How does it work?

A 5-stage reverse osmosis (RO) system is designed to remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including heavy metals like lead, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, bacteria, dissolved solids, and even some emerging contaminants like PFAS, by utilizing multiple filtration stages, with the primary contaminant removal occurring through the semi-permeable RO membrane in the final stage, achieving up to 99% removal efficiency for many pollutants depending on the system quality and water source; typically, the stages include a sediment pre-filter, carbon pre-filter, a second carbon filter, the RO membrane, and a post-carbon filter for polishing the water.

Key facts about a 5-stage RO system and contaminant removal:

• Stage 1 (Sediment filter):

  Removes large particles like dirt, sand, and rust, protecting the subsequent filters from damage.

• Stage 2 (Carbon pre-filter):

  Absorbs chlorine and other chemicals that can affect the taste and odor of water, as well as potentially damage the RO membrane.

• Stage 3 (Second carbon filter):

  Further removes any remaining chlorine and organic compounds

• Stage 4 (RO membrane):

  The core of the system, where the majority of dissolved solids, including heavy metals, salts, and contaminants smaller than the membrane pores are filtered out through a process of reverse osmosis

• Stage 5 (Polishing carbon filter):

  Final stage that removes any lingering taste or odor from the filtered water

Contaminants a 5-stage RO system can effectively remove:

• Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium

• Chemicals: Chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, herbicides

• Dissolved solids: Salts, minerals, sodium

• Bacteria and parasites: Depending on the system and membrane quality

• Emerging contaminants: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Important considerations:

• Water quality:

  The effectiveness of an RO system depends heavily on the quality of the incoming water.

• Mineral removal:

  RO systems remove most minerals, so some users may choose to remineralize the water after filtration.

• Wastewater production:

  RO systems generate a significant amount of wastewater (concentrate) during the filtration process.