A reverse osmosis system removes contaminants from unfiltered water. It does so by forcing the water through a semi-permeable membrane. Contaminated water flows through the membrane. The result is pure, clean drinking water. The semi-permeable membrane has microscopic pores. The pores allow for the passage of water, but block contaminates. For example, when brine is subjected to pressure during the reverse osmosis process, the salt is captured, so only clean water flows to the tap.
An RO system effectively removes contaminants such as sediment and chlorine from water. The first stage is a pre-filter. The water that has passed through this pre-filter then passes through the membrane. The membrane removes dissolved solids. The water then passes through a post-filter and then to the faucet. The RO membrane lies at the heart of the system, although the system also contains a sediment filter and a carbon filter. The carbon filter eliminates contaminants that tend to give water a foul taste or odor. Any reverse osmosis system provided by or installed by, Affordable Water Systems, Inc. includes a storage tank that holds purified water, ready to use on-demand.
Reverse osmosis systems rarely need attention other than periodic membrane replacement. The need for water softener repair in Round Rock is more common. Unlike an RO system, a water softener does not filter out contaminants from the supplied water. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium, both of which make washing dishes and clothes more difficult. Water is softened during the reverse osmosis process. However, treating extremely hard water can shorten the life of the RO membrane, leading to more frequent membrane replacement. Many homeowners employ a combination of both an RO system and a water softener. Water from a water softener, installed before the RO system, removes iron from the water. Iron causes rust stains in the toilet and sink and can clog the RO membrane.
