Healthy Living with Reverse Osmosis: 7 Benefits of RO Filtration for Your Family

Providing clean, healthy water for your family should be a top priority. One of the best technologies for purifying water right in your home is reverse osmosis (RO).

Reverse osmosis utilizes high-tech filtration to remove up to 99% of contaminants from water by pushing it through a semi-permeable RO membrane. This leaves you with crisp, clean water ideal for drinking and cooking.

Below we’ve listed the top 7 benefits of installing an RO water filtration system in your home. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the best RO system for your family’s needs.

1. Eliminate Harmful Contaminants

Tap water can contain a range of impurities that an RO system is uniquely equipped to remove. These include:

· Heavy metals like lead and mercury

· Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff

· Industrial chemicals like chlorine and asbestos

· Pharmaceutical residues

· Bacteria and microorganisms

RO filtration provides a complete barrier to these dangerous toxins. For example, studies show RO removes up to 99% of lead in water [1]. This gives powerful protection, especially for children susceptible to lead’s neurological effects.

2. Great Tasting Water

An RO system doesn’t just remove impurities – it also improves taste and odor.

RO eliminates any earthy, chlorinated taste from municipal water supplies. The end result is refreshing water with no chemical aftertaste. No more need for lemon slices or other flavorings to make your water palatable!

3. Reduce Scale Buildup

Hard water abundant with minerals like calcium and magnesium causes scale buildup on fixtures and appliances. Scale clogs pipes, damages water heaters, leaves deposits on dishes, and makes washing difficult.

RO softens water by removing up to 90% of scale-causing hardness minerals. This protects your plumbing and extends the life of appliances. Plus, you’ll use fewer cleaning products to combat hard water stains.

4. Healthier Skin and Hair

Softer RO water is gentler on your largest organ – your skin! Minerals in hard water can irritate sensitive skin, causing dryness and eczema.

RO water allows soaps and shampoos to lather up easily. You’ll find your hair and skin feel cleaner with reduced irritation. Drinking RO water also hydrates skin from the inside out.

5. Cost Savings

While the initial investment in an RO system ranges from R1500 to R4000, you’ll recoup costs over time. Fewer repairs, scaled up appliances, cleaning products, and bottled water purchases lead to an excellent return on investment.

Pro tip: Choose an efficient system like our 400 gallon per day RO system to maximize water production and savings.

6. Convenience

No more lugging multi-gallon jugs from the store! An under-sink or countertop RO system delivers an endless supply of clean water on demand.

RO units connect to your existing plumbing and often include designer faucets for instant filtered water access. There’s no easier way to keep your household hydrated!

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing your family is drinking high-quality, contaminant-free water provides invaluable peace of mind. While bottled water undergoes limited filtering, RO purification far exceeds bottled water standards.

You’ll never need to worry about water quality surprises as you would with municipal or well water. RO water gives your family a clean, healthy start to each day.

How to Choose the Best RO System for Your Family

With all the benefits of RO water, how do you choose the right system? Here are key factors to consider:

Filtration Stages

Look for a system with multiple filtration stages, ideally 4-5. More stages increase contaminant removal for higher water quality.

Common stages include sediment filters, carbon blocks, and RO membranes. Some systems also include UV sanitation or mineralization filters. We recommend systems like the 75 GPD Reverse Osmosis System 5 Stage. Five stages maximize performance.

Daily Output

Daily output as measured in gallons affects how much water your system can produce. Output needs vary based on family size and usage.

On average, 75 gallons per day accommodates a family of four. Larger households may prefer 400+ gallon systems for higher demand.

Matching output to your family’s requirements ensures adequate filtered water.

Filtration Ratio

Filtration ratio measures the amount of water used to total water produced. For example, a 2:1 ratio uses 2 gallons of input to produce 1 gallon of RO water.

Lower ratios conserve more water. Ratios of 2:1 or 3:1 are ideal. Avoid wasteful systems with ratios of 5:1 or more.

Automatic Shutoff

Automatic shutoff valves turn off the RO feed water supply when the tank is full. This prevents unnecessary water waste.

Advanced systems monitor tank volume and only run when needed. Automatic shutoff is a must for water efficiency.

Installation Type

RO systems come in under-sink, countertop, and whole house configurations. Consider your space requirements.

For a concealed look, under-sink units mount to cabinetry with just the faucet visible. Countertops afford easy filter access. Whole house systems require extensive plumbing modifications.

Give Your Family the Gift of Clean Water

Reverse osmosis filtration offers unparalleled water purification for home use. With healthier water from source to sip, RO systems promote wellness and improved quality of life.

We hope this overview gives you confidence in choosing an RO unit tailored to your family. Please contact us if you have any other questions. We’re happy to help find the perfect system to meet your household’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maintenance on an RO system?

RO systems require replacing filters once or twice per year depending on use. This keeps the system working optimally. Many units include built-in filter life indicators when it’s time to change filters.

What factors affect the life of an RO membrane?

Water pressure, temperature, TDS level, and chlorine exposure impact membrane life. Under ideal conditions, membranes can last 2-5 years. High sediment or chlorine may require earlier membrane replacement.

What’s the difference between an under-sink and countertop RO system?

Under-sink systems install below the sink and feed up to an RO faucet. Countertops sit on the counter with the tank beside. Under-sink units have a sleeker look but less filter access. Countertops make filter changes easier.

Does RO remove healthy minerals?

RO eliminates most minerals, including beneficial calcium and magnesium. Some systems include mineralization filters to add minerals back. Another option is blending RO water with unfiltered water to remineralize.

Can an RO system connect to the refrigerator?

Yes, with an additional line run from the RO unit to the fridge. This provides both filtered water to the tap and ice maker. Fridge installation kits simplify the connection.

What if my water pressure is low – will an RO system still work?

Booster pumps compensate for low pressure. The pump increases input water pressure to the optimal range. This ensures proper RO operation even with house pressure under 2 bar.