Osmosis Water

Osmosis Water

Reverse Osmosis Water Units - These Systems Have Problems

Reverse osmosis water units are expensive and for most homeowners, there is no need to spend the money. While those that market them may say that reverse osmosis systemes are the best, there are better, more technologically advanced alternatives.

Reverse osmosis water units have been recommended for giardia and cryptosporidium cyst removal. In case you are not familiar with them, cysts cause waterborne illnesses similar to food poisoning. They can cause chronic stomach problems as well. In people with poorly functioning immune systems, they can cause death. Any system that is certified to filter down to one micron will remove cysts. The best ones filter down to a half a micron.

Reverse osmosis systems are sometimes recommended for people that have "hard water" which is a high mineral content. Generally, the mineral is calcium, but iron and other elements can cause problems as well. Water softeners are less expensive than reverse osmosis systems, as is ion exchange. Either of those can be targeted to address specific minerals and other elements without completely de-mineralizing. Drinking de-mineralized water on a regular basis is not good for your health.

Reverse osmosis water units are sometimes recommended for lead reduction. Ion exchange systems trap lead, copper, and other metallic ions and replace them with sodium or potassium. Those electrolytes help to maintain the body's homeostasis or hydration.

In most homes, the biggest problems are chemical contaminants, including chlorine and chorine byproducts known as THMs. In some areas, VOCs, such as perchlorate, are problems. Traces of pesticides, herbicides, and prescription drugs have been found coming in to many homes and offices.

Reverse osmosis systems will not remove those chemicals at all. They are smaller than your water's molecules. Anything that would filter them out would not allow water to pass through either. Chemicals can only be trapped on the surface of carbon granules and special resins. The process is called adsorption.

The quality of adsorptive purifiers varies. It's best to read product performance data before you buy one. The manufacturer should list the impurities that are reduced and the extent of reduction. Most reverse osmosis water units don't include the extent of reduction, because they don't have the testing done. Manufacturers can have Underwriter's and other independent laboratories conduct testing, but they must pay for it. Many companies don't want to go to the expense.

If your problem is fluoride, reverse osmosis systems are mostly ineffective. The highest fluoride reduction is provided by granulated aluminum. But, granular carbon is somewhat effective as well.

If you have a private well, then you should have regular testing conducted to determine the impurities that are present. Even after you install a system, you should have annual testing conducted to create a record of quality. There are industrial and natural activities that can affect that quality.

If you have access to a public waterline, you don't need reverse osmosis water units. You need multi-stage selective filtration, which is far less expensive.

About the Author

Zach Zimmerman has been researching Water Purification methods for several years. Visit his webpage Natural Purified Water to discover how to select the very best Water Filtration system for your home or office. Invest in your health and buy a Home Water filter, but make sure you make it a good one.

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