What is a Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System?

someone pouring reverse osmosis water from a bottle into a glass

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How many of us today can relate to opening the tap for drinking water, and finding that the water taste is unpleasant? Or, having drinking water that tastes fine, but has health and safety-related contaminants lurking within? The likely result? We won’t drink the required amount of life sustaining water, or resort to the inconvenience and expense of buying bottled water.

Reverse osmosis drinking water systems are a popular tool for homeowners today to create their own “in-house bottled water machine.” Yes, that’s right, since many common brands of bottled water are purified with reverse osmosis technology, you can use the same method to purify your own water right in your home. And it’s more convenient, with purified water dispensed right at your kitchen sink, plus no cases of bottled water to tote around.

Aquanology is a premier service provider of water purification systems for homes and businesses for Upstate NY. This includes not only reverse osmosis drinking water system installations, but also necessary service and maintenance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Soft-water-soap-suds

1. What is a Reverse Osmosis system?

Reverse Osmosis (often called “RO systems” for short) systems use a semi permeable membrane as an advanced water filter. This membrane is tight enough that basically the only thing that can pass is the water molecule, and most other elements and contaminants are too large to pass through.

In short, RO technology mimics the natural evaporation purification process, where water evaporates, and leave contaminant behind. Therefore, the water from an RO system is very close to the purity level of the natural water source we call RAIN. (Unfortunately, rain is quicky contaminated after contacting the ground, and sometime even before the ground from contaminants in the atmosphere.)

Because this membrane is so tight, it would typically plug very quickly. Therefore, most RO membranes are equipped with a flush drain, which, when filtering, flushes the rejected contaminants as wastewater, therefore keeping the membrane clean and workable for long periods of time (years in some cases).

The result of this purification is clean, clear water, with a crisp, purified taste. Most common RO systems come paired with carbon filters, which further help to enhance taste and remove offensive smells, if present.

Some common health-concerning contaminants that an RO system is very effective at removing are lead, nitrates, disinfection by-products, PFAS, etc.

glass of reverse osmosis water that is clean and clear

2. Who needs an RO system?

There are several scenarios where you may find an RO system as an answer to your water issues. As follows:

a. Unpleasant taste or odors. Water that has elevated TDS (total dissolved solids levels) will typically have a poor taste factor. Also, common smells such as sulfur can contaminate water supply, making the water less than ideal for consumption. An RO system can resolve these issues by reducing the TDS, and utilizing its associated carbon filters to pull out offensive smells.

b. Health related contaminants. Nitrates, arsenic, lead, trihalomethanes, and other contaminants that have proven negative health effects can contaminate drinking water supplies. An RO system is a very effective tool against a wide variety of health-related contaminants. However, since not all RO systems are created equal, it is recommended to make sure it is certified for the particular contaminant of concern or do follow-up testing after the system to ensure removal.

c. Desire for high quality water. Some folks are more particular about the taste of the water they drink, and prefer the crisp, purified taste of bottled water, over tap water with even low to moderate levels of minerals. If so, a reverse osmosis system is for you, as it purifies water with the same technology as many bottled water purifiers.

3. Why choose Aquanology to install your reverse osmosis system?

At Aquanology, we have been installing and servicing RO systems for years, and have experience with various systems, from small drinking water systems to large commercial sized systems.

We endeavor to make sure you are covered in the following areas:

  • Efficient and professional installations. You want a system that’s installed neatly and correctly, and we agree. That’s why our systems are backed with a money-back guarantee.
  • High quality systems. RO systems vary in features and performance, such as production rates, quality of water, and dispensing flow. Our goal is to offer a range of systems that can meet your budget and your expectations.
  • Ongoing maintenance and support. From emergency service calls after hours, to scheduled maintenances like filter changes, we endeavor to be here for you and your system for years after the purchase. Just ask one of our many satisfied customers who have relied on our services for years.

Frequently Asked Questions about RO systems

This is a common question because many opinions float around online today about the safety of RO water. The truth is that many doctors and other health professionals endorse RO water because of its pure hydration. Most claims of RO water being unhealthy are centered around the lower pH and mineral level of RO water. For more info on that please refer to our other article on RO water and health

Yes, you can think of an RO membrane as separating the water, keeping the good water that filters through the membrane, while the wastewater is rejected with the contaminants. Please keep in mind that efficiency of systems varies greatly, and most systems have a labeled efficiency rating for the membrane. Some newer systems are much more efficient than older basic ones, some saving as much or more water than they throw away.

At Aquanology, we desire to streamline the process of bringing water filtration and purification to you. In three easy steps with a commitment to no pressure sales, we endeavor to treat each customer the way we would want to be treated. Contact us anytime for a friendly chat about your water and how to improve it.

At Aquanology, we desire to streamline the process of bringing water filtration and purification to you. In three easy steps with a commitment to no pressure sales, we endeavor to treat each customer the way we would want to be treated. Contact us anytime for a friendly chat about your water and how to improve it.

Contact Us

Call/email for a friendly chat about the water quality challenge you are dealing with. At your request, a technician from Aquanology will visit your home for a free water test and consultation. (In some cases, more advanced laboratory testing may be recommended as well.)

Count On Our Expertise

We will assist you in determining needed changes to your existing water treatment setup, based on your budget and water quality expectations. Or, if necessary, we can remove the existing system and install a new system designed to serve you for years.

Count On Our Reliable Service

We can set you up with our affordable service plan or provide training for you to do your own service and maintenance, to keep your water conditioning system working in top condition. Don’t forget our “just-a-phone-call-away” service and support for emergencies that may arise.

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