As we struggle to keep up with the Joneses we get battered with new products, new terms, new features that we absolutely must have. Reverse osmosis drinking water systems are one of those products. Let’s take time out to do a little learning and determine if it’s truly something we need.

What is it? Reverse osmosis is a membrane separation process used for removing dissolved salts, organics, microorganisms, and particulates from water. It is a highly effective and relatively simple process, using a membrane and pressure. It purifies the water and remove ions and dissolved organic molecules. No one wants to think they’re drinking “other stuff” in their water so the goal to purify and remove the contaminants is the primary goal. Interestingly enough, it’s the same technique used in dialysis, which is used by people with kidney failure.

My in-laws and parents both have this system and I can say it does a good job of cleaning out the cloudy nature of their water. It is easily demonstrated by looking at the ice cubes. Under this system the ice cubes are almost entirely clear as the impurities have been filtered out.

Reverse osmosis is a moderate to high pressure (80-1200 psi) driven process for separating larger size solutes from aqueous solutions by means of semi-permeable reverse osmosis membranes, and is where water flows through the membrane from a strong solution to a weak one. It is a complicated process which uses a membrane under pressure to separate relatively pure water (or other solvent) from a less pure solution. It is less efficient than some other options so more raw water is needed to produce finished water.

Reverse osmosis is typically used for the desalination of seawater but it’s also becoming popular in the average home.