Do you actually need a reverse osmosis system?

Drinking water

When does RO make sense, and when is it overkill?

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective drinking water treatment methods available. It can remove up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS), including heavy metals like lead and arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, sodium, and many chemical contaminants. It also improves taste by removing the minerals and compounds that give water a flat or metallic flavor. But RO is not the right solution for every water problem, and installing one without testing first is a mistake.

We typically recommend reverse osmosis when a water test shows specific contaminants that RO is designed to remove: high TDS, nitrates, lead, arsenic, or chromium-6. If your primary concern is taste, chlorine, or sediment, a simpler carbon filtration system is often a better fit. Carbon filters are less expensive, produce no wastewater, and do not remove beneficial minerals. Many homeowners in Central Illinois find that a carbon filter paired with a water softener gives them excellent water at a fraction of the cost of an RO system.

What RO removes and what it does not

RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter water at a molecular level. They are excellent at removing dissolved solids that other filters cannot touch. However, RO does not remove chlorine or chloramines well on its own (most systems include a carbon pre-filter for that). RO systems also produce wastewater. For every gallon of purified water, older systems can waste three to four gallons. Modern systems are more efficient, but it is still a factor to consider.

Another important consideration: RO removes nearly everything from water, including minerals your body needs. If you are on a mineral-restricted diet, this can be a benefit. For most people, the minerals in water are a minor dietary source, but it is worth understanding what you are giving up. Some RO systems include a remineralization stage to address this.

Test first, then decide

The only way to know whether you need reverse osmosis is to test your water. We offer free testing and will walk you through the results. If an RO system is the right solution, we carry Aqua Flo systems and can install one at your kitchen sink or for whole-house point-of-entry use. If a simpler solution works, we will tell you that instead. Our goal is to sell you what you need, not what has the highest margin.