A Reverse osmosis system passes impure water through a semi-permeable membrane and removes many of the impurities (approximately 90+ percent free of mineral and biological contaminants).
The quality of the membrane and the pressure of the water help determine how effectively the water separates the contaminants.
Reverse osmosis (RO) units remove substantial amounts of most inorganic chemicals (such as salts, metals and minerals), most microorganisms and many organic chemicals.
Mechanical filters and activated carbon filters are most always used with an RO unit.
First, the mechanical filter removes dirt, sediment and other impurities that clog the reverse osmosis membrane.
The RO unit is installed next.
An activated carbon filter then removes some organic compounds which pass through the RO unit. Nitrates, however, will pass through carbon filters.
Reverse osmosis units use large amounts of water. Typically, about 75 percent or more of the water put into RO units is discarded with the contaminants.
These systems may not be appropriate for households with a limited water supply.
Regular testing of the water supply is necessary to make sure the membrane is intact.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_068.cfm http://www.cce.cornell.edu/factsheets/wq-fact-sheets/fact4.htm
http://gardenline.usask.ca/plants/ppwater.html
The quality of the membrane and the pressure of the water help determine how effectively the water separates the contaminants.
Reverse osmosis (RO) units remove substantial amounts of most inorganic chemicals (such as salts, metals and minerals), most microorganisms and many organic chemicals.
Mechanical filters and activated carbon filters are most always used with an RO unit.
First, the mechanical filter removes dirt, sediment and other impurities that clog the reverse osmosis membrane.
The RO unit is installed next.
An activated carbon filter then removes some organic compounds which pass through the RO unit. Nitrates, however, will pass through carbon filters.
Reverse osmosis units use large amounts of water. Typically, about 75 percent or more of the water put into RO units is discarded with the contaminants.
These systems may not be appropriate for households with a limited water supply.
Regular testing of the water supply is necessary to make sure the membrane is intact.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_068.cfm http://www.cce.cornell.edu/factsheets/wq-fact-sheets/fact4.htm
http://gardenline.usask.ca/plants/ppwater.html
