\\n\\nYou’ve probably wondered how reverse osmosis, or RO, fits into water purification. We hear the term a lot, especially its abbreviation. Attaching “RO” to a filter often helps it sell itself. But beyond the branding, why do people trust it so much? What’s its actual role in getting clean water?\\n\\nMillions of people in the U.S. trust reverse osmosis for their water purification because:\\n

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• It’s effective and safe.

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• It makes water taste great.

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• It’s affordable.

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• And the systems run themselves.

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\\nAnd how reverse osmosis works with all sorts of water solutions is actually pretty interesting. \\n\\nReverse osmosis is a process where we push tap water through a special semi-permeable membrane using water pressure. What comes out the other side is water without contaminants.\\n\\nHow does it work?\\nWhen you push tap water through that semi-permeable membrane, it leaves contaminants behind on the first side. We customize this membrane for each filter model, depending on the source water quality. The membrane’s design specifically prevents anything but water molecules from passing through. This gives us pure water on the other side.\\n\\n \\n\\nWhat happens to the removed contaminants?\\nRO is usually part of a detailed 3 stage process. The first part, which can get more detailed based on water quality, removes larger contaminant molecules from the water. Things like sand, dirt, leaves, and stones get filtered out in the pre-filtration stage. Sometimes we use water softeners to dissolve hard chemicals like lead and potassium that could damage the membrane. Any contaminants left on the membrane after the final stage are removed during scheduled maintenance, usually every six months.\\n\\n \\n\\nWhat are the basic parts of an RO system?\\nIt generally has three stages, which can expand to seven if the water quality is really bad. But the main ones are the pre-filter stage, reverse osmosis, and the post-filter stage.\\n

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• The pre-filter stage, which might have more than two steps, removes contaminants before the main filtration. This prevents a buildup of contaminants from blocking the membrane and keeps it working effectively. We eliminate certain chemicals and physical impurities beforehand.

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• The RO stage is where the real filtration happens. Pre-filtered or softened water goes through the semi-permeable membrane under pressure, and what comes out is absolutely pure drinking water.

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• The last stage, which can involve up to two processes, focuses on water taste. We add minerals using mineralizing filters to offer health benefits and improve the water’s taste and smell.

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\\nWhat’s the best RO filter for you?\\nAfter 28 years of research, we believe you should first know your water quality index. This tells you how many impurities are in your water. Our best sellers over the years have been 3 and 4 Stage Reverse Osmosis Systems. Many people also like under-sink water filters because they’re out of sight, helping maintain their home’s look. Our wide range of counter top filters is also a very popular choice.\n

Related reading: How Solar-Powered Desalination Machines Work: A Complete Guide for Sustainable Water Purification, Is it time when my water softener needs regeneration? How does it actually work?, How Do reverse osmosis filter systems work and what do they do?.