How Do Reverse Osmosis Water Systems Work?

Reverse osmosis water systems are some of the most common filtration systems used in homes today. Understanding how they work is important for those looking to appreciate the quality of water in their home or those searching for new filtration options. 

We’re going to take a look at the process of reverse osmosis today, giving you some insight into how it works and why it matters. Hopefully, the information below will help you understand the filtration system in your home. 

Let’s get started. 

The Basics of Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

At its basic level, reverse osmosis is a way to filter impurities out of the water that enters your home. Both city and well water contain different impurities that they pick up en route to your faucet. 

In the case of well water, a lot of sediment from the water table remains in the liquid after it’s sifted through the filter in your storage tank. As for city water, treatment plants use chemicals to purify it, and while they do their best to remove those chemicals, trace amounts remain. 

The process involves two steps called osmosis and reverse osmosis. Let’s look at what those mean. 

What is Osmosis?

Osmosis is the process of moving water or another liquid through a semipermeable membrane which prevents certain molecules from moving through. 

Our bodies use the process of osmosis all of the time. Many of our cells need to transfer some nutrients but keep others. As a result, cell walls use osmosis of various kinds to transfer different things to and from the cell body. 

The first step of the filtration process always shifts the water from the area of highest concentration to the area of the lowest concentration of liquid. The water draws through the semipermeable filter (membrane) and leaves some of its impurities behind. 

What is Reverse Osmosis

The result of osmosis is what’s called a “concentrated solution.” It’s a purified form of water, but it’s still holding onto some of the chemicals and contaminants from before. 

Reverse osmosis is distinct from the first step in that it doesn’t rely on the natural flow from highest concentration to lowest concentration. Instead, the solution gets pushed back through the semipermeable membrane with external pressure and filters all of the water a second time. 

After that, the drinking water is much better tasting and healthy for you and your family to drink. Most home systems include a few more secondary filters as well. 

Some reverse osmosis filtration systems could have three or four additional filters that purify the water even more. Once cleaned, the water enters your storage tank until it’s sent through the faucet. 

Take a look at supremewatersales.com if you’re looking for a great reverse osmosis system. 

Want to Learn More About Filtration Systems?

Reverse osmosis water systems are just one of many different ways to filter drinking water. Learning all about your options helps you to make decisions in the home. 

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