Reverse Osmosis Systems Create Pure Water, But There’s a Hitch
Due to the quality and price, reverse osmosis has become one of the leading types of water purification. Many homes have installed this type of water filtration system to remove the harmful contaminates now often found in municipal supplies and private wells. However, this does come at a cost: beneficial minerals are also removed, potentially impacting human health.
Humans Require Minerals to Survive
The World Health Organization found that water purified by reverse osmosis has “a definite adverse influence” on consumers by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium. When some Eastern European areas began using it for drinking water, they started developing serious physical symptoms within a few months, including weakness and cardiovascular disorders. Distilled water can literally suck minerals out of your cells – you urinate out the essential ones that are keeping your body alive.
Reverse Osmosis Requires Additional Water Filtration
When you’re dealing with brackish or sea water, reverse osmosis is a fantastic beginning for the treatment process (usually after a pre-filter). When you use it in your home system, it’s typically the final stage to polish off what’s already been filtered. Tests have found pharmaceuticals in many major cities’ water supplies and even in residential wells. Pesticides and volatile organic compounds also must be removed by filtering, and chlorine must be entirely removed before reaching the osmosis membrane– even a tiny amount of chlorine will destroy it, often without any warning that the membrane is no longer effective.
Reverse Osmosis Systems Generally Require Professional Installation
There are still good reasons for many homes to install a reverse osmosis system as part of their overall strategy for water purification, but a homeowner should be aware of all the benefits and disadvantages. One possible drawback is that they require drilling through the countertop and directly into the drain pipe, and drilling through granite countertops is horrendously risky without substantial experience and the proper tools.
If you do decide to install a reverse osmosis system, do your research and know what you’re getting into. Make sure you replace the filters at least as often as the manufacturer suggests, and have it installed by experienced water filtration professionals.