Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems: The Ultimate Guide

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Contaminants are removed from water through the reverse osmosis process by passing the water through a membrane that allows only specific molecules to penetrate. The membrane acts as a barrier, only allowing water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules such as dissolved salts, minerals, and other impurities. The result is clean, purified water free from contaminants and safe for consumption.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

A – Pressure

B – High concentration solution

C – Flow build up

D – RO Membrane

E – Low concentration solution

F – Filtered water

The reverse osmosis process works on the principle of osmosis, where water naturally moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. In reverse osmosis, pressure is applied to the side of the membrane with higher solute concentration, forcing water molecules to move in the opposite direction, from the concentrated solution to the dilute solution.

Whole house reverse osmosis water filter systems generally consist of multiple stages of a filtration system, each designed to target specific types of contaminants. These stages may include pre-filters to remove sediment and larger particles, activated carbon filters to adsorb organic compounds and chlorine, and the semipermeable membrane for removing dissolved solids and other impurities. Proper pre-treatment is essential for maintaining the longevity and effectiveness of the system, ensuring it lasts 15-20 years.

Benefits of Whole House Systems

Improved Water Taste and Odor

One of the most noticeable benefits of using a whole-house reverse osmosis system is the significant improvement in the taste and smell of the water, resulting in great tasting drinking water. By removing chlorine, sediment, and other impurities, RO systems produce water that is clean and refreshing.

Removal of Contaminants

Whole house reverse osmosis systems are very effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, and pharmaceutical residues. This ensures that households have access to clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Health Benefits

Consuming purified water free from contaminants can have significant health benefits for individuals and families. By eliminating harmful substances from the water supply, RO systems help reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and improve overall health and well-being.

Softer Skin and Hair

The removal of chlorine and other chemicals from water can also have cosmetic benefits, such as softer skin and hair. Without the harsh effects of chlorine, people may experience less dryness, irritation, and damage to their skin and hair.

Considerations Before Installation

Reverse Osmosis system pre installation.

Water Quality Testing

The primary consideration when considering a whole-house reverse osmosis system is the assessment of the water supply’s quality. Performing extensive water quality testing can help identify the exact contaminants present in the water and determine the level of filtration required. This often includes measuring total dissolved solids (TDS) levels.

System Size and Capacity

Whole house reverse osmosis systems come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different household requirements. It’s essential to choose a system that can handle the water demand of your household while providing efficient filtration and water flow.

Water Pressure and Flow Rate

Reverse osmosis systems require adequate water pressure to operate effectively. Before installation, homeowners should assess their water pressure and flow rate to ensure compatibility with the chosen RO system. In some cases, additional equipment such as booster pumps may be necessary.

Space Requirements

Whole-house reverse osmosis systems normally require dedicated space for installation, including storage tanks, filtration units, and plumbing connections. Additionally, space is needed for an atmospheric water storage tank, which is a key component of the system. Homeowners should consider the available space in their homes and decide whether installing an RO system is feasible and select a system that fits their available space.

Maintenance Requirements

Like any water treatment system, whole-house reverse osmosis systems require regular maintenance to guarantee the best performance and longevity. Homeowners should get used to maintenance tasks involved, such as filter replacements, membrane cleaning, and system sanitization, and factor these into their decision-making process.

Water Usage Patterns

Your household’s water usage behavior is vital for selecting the right whole-house reverse osmosis system in terms of size and capacity. Factors such as the number of occupants, daily water consumption, and usage habits (e.g., bathing, cooking, laundry) can influence the system’s design and performance requirements.

Budget Considerations

Whole-house reverse osmosis systems range in price depending on considerations like brand, capacity, and features. Homeowners should establish a budget for their RO system investment, considering the initial purchase cost and the ongoing maintenance and operating costs. However, it’s important to consider that whole house RO systems can be expensive to install and maintain, and may require additional equipment and space.

Using Reverse Osmosis for Borehole/Underground Water

While municipal water supplies are subject to strict regulations and treatment processes, many homeowners rely on private water sources such as boreholes or underground wells. These water sources often pose unique challenges due to their higher mineral content, bacterial contamination, or other impurities.

Water Quality Testing

Conduct thorough water quality testing to identify the specific contaminants present in the borehole or underground water supply. This will help determine the level of filtration required and ensure that the chosen RO system is capable of effectively treating the water.

Pre-Filtration

Depending on the quality of the water source, it may be necessary to implement additional pre-filtration stages to remove sediment, debris, and larger particles before the water enters the reverse osmosis membrane. This helps prevent clogging and extends the lifespan of the RO system.

Mineralization

Reverse osmosis removes not only contaminants but also minerals essential for human health, such as calcium and magnesium. To address this, some RO systems feature mineralization stages that reintroduce beneficial minerals into the purified water, improving its taste and nutritional value.

UV Sterilization

In cases where borehole or underground water is prone to bacterial contamination, UV sterilization may be incorporated into the reverse osmosis water system to disinfect the water and ensure its safety for consumption. UV sterilization effectively neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without the use of chemicals.

Professional Installation

Given the complexity of treating boreholes or underground water, homeowners may opt for professional installation of their whole house reverse osmosis system. Professional installers can assess the water quality, recommend appropriate filtration solutions, and ensure proper installation and setup of the RO system.