The Pros and Cons of Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Reverse osmosis water filtration is one of the most fascinating and effective solutions to water issues. 

It can remove contaminants that can be seen through the naked eye, such as dirt, sediments, and floating waste. 

It can also separate microbes and chemicals to make the water safer for consumption. RO filters are proven to reduce sodium, lead, fluoride, mercury, and disease-causing bacteria. 

In some countries, reverse osmosis filtration is used to turn seawater into drinkable water to address shortages in the water supply. 

Due to its high efficiency, the popularity of RO filters has trickled down from industrial and commercial applications to household use. 

If you are mulling about getting a reverse osmosis filter, knowing the different benefits and downsides of using one will help you decide. 

What Are The Pros of Reverse Osmosis Filtration?

1. It is highly effective. The process of filtering water through reverse osmosis is so valuable that it has been adopted by different sectors. It is used in certain places to combat water scarcity, by food and dining establishments to boost sanitation and product quality, and by households to promote wellness. 

   The power of reverse osmosis stems from its utilization of filtering water in multiple stages. For instance, Crystal Quest Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filter comprehensively purifies water in 17 stages. It can remove viruses, parasites, bacteria, and other molecules larger than 0.20 micron, thereby eliminating most known contaminants.

2. It is energy-efficient. A powerful water filtration process demands a lot of energy to use, right? 

   Wrong. What many would be surprised to find out is that some reverse osmosis filters do not even require electricity to work. If you have been thinking about getting an RO filter but are worried it might spike your electric bill, you’d be glad to know you can get one that can function without electricity. 

   The Compact Whole House Water Filter by Crystal Quest applies different media to separate foreign substances from water. Although its water filtration system is made up of different stages, it does not require electricity to work. It is the ideal RO filter for homes, especially when combined with the Leak Detector Smart Valve that tracks down leakage and prolongs the lifespan of the device. 

3. It is affordable. The average person drinks 8 glasses of water daily which equates to half a gallon a day or 182.5 gallons annually. Imagine if you have to rely on bottled water just to get your fill of a clean and safe drink. It will eat up a huge chunk of your budget!

   Of course, you can’t just ignore or tolerate water of substandard quality. Investing in a reverse osmosis filtration system is a cost-effective solution to remove impurities from the water you consume.

4. It has non-health related benefits. While it is known that RO filtered water tastes better and saves you from many diseases, its benefits extend far beyond health. 

   RO filtration removes calcium and magnesium from water. Otherwise, these minerals can result to hard water. Here are a few reasons why you should be concerned about hard water: 

• Decreased water pressure. Deposits of calcium and magnesium compounds can damage pipes and weaken water pressure in your household.
• Fabric stains. Laundry detergents are not as effective when used with hard water. Clothes are more likely to deteriorate in quality when washed with hard water.
• Glass spots. The white or cloudy spots on silverware and glasses come from the presence of calcium carbonate in water.

The Cons

It can remove significant amounts of water. In its process of filtration, reverse osmosis produces wastewater. Depending on the type of filter that you use, your consumption of water with RO might increase and be reflected on your bill. 

It might result in a different taste. When using an RO filter for the first time, you might find the taste of water weird. RO filtration removes different types of minerals. In their absence, water may have a flat or slightly different flavor than you are used to. 

It requires maintenance. RO filters are not devices that you can just plug in and forget. Remember that this device works by removing harmful materials from water. These materials are left on the filters, so filter replacement must be done after a certain period. 

Keep these pros and cons of reverse osmosis water filters in mind to help you decide if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of using one.