Using a Reverse Osmosis Filter

Many people today are concerned about the quality of their drinking water.  It is well known that most of America's tap water and well water contains contaminants and that it is often not up to standards.  Poor drinking water can contain lead, cancer causing agents, bacteria, and other harmful chemicals and micro organisms.  Because of this, many people are looking into a water filter.  One of the most popular kinds is that of reverse osmosis filters.  But before you go out and buy one, you should learn of the pros and cons of reverse osmosis filters.

A reverse osmosis filter filters out many harmful contaminants from your water.  It does this by using a semi permeable membrane that allows the water that is being purified to pass through.  As it does this, it rejects the contaminants that remain.  Reverse osmosis utilizes a technology known as cross flow.  Cross flow allows the membrane to continually clean itself off.  As fluid passes through the membrane, some of it continues downstream.  This causes the rejected and unwanted particles to be pushed away from the membrane. 

First, the pros of reverse osmosis filter.  First, it filters: lead, copper, arsenic, cadmium, chlorine, giardia, pesticides, salt, trihalomethanes, sulfates, cysts, and nitrates. The reverse-osmosis membrane can also screen some bacteria and viruses.  Second, it runs without electricity and the initial filter is rather inexpensive to purchase.  You can purchase one that fits under your kitchen sink for about $200.

Now for the cons of the reverse osmosis filter.  For every 1 gallon of water it purifies, it wastes and tosses away another 4 gallons of water.  This will lead you to a more expensive water bill, but it may be worth it to some of you over the concerns of unsafe drinking water.  Also, since the semi permeable membrane is self cleaning, if you do not purify much water, the life of the membrane will be decrease and you will have to purchase replacements more often.  Normally, replacements are only needed every two years.

Lastly, it depends on your plumbing and installation skills.  If you are knowledgeable at plumbing and if you do not mind being under a sink for 2 hours, consider it a pro to have one.  If not, you will need to call a plumber and consider it a con!

Those were the pros and cons of having a reverse osmosis filter.  In our opinion, having safe and clean drinking water far out weighs the cons of having a reverse osmosis filter.  If you want to protect yourself and your family, consider getting a reverse osmosis filter.  It will give you true peace of mind!