s system as well as providing a good taste to the water. When these minerals are stripped away it can actually be unhealthy for our bodies. There are studies that argue both sides of this debate, but the most recent and most credible studies show the benefits of drinking naturally balanced water containing natural trace minerals is the healthiest.

Secondly, the small pores in the membrane blocks particles of larger molecular structures like salt. But for dangerous chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine which are molecularly smaller than water can freely pass through the porous membrane. For this reason, a carbon filter must be used as a complimentary measure to provide safe drinking water from the reverse osmosis process. Such chemicals are the major contaminants of drinking water after municipal treatment process.

A reverse osmosis water filter also wastes a large portion of the water that travels through it. Generally it will use two or three gallons of water for every single gallon of purified water it produces. This is also an incredibly slow process when compared to other water treatment alternatives.

So now we ask ourselves, is the reverse osmosis water filter system what I choose for my drinking water?

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