Although drinking water is treated by municipalities, the quality of the water flowing from our taps can sometimes be altered by foreign matter. Whether it’s due to pipeline wear or bacteriological contamination, if in doubt, the first step is to perform a water analysis.
In case of contamination, it is important to install a reliable and effective water purifier. Reverse osmosis is one of the most popular and effective water filtration methods available on the market. This system can also be installed to treat well water.
What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a water filtration system that removes undesirable substances from water. This system is available in several formats, from a small device installed under the kitchen sink to a large system for treating all the water in the house, or even an entire village.
In this reverse osmosis principle, pressure is applied to the water, forcing it to pass through several filters:
- First, the water passes through a carbon filter that removes chlorine and sediments.
- Then, the water is pushed through the semi-permeable membrane, which blocks contaminants such as minerals, chemicals, and other impurities, allowing only water to pass through.
- Finally, the water passes through a new activated carbon post-filter to improve the taste of the water. Your drinking water becomes pure and of exceptional quality!
What are the advantages of reverse osmosis?
Water treated by reverse osmosis allows for the effective elimination of contaminants from the water. Your water is thus freed from undesirable substances and heavy metals that might be present. Reverse osmosis can therefore solve chemical and aesthetic problems, in addition to removing the chlorine taste from the water. After passing through this system, only water comes out of the membrane; all contaminants are eliminated.
Osmosed water allows you to reduce your bottled water consumption, considerably reducing plastic waste and unnecessary expenses. Installing a reverse osmosis system is therefore a long-term economic solution. This system also has the advantage of treating unusual water problems, for example, the presence of sodium in groundwater.
Reverse osmosis for treating artesian well water
Did you know that if your artesian well water is salty, it will also be very corrosive and damage your equipment? It is possible to install a reverse osmosis filtration system that will treat the water for the entire house and your domestic uses. This way, you will avoid damage to your plumbing and household appliances. Your faucets will remain in good condition, as will your dishwasher and other appliances. Your clothes will also have brighter colors after washing. Whites will be whiter than ever, and your clothes will be softer!
What are the disadvantages of reverse osmosis?
Despite the definite advantages of using a domestic reverse osmosis system, this process nevertheless has certain drawbacks.
Its purchase cost is higher than a standard water purifier, especially for high-quality models. For a point-of-use system (single faucet), you should expect to pay around $125 per year for cartridge purchases. However, you will save money in the long term, as a water purifier allows you to obtain quality water, preventing you from repeatedly buying bottled water.
Sometimes, some reverse osmosis systems filter water to too high a level, removing all minerals and leaving an insipid taste. This lack of taste may displease some people who prefer water richer in minerals. Nevertheless, it is possible to add a post-filter cartridge, which provides more alkaline water that will retain some flavor.
What is the price of a reverse osmosis system for the home?
The prices for such a system vary from $300 to $500 for entry-level models and can go up to $1500 for high-end models. The least expensive devices are mostly manufactured in Asia, and their design quality can be inconsistent… You will also have more difficulty obtaining replacement cartridges, as well as replacement parts in case of breakage. The consistency in the supply of entry-level cartridges can also vary, unlike those manufactured by the reverse osmosis system manufacturer.
It is also important to be careful if you use poor quality cartridges because the water that comes out of your system may be of lower quality than what went in. Indeed, cartridges don’t just capture elements—they can also release unwanted substances back into the water if not maintained properly. To ensure that your system and cartridges are of good quality, purchase them from a water treatment specialist. At Experteau, we only offer systems manufactured in North America, to maintain high quality standards.
