How Reverse Osmosis Really Works: Let's dispel the false myths
THE'reverse osmosis it is one of the most effective technologies for purifying water, yet there are many false myths circulating online regarding its functioning and effects.
One of the most widespread myths is that reverse osmosis produces distilled water, devoid of minerals and potentially harmful. In this article, we dismantle this and other false myths and explain, simply and clearly, how this technology really works.
False Myth 1: Reverse Osmosis Makes Distilled Water
The reality: No, RO water is not distilled water.
Distilled water is water that is obtained by evaporating pure water and then condensing it, eliminating all impurities and minerals. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, uses one semipermeable membrane to filter most of the impurities and contaminants present in the water.
Although RO water is very pure, it is not completely free of minerals. Some essential minerals remain in the water, albeit in small quantities give lightness to the water like the ones you buy at the supermarket with low fixed residue.
The water produced by reverse osmosis is safe to drink and, in some cases, it can be remineralized to further improve flavor and mineral content. Therefore, it has nothing to do with sterile and tasteless distilled water.
False Myth 2: Reverse Osmosis Eliminates All Beneficial Minerals
The reality: Reverse osmosis removes some minerals, but essential minerals can be replenished.
It is true that reverse osmosis removes a significant portion of the dissolved minerals in water, but many of these are not strictly necessary for our health.
Essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can be eliminated, are already present in abundance in the foods we consume daily. If you prefer, it is possible to add a remineralization phase in the reverse osmosis system to restore a balanced mineral content to the water (even if it is not necessary because the fixed residue will remain like the light waters on the market)
False Myth 3: Osmotic Water is Harmful for Health
The reality: RO water is safe and in many cases healthier than tap water.
Some argue that osmotic water, being devoid of certain minerals, can damage your health. In reality, this statement is unfounded. RO water is completely safe to drink, and is often a healthier choice than untreated tap water, which may contain traces of contaminants, such as heavy metals, nitrates, chlorine and pesticides.
In fact, osmotic water is often used for medical purposes and in other applications where very pure water is required. If minerals are a concern, as mentioned, remineralizing filters exist to restore essential minerals to the water.
False Myth 4: Reverse Osmosis Wastes Too Much Water
The reality: Modern reverse osmosis technologies have reduced water waste.
Another common myth is that reverse osmosis wastes large amounts of water. It is true that a certain amount of is produced during the process waste water (used to eliminate impurities retained by the membrane), but modern reverse osmosis systems are designed to be much more efficient than in the past. Our systems achieve a waste ratio of 1:1, better than many machines on the market.
Furthermore, waste water can be reused for other domestic activities such as watering the garden or washing surfaces, thus reducing the environmental impact.
False Myth 5: Reverse Osmosis Removes Bacterial Contaminants
The reality: Reverse osmosis removes most contaminants, but it is not an antibacterial treatment.
Many people believe that reverse osmosis can eliminate bacteria as well. Although the reverse osmosis membrane can block many contaminants, it is not a system of sterilization.
To eliminate bacteria and viruses, you need to add a disinfection step, such as a treatment with UV rays or the use of chlorine, which can complete the purification system.
In practice, reverse osmosis mainly focuses on inorganic and chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals, salts, chlorine and pesticides, so it goes ONLY INSTALLED ON DIRECT WATER AND NOT FROM WELL, because it should be treated separately there.
False Myth 6: Reverse Osmosis is Expensive to Maintain
The reality: Reverse osmosis maintenance costs are very low.
Many people think that reverse osmosis systems are expensive to maintain, due to misleading advertising.
In reality, i maintenance costs they are relatively low. The main parts that require replacement are the filters (€80 per year) and the membrane can be changed based on the quality of the water and the type of machine you choose on our site (approximate price €160).
Considering the savings that can be achieved by avoiding buying bottled water and the quality of the water you get, investing in a reverse osmosis system is absolutely worthwhile in the long term.
False Myth 7: Reverse Osmosis Changes the Taste of Water in a Negative Way
The reality: RO water tastes cleaner and fresher.
Some believe that RO water has a strange or unpleasant taste. However, experience shows that water produced by reverse osmosis tastes better clean and fresh, as contaminants that can alter taste, such as chlorine, heavy metals and dissolved salts, are removed.
Furthermore, for those who prefer a more "mineral" flavour, it is possible to add a remineralising filter which further improves the taste of the water, although as mentioned before if you love light water you don't need it.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis is one of the most reliable and safe water purification technologies. It does not produce distilled water, is not harmful to health and, in fact, offers purer and better quality water than many other solutions. Let's stop believing false myths and start understanding the true advantages of this technology.
If you are looking for a water purification system that gives you peace of mind and security, reverse osmosis is an excellent choice. Contact us now to find out more