The Reverse Osmosis Process: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Clean water is the lifeblood of our planet. Water filtration plays a vital role in ensuring that this vital resource remains pure and safe for consumption.

Various water filtration methods are used to remove impurities such as bacteria, viruses, and pollutants, making it safe for drinking, cooking, and other daily uses. It is especially important in areas where clean water is not readily available or where the water supply is prone to contamination.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water. It is also known as hyperfiltration wherein the dissolved inorganic solutes like salts are removed from a solution.

It is a highly effective method of purifying water, and it has a wide range of applications in both residential and commercial settings.

The principle of reverse osmosis is based on the natural process of osmosis. The pressure is applied to the concentrated side of the membrane, it forces the water molecules to move in the opposite direction and leaves the impurities behind.

The reverse osmosis process involves three stages:

During pre-treatment, the water is passed through a sediment filter to remove larger particles such as dirt and sand.
It then passes through a carbon filter, which removes chlorine and other dissolved impurities.
Finally, the water is passed through the RO membrane, where it is purified and the impurities are removed.

Reverse osmosis systems are deployed in a variety of applications, including:

Residential water purification: Many homeowners deploy reverse osmosis drinking water filtration systems to purify their tap water. This clean and fresh water supply not only eliminates the need for bottled water but also reduces the risk of water-borne illnesses.

Industrial water purification: Reverse osmosis systems are used in many industrial settings to purify water for use in manufacturing and other processes. These include food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical industries, etc.

Desalination process: The process of reverse osmosis is a highly preferred method to remove salt and other impurities from seawater, making it suitable for drinking and irrigation.

Aquariums and fish ponds: Reverse osmosis systems can efficiently purify water for use in aquariums and fish ponds. This ensures a clean and safe water supply for the fish and other aquatic life.

There are several types of reverse osmosis systems available on the market, each with its specific features and benefits. For instance, Point-of-use (POU) systems are designed to treat a lesser amount of water.

They are typically installed under a kitchen sink. On the other hand, Point-of-entry (POE) systems treat the entire quantity of water that enters a building. They are installed at the main water line and are ideal for larger households or businesses that want to improve the overall water quality for all purposes.

Reverse osmosis systems are typically recommended for households that have specific water quality concerns, such as high levels of pesticides, dissolved solids, heavy metals, or other contaminants.

If you wish to improve the taste or smell of your tap water, a whole-home reverse osmosis filter can serve you well. Moreover, reverse osmosis drinking water filtration systems are also helpful to people with allergies, who may be more sensitive to the presence of impurities in the water.

CGC Water Treatment & Plumbing offers reverse osmosis systems in Jacksonville, FL to provide you with the purest and cleanest water possible. Our state-of-the-art Kinetico systems are designed to remove impurities and microbes from your tap water.

Our reverse osmosis systems in Jacksonville are easy to maintain. We have a variety of water filtration options to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or industry professional, we have a system that will work for you.

At CGC Water Treatment & Plumbing, we specialize in quality water filtration solutions that you can rely on.