Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

Osmosis is the natural tendency of water molecules to move through a semipermeable membrane in a way that results in an equal concentration of any substances dissolved in the water (such as salts or ions) on both sides of the membrane.

As the name suggests, reverse osmosis takes this process and reverses it, using pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks larger particles from passing. This results in pure water on one side of the membrane, with almost all contaminants left behind on the other.

Your tap water, though deemed drinkable by local processing facilities, is likely not free from impurities. A reverse osmosis water filter system removes unwanted inclusions like dirt, bacteria, salts, and minerals from your home water source so your water is cleaner, healthier, and better tasting.

An RO system connects to your tap water line and uses a sophisticated process to purify the water. This process can be broken down into three key steps.

1. Pre-Filtration
First, water enters the system and passes through a series of filters designed to remove larger particles from the water. They remove substances like:

Sand
Dirt
Rust
Chlorine

2. Reverse Osmosis

Next, high-pressure pumps force the water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane allows pure water to pass through while filtering out particles like salts, minerals, metals, and most bacteria and viruses.

When the process is complete, one side of the membrane will have pure water, and the other side will have leftover water with a higher concentration of contaminants. This unfiltered water is released down your drain.

After this step, some systems may use additional specialty filters to pick up any remaining contaminants or a remineralizing filter to add back healthy
minerals.

3. Storage

Once the water has been completely filtered, a typical RO system with a storage tank will collect the water. Then, anytime you turn on the faucet for filtered water, you’ll have a supply ready for your use—no need to wait for water to go through the filtration process.

An RO system brings an array of benefits to your home from the moment it’s installed.

• Water tastes better without salts, minerals, or metals.
• Filtered water is better for cooking because it doesn’t have inclusions that could affect the taste of your recipes.
• There are many health benefits to RO filtration, as contaminants that could harm you in the long run (like heavy metals and bacteria) are removed from your drinking water.
• Filtered water is far better for pets to drink and for aquarium animals to live in.
• An RO system means you don't need to buy water bottles or have a pitcher filter that takes up a lot of space in your fridge.
• RO is more comprehensive than most other types of filtration, which usually only remove a limited range of contaminants.

The advantages of using an RO system are undeniable. The main question is, which type is right for you?

APEC offers RO systems in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Here are the three main types of RO systems you can choose
from.

1. Tankless RO Systems

Tankless RO systems are among the most convenient because they’re small enough to fit almost anywhere. They don’t have a water reservoir, so they’re compact and visually pleasing. However, they need a 110 V outlet, as they operate with electricity.

These systems are built for everyday consumers with an extremely easy filter-changing process. You can replace a used filter in just a few
seconds—just twist and pull to remove, then push on the new filter.

2. Traditional RO Systems

A traditional RO system has a tank that holds 4 gallons of water, so the water dispenses faster than from a tankless system. It also ensures you always have clean water available, even if your water supply is temporarily shut off. It does, however, require more space than other options.

If you feel intimidated by this system, don’t be. Even though it's bigger than a tankless system, it actually has a simpler configuration. You can clearly see all parts of the system, making it easy to identify problems.

3. Countertop RO Systems

A countertop RO system is a perfect option for renters and small spaces. It takes up very little space and is easy to install and maintain.

The system operates with electricity and has a water reservoir you fill instead of connecting to your tap water supply. It can also dispense hot water thanks to preset and custom temperature settings.

Mineralized/Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular drinking water. A reverse osmosis water filtration system adds alkaline minerals at its last stage after the water is filtered through an RO membrane.

There is no definite proof, but some studies state that alkaline water lowers levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and raises the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol, hence it helps prevent heart disease and lower

We have TDS meter available for purchase. It is a battery-powered simple testing device that provides the TDS reading with a digital display.

There are a few different types of reverse osmosis systems that requires different levels of installation. Most people are able to install the undersink RO systems following the instruction manual. They do require drilling to install the faucet and drain saddle.

An effective RO system can remove many substances, such as:

• Chlorine
• Salts
• Sediment (such as tiny dirt or sand particles)
• PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
• Bacteria and viruses
• Heavy Metals
• Minerals
• Arsenic

An RO system can last up to 10 years if maintained properly. However, the filters will need to be changed according to the instructions that come with your system (usually every year).

Hardly any water on this planet can be considered completely “pure.” Even water found in the heart of a glacier or a mountain spring will have salts or minerals picked up from the earth. However, RO filtration can remove up to 99% of contaminants from water, making it the purest water you can get inside your home.

While distillation and reverse osmosis systems produce water cleaner than you would normally get out of your tap, the treatment processes are completely different.

To create distilled water, the water is boiled and evaporated, leaving dissolved solids behind. The vapor is then condensed, and the clean water is collected in another container.

RO filtration uses pumps and a semipermeable membrane to produce clean water.

While you can find both distilled water and RO-filtered water in stores and at home, RO water filtration systems are much more practical and common.

You deserve to have clean water for your home. You don’t always have control over what’s included in your tap water, but with an RO system, you’ll have the peace of mind that your water is as pure as it can be.

Ready to enjoy filtered, clean water from home? Shop our reverse osmosis water filtration systems!

Got more questions? Try our quick system quiz to help determine the system that suits you the best.

Reverse osmosis water is clean and healthy. Reverse osmosis water from a maintained RO system is the same quality if not better than bottled water.

RO systems can produce waste water while producing clean drinking water. And every system will require routine maintenance such as filter change. RO water filters remove almost all minerals from water, including healthy minerals. But there are many systems include a re-mineralizer, which adds healthy minerals back to the filtered water.

Yes, reverse osmosis is considered the best way to filter water at home. It is one of the most effective methods of removing wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, PFAS, and more.

Reverse osmosis can filter most contaminants. But not for those that are molecularly smaller than water. But with the combination of multiple stages of filtration, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective water filtration method available.

A reverse osmosis system typically requires regular filter replacements, usually every 6 months to 1 year for pre-filters and post-filters, while the RO membrane itself should be replaced every 2-5 years depending on water quality and usage.

• Health benefits: RO systems can remove most harmful contaminants that can impact your health. 
• Cost savings: RO systems can provide purified water without the need to buy bottled water. 
• Taste and odor: RO systems can improve the taste and odor of your water. 
• Convenience: You can have filtered water available without having to leave the house.