A reverse osmosis water filter is not the right choice, if you are hoping to improve the quality and taste of your tap water. The water from your tap has probably already passed through a reverse osmosis filter, but that does not mean it's completely safe or good to drink.
The reverse osmosis water filter was designed to remove salt, minerals and larger molecular particles from public drinking water. The portable devices were designed for people travelling or living in areas where public water is not available.
The reverse osmosis filter that companies are promoting for in home use is basically a sales pitch gone wrong. Most of us need to filter our tap water because of the chemicals that the water treatment facilities add to disinfect it, namely chlorine.
In addition, news reporters have let us know that some of our water contains drugs and hormones. Stuff that we do not want our kids to drink. This type of water filter will not remove chemicals or the pharmaceuticals.
One of the reasons that the treatment facilities add chlorine is to protect the membrane in the reverse osmosis filter from rotting. If it protects the membrane, then obviously chlorine and other chemicals with a similar molecular size will pass right through.
Not to mention the fact that a reverse osmosis water filter removes the trace minerals in the water that are actually good for us. That's why fancy car washes use them. The low mineral content keeps the cars from spotting and speeds the drying process.
If your water comes from a public source and you buy a reverse osmosis filter for your home, you will still need an activated carbon filter to remove the chlorine and improve the taste. The carbon filter also works to remove the drugs and chemicals that you cannot see, taste or smell.
If you have well water, you really need a micron filter to remove things like acanthamoeba and other bacteria that live in fresh water. A reverse osmosis water filter will only remove the minerals from your well water. Again, that's why the government adds chlorine to public drinking water. It's the cheapest way to kill the bacteria. It's not the best way.
In order to get the safest, best tasting drinking water, a water purifier that includes both a micron filter and a carbon filter is the right choice. You probably do not need a reverse osmosis filter, unless your drinking water comes straight from the ocean or a river.
In order to be effective, they need high pressure water coming in, but the pressure coming out is reduced. They produce waste water that can only be used to water the plants. Low pressure in the home and wasted water are just two more reasons that a reverse osmosis water filter is not the best choice for your family or the environment.
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