Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Review - Is Reverse Osmosis The Best Water Filtration System?

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Review - Is Reverse Osmosis The Best Water Filtration System

Water-related problems have existed for a long time, and since it’s a fact, everyone knows. Developments and methods were made to stop these troubles from causing harm.             

The importance of treatment comes down to the truth that water is not only used for chores, but we also consume it and let it stay on our bodies. 

Many sources supply water, natural or water reserves; however, the sad truth is that regardless of where our water comes from, its cleanliness and safety are questionable.

The crystal clear river you think is safe from chemicals may have dissolved organic matter with it, and even the ones from treatment plants may acquire contaminants as they flow toward your homes. 

Water as a natural matter had some unworried about contaminants; they believe that as long as they’re hydrated, it’s enough. What they failed to see is how dangerous some contaminants are. The harm of these contaminants may range from little effect to long-term harm. 

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter seems to be one of the most popular with the many methods and technologies developed, but what is it?     

A View of Reverse Osmosis

The existence of reverse osmosis is calculated to range from four hundred years ago, and this method has been known to be an important method of water filtration.

The process evolved and developed through the years as it became an accessible method for everyone. However, this process is not invincible. As contaminants increase, the effects of the said method may decrease.

Reverse Osmosis existed and was welcomed by many as the best alternative for the expensive distillation process. It is continuously embraced as one of the most effective and safest ways to treat drinking water. Besides being cheaper, it is more effective than distillation in removing dissolved chemicals in the water.

The method is ideal for filtering out heavy metals and chemicals such as nitrates, fluoride, sodium, mercury, uranium, lead, radium, etc. It could also eliminate harmful bacteria, chlorine, and other hazardous sediments.

Reverse Osmosis Filters are one-of-a-kind filtering systems with detailed and traditional purifying activities. To remove unidentified particles in water, this filtering item carefully and meticulously removes any harmful chemicals that may endanger the consumer's health when drinking water.

Invented during the 1970s, Reverse Osmosis Filters helped and aided many people by ensuring the safety of the water they drink. Its membrane-like structure is specialized in draining out the particles mixed with the water it filters.

The impurities found and filtered are separated and slashed out in the filtered water system. This is how Reverse Osmosis Filters have worked in households for many decades.

The reverse osmosis filter also converts seawater and brackish water into sterilized water through its natural process that forces the solvent to produce safe and clean water.

It has greatly contributed to its application in different sectors, such as medical, domestic, and industrial. This filtering equipment has long proven to be good and trusted by most consumers in the market.

Its traditionalized process still maintains its effectiveness with its service to the water filtering industry. This water filter facility stands out from the others because of its long-term duration of service to the consumers in the market.

Buyer’s Guide

Indeed, there are various things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water filtering system. The majority of homeowners are aware of this kind of system. However, they don’t know what it is and how it works. The next section will explain some terms you will meet when buying a reverse osmosis system.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work? 

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Reverse Osmosis is one of the methods used for water purification. This process uses a semi-permeable membrane to purify water.

The process involves water passing through a small enough membrane, only allowing water molecules to pass by, and this process eliminates those sediments larger than water molecules, such as dirt and other contaminants.

Applied pressure is used in the process and does not need much electrical power. The membrane is designed to separate larger molecule contaminants from clean water molecules. Its popularity ranges from industrial to commercial use, and this is widely used for drinking water purposes. Its wonder is also seen in converting seawater into potable and consumable water. 

The Downside of the Reverse Osmosis Process

Though it is known to be cheaper than the popular distillation process, it has numerous issues that may seem unfavorable to some. Despite saving energy since it does not need much electricity, the “waste” is manifested in gallons of water being rejected to produce cleaner ones. This process also works slowly compared to other methods.

Health issues are also raised since this process will require filtering everything bigger than a water molecule. Some important natural minerals are being stripped off together with other impurities.

It was proven that water without those important natural minerals is unhealthy for your body. One of the minerals that Reverse Osmosis can get rid of is alkaline, which makes the water acidic, and as we all know, consuming acidic liquids will harm our body. 

Reverse Osmosis only removes the bigger than water. Contaminants that are smaller than water molecules will not be eliminated effectively.

Smaller contaminants may include fertilizer sediments, industrial solvents, pesticides, or herbicides; these miniature sediments are free to pass through filter membranes, thus allowing them to enter your body when consumed; these contaminants may bring diseases such as cancer and other illnesses.

Step-by-Step Process of Reverse Osmosis

Usually, the reverse osmosis system contains around five filtration steps. They will often have different names, but they perform the same thing. Here is the description of each step:

  1. Sediment Removal Stage- This step can block the larger contaminants in the water. Examples of these are rust, clay, silt, and stones. The majority of the manufacturers will use a 5-micron filter for this step. Those large particles will be suspended. As such, no harmful elements can reach the membrane.

  2. First Carbon Filter Stage- In this step, chlorine and other harmful chemicals can be eliminated from the water. These chemicals cause a bad taste in the water. As such, it needs to be removed.

  3. Second Carbon Filter Stage- Most of the remaining particles in the water get suspended in this stage. This one is more compact and denser than the first carbon filter stage. This can block more particles in the water. The resulting product is a stream of clean water.

  4. Reverse Osmosis Membrane- This is considered the most important step of the filtration process. This is where the water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane. The membrane is a semi-permeable one. It can remove even the tiniest particles. Most of the time, the contaminants are eliminated by their size, weight, and ionic charge. Those elements larger than 0.0001 microns and heavier than 200 molecular weight are eradicated. All the heavy metals plus the radioactive components are removed. After that, the suspended contaminants are drained out of the system. Then, the separation of pure and contaminated water takes place.

  5. Removal of Bacteria- This can be the last step for some reverse osmosis systems. This step removes the chlorine, bacteria, bad smell, and viruses. After that, the pure water goes on the faucet and water tank.

  6. Optional Steps:

    1. Mineral Addition in the Water - Most contaminants are removed after the reverse osmosis membrane is reached. Unfortunately, the minerals in the water are eliminated too. For some people, they drink water to supply minerals to their bodies. But if the minerals are absent, they can do more harm than good to you. But in this step, minerals are added to the water. With this, water will be better-tasting and healthier.

    2. UV filter- This is also an optional step in the reverse osmosis filtration system. This can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms in the water. The UV filter is a light bulb. As such, the RO systems will also need an electrical outlet for the power source. UV light can kill the contaminants in the water. The resulting product is clean water suitable for children and the elderly.

Contaminants Removed by the Reverse Osmosis Filter

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

The reverse osmosis water filtering system can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants in the water, depending on the quality of the source.

Due to the system’s high water filtering efficiency, it is used to treat surface or groundwater. Also, it can be used to treat brackish water. Today, food and beverage companies use reverse osmosis water filters. The same is true with semiconductor manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies.

TDS

TDS, or the total dissolved solids, refers to inorganic compounds in the water. These include sulfates, potassium, chlorides, bicarbonates, and sodium. Add to that some of the organic matter dissolved in the water.

TDS can be measured in the lab, which can be accurate yet expensive. Also, it can be measured by its electrical conductivity. The results are within 10%, like how you get it in the lab.

A high-quality RO water filtration system can reduce 90% of the TDS in the water. However, this amount varies according to the water source.

Installation and Maintenance of the Reverse Osmosis System

Most of the RO systems available today can be installed easily. Some products do not require any installation. You have to connect it with the faucet, and it can already work.

On the other hand, some products need to be installed permanently. Though various manufacturers make them, the installation is similar.

You can install the system on your own without the help of a professional. Just remember that the system needs to be installed under the sink in the kitchen cabinet. If you wish to have it far from the sink, like in the storage area or basement, buy all the needed parts.

The hardest part of the installation is drilling the new mounting hole, which holds the pure water faucet. Before installing the faucet, always check with the authorities first. They might require you to install an air gap faucet versus the standard one.

Also, kitchen sinks come with an additional hole for the faucet. This can be blanked off. If such is the case, drilling a new hole for the tap is unnecessary. What you need to do is to remove the existing cover.

Step-by-Step Guide on the Installation

The majority of the RO systems can be installed easily through color-coded connectors. With this, you don’t have to rely much on special tools. Here are some of the steps to follow to ensure a good installation.

  1. Detach the Cold Water: Remove the whole length of the feed pipe of the cold water from the wall to the faucet.

  2. Put the T-Connector: RO systems have a T and plush fit connector. There are cases when the push-fit connector might be detached.

  3. Install the Waste Pipe: If you wish to install the waste connector, drill a hole in the pipe. The best place to do this is in the horizontal section of the waste pipe. It will reduce the noise from the water flushed down whenever the system is at work.

  4. Mount the filter: For most RO systems, you must mount the filter on the cupboard side. Remember, you must change the filters regularly to have free space to operate them.

  5. Install the Water Tank: Next, install the water tank at the cupboard base. See to it that you do this on a flat surface.

  6. Attach the Water Pipes: Connecting the water pipes is simple with color-coded connectors. With this, you are assured that all connections are properly placed.

  7. Plug the system in the electrical outlet: You should plug it in for systems with UV filters. Ensure the RO unit is near the outlet so the power cord can reach it.  

  8. Turn on the water: Now, you have to turn on the water and check for leaks. For leakages, turn off the water and use Teflon tape. However, don’t do this step if you use a Countertop Portable unit because this will cause further damage to the product.

  9. Fill and empty the water tank: To activate the filters, fill and empty the water tank. Always check the unit manual to be sure how many water tanks need to be filled and emptied. Remember, you must drink the water at this step.

Other Than Reverse Osmosis, What Would Work Well?

Water filters work well like reverse osmosis but are cheaper and require less space. However, the effectiveness of water filters varies depending on the brand. Some brands claim to work like magic but do not do what they promise. 

Our Berkey Water System is one of the best choices available. The Berkey Water system is cheaper than Reverse Osmosis and requires less installation expense since you can assemble its part yourself. 

While others complain about wasting water during the Reverse Osmosis process, the Berkey System will clean all the water you want to filter without throwing out even a single drop. 

The Black Berkey® Elements dramatically reduce trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment, and radiological on your water, making it cleaner and safer for consumption.

Though reverse osmosis filters remove the harmful contaminants in the water, there is a possibility that even the remaining healthy minerals may be stripped off too from the water.

Unlike Reverse Osmosis, which requires a plumber and electrician to install its filtering system, the Berkey Filter needs no varied and detailed assembly. Its quick and easy built-in ability allows you to transport this filtering equipment to all the places you wish to come and see. 
Berkey Water Filters VS Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis has been accepted as an effective way to clear out contaminations in water for some time. Berkey Water Filter, however, has revolutionized the water filtering technology to meet today’s standards of water decontamination.

Both have made their stand by providing clean and safe water to consumers. However, these systems are very different in how they purify the water. They also have different key components that are necessary for the whole process.

Beneficial Minerals in the Water

The reverse osmosis process strips out the necessary and beneficial minerals in the water, thus making it an acidic or “hypotonic” solution.

The term hypotonic solution means a de-mineralized solution that can’t be good for something so natural and healthy as water. This impacts the body because equilibrium is sought when a hypotonic solution comes together with a hypertonic solution.

A hypertonic solution refers to the body's fluids full of minerals. So, drinking a hypotonic solution will cause the minerals from your body’s blood and lymphatic system to be de-mineralized and flushed out.

If this cycle caused by reverse osmosis in your body continues, it will hurt your bodily functions unless you take the necessary supplements to counter it.

In the case of the Berkey filters, they are purposely designed to leave all the beneficial minerals of water to ensure that the demineralization of the body will prevent the dangerous cycle from happening.

This certainly makes the Berkey filter a healthier choice since you can reap the benefits that water can provide your body with.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

A reverse osmosis system can have up to 4 filter elements wherein each should be changed at different intervals between 4 months to 2 years.

The replacement requires the water pressure to be shut off, or the system will be disassembled for maintenance.

Also, the bladder tank must be washed using a chlorine solution at six months to ensure the bacteria is completely killed off. 

The Berkey Water System lasts 6000 gallons per set of 2, and it usually takes five years to replace it.

The fluoride filter needs to be replaced every 1000 gallons or two years. To maintain it, it is recommended that the lower chamber be washed just with soap and water once a month.

Cost

A regular reverse osmosis system costs about 20-65 cents per gallon.

The Berkey Water System only costs 3 cents per gallon, and since no electricity is needed for it to function, you can save costs for energy consumption.

Processing

Reverse Osmosis System

The reverse Osmosis System is a complex system that has different stages. A handful of parts must be mounted and connected correctly to maintain efficiency. It is usually electrically operated. It is a powerful cleaning system that takes 99% of the contaminants.

Reverse osmosis is also known as hyper-filtration. Bottling companies have been using this method as it is known to reduce particles at the molecular level. It is also known for its high-yield production as it has a storage tank, and with its electrically driven parts, everything can run automatically.  

It is so powerful that it can reduce arsenic, barium, cysts, hexavalent chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, cadmium, radium 226/ 228, and turbidity.

It is normally made up of about 4-5 filtering stages, and each has its function to ensure that water is clean and safe to drink. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove most contaminants and has a granule-activated charcoal filter that removes chlorine and magnesium. It has a holding tank; parts are mounted and may take up space.

Water is first filtered through micron and carbon filters. The water then passes through a semi-permeable membrane. This process wastes a large amount of water. If you have installed ultraviolet (UV) light, it will remove most of the harmful pathogens in the treated water.

After Effects  

Reverse osmosis, however, produces a hypotonic solution of water. This type of water lacks beneficial minerals, making it acidic. How does this affect your body?

Recent studies have found that prolonged drinking of hypotonic solutions can have an unwanted impact on your body system. Our body is hypertonic, and different minerals are used in vital functions of the body.

As you take a hypotonic solution, your body tends to be in equilibrium. The hypotonic solution, lacking the minerals, will be compensated by the hypertonic body fluids, such as your blood, which we all know is full of minerals. These minerals will be flushed out with equalized water and in your urine, leaving your body needing to re-mineralize itself.

In a period, with great effort, your body will begin to look for other sources of minerals like your bones and organs.

Consumer’s Point of View 

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Review - Is Reverse Osmosis The Best Water Filtration System?

Clean water is most important to us. We want to be safe and stay healthy. However, we also need to consider the financial aspect and perhaps the additional effort required for the water filtration products available.  

Reverse Osmosis may give promising results regarding how clean its product is. Still, it usually costs a lot as you need to buy a handful of equipment, and let’s not forget about the complexity of its installation. It also uses electricity. If lights went out, you would no longer be able to have clean water.     

Berkey Water Filter, however, provides clean water without the consumer needing a technical understanding of installments.

Black Berkey® Elements dramatically reduce trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment, radiological, and more.   

Electricity and extra manual labor are unnecessary as they operate only with gravity. It would be wiser to buy a product that would cost less and not add to your other bills yet still gives you the healthy water you need.  

Water is important to our health, so we should be concerned about whether we drink the right water.  We can’t risk our health and lives just because we do not care about the water we drink.  We must always make sure that it is safe.     



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