Frequently Asked Questions
# What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?
=> Reverse Osmosis is a membrane filtration technology that works by forcing water under pressure through the very tiny pores of a semi-permeable membrane. Reverse Osmosis units for the home combine membrane technology with carbon and mechanical filtration to produce highly purified, great-tasting water.
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# How does Reverse Osmosis work?
=> In the RO systems used at homes, water pressure from overhead storage tanks is used to force the water through the unit which passes through the first stage of Pre Sediment Filter and then two stages of Pre Carbon filters. This removes organic contaminants including chlorine and its by-products.
Next, the water passes through the RO membrane, which is a very tight, sheet-like filter. This rejects dissolved solids like sodium and impurities like lead and arsenic. All contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, herbicides, heavy metals and chemical poisons are also removed. Only the purest water passes through the membrane and rest is left behind and is drained out.
Some of water, which enters the membrane, is used to keep it clean and is also flushed out.
# Is a Reverse Osmosis unit like a Distiller?
=> A distiller is like a big tea kettle: it boils water, catches the steam, condenses it, and captures the resulting water. Most impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber. Whereas, an RO system filters the water through a very tight semi-permeable membrane.
# Is Reverse Osmosis water more pure than distilled water?
=> Like Reverse Osmosis water, distilled water is very pure, but distillers don’t work well regarding volatile chemicals with a low boiling point. Many cities use Chloramines instead of chlorine as a disinfectant, and these aren’t removed properly by distillers.
If volatile chemicals like chlorine are not removed by carbon filtration before they enter the distiller, they will be released into the room air or they will end up in the distilled water.
RO units have carbon filters with them and they do a very good job with removing chloramines.
# Is it true that Reverse Osmosis units waste a lot of water?
=> An RO unit uses water to clean itself and wash away impurities while providing your clean water. It does use more water in its operation than you actually consume, but it will be just a marginal increase in your water bill. It’s just like other appliances which use water, like washing machines, dish washers, water for washing cars, flush toilets, etc.
It would be equivalent to about two or three toilet flushes a day. In terms of expense, it’s nothing compared to staying healthy.
# What is the life of a Reverse Osmosis unit?
=> If you service your Reverse Osmosis unit regularly and replace parts that wear out, it will have a long life and virtually last forever.
The life of the semipermeable membrane is generally about three to five years depending on the quality of water that it has to filter.
# Does a Reverse Osmosis unit remove chlorine?
=> A Reverse Osmosis unit has Carbon Filters to remove chlorine from the water. Water first passes through the carbon filters and after removal of chlorine from it, it goes to the semipermeable membrane for further filtration process to give you pure drinking water.
# Do Reverse Osmosis units remove minerals that are essential to health?
=> The minerals in water are inorganic and hard for your body to use. Reverse Osmosis units remove about 95% of the mineral content but this quantity is insignificant and negligible as compared to the quantity & quality of minerals that you get in your food, which provides organic, easily assimilated minerals.
# Do Reverse Osmosis units run on electricity?
=> No. Reverse Osmosis units run on normal water pressure, which is available without any extra effort from your overhead tank or municipality water pipeline. You would need electricity only if you add an electric pressure-boost pump or an ultraviolet lamp.