Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration: What It Is & Why You Need It

Mar 4, 2024

Are you worried about what’s really in your tap water? From heavy metals to chemicals and micro-contaminants, the quality of your drinking water might not be as pure as you think. That’s where a reverse osmosis (RO) water system comes in. This guide breaks down how RO systems work, what they remove, and how to pick the best one for your home.

Looking for a fully installed system? Explore our Puretec RO filtration systems available across Brisbane and Gold Coast—installed by award-winning plumbing pros.

Key Takeaways

✅ RO removes up to 99% of contaminants including lead, fluoride, viruses, and dissolved salts
✅ Choose from under-sink, countertop, or whole-house setups
✅ Add-ons like remineralization filters or UV treatment enhance purity
✅ Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak performance
✅ RO offers safer hydration—especially in areas with questionable tap water

💧 What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a powerful water purification process that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane, blocking contaminants and leaving clean, filtered water behind. Most RO systems use multiple filtration stages, including:

Sediment and carbon prefilters
RO membrane (removes up to 99% of impurities)
Optional post-filters and UV or remineralization stages

📌 RO is so effective that it’s used in desalination plants and municipal water treatment in drought-affected regions.

🔍 What Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

RO systems eliminate:

✔️ Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury
✔️ Bacteria and viruses
✔️ Fluoride and chlorine
✔️ Dissolved salts, nitrates, and sulfates
✔️ Pesticides, sediment, and VOCs

🏠 Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems

1️⃣ Under-Sink RO Systems

Installs under your kitchen sink
Delivers water via a dedicated tap
Perfect for homeowners and families

2️⃣ Countertop RO Systems

Portable and plug-in
No need for plumbing changes
Great for renters or small spaces

3️⃣ Whole-House RO Systems

Filters all water entering your home
Best for severely contaminated water supplies
Higher cost and maintenance

Find the right RO system here

⚙️ What to Consider Before Buying

✅ Water Quality – Get your water tested to identify specific contaminants
✅ Daily Use – 50 GPD is enough for most homes
✅ Efficiency – Look for systems with low waste-to-clean-water ratios
✅ Maintenance – Plan for 6–12 month filter changes
✅ Space – Make sure the unit fits your kitchen or utility room

🚀 Optional Upgrades to Improve RO Water

🌱 Remineralization Filters

Adds calcium & magnesium for better taste
Balances pH levels (RO water can be slightly acidic)

🔆 UV Disinfection

Uses UV light to kill viruses and bacteria
Ideal for households using rainwater or bore water

Looking to upgrade your setup? Ask about our advanced RO kits with UV and remineralization features.

🧰 Installation & Maintenance

Most DIY kits are easy to install, but if you want it done right, book our professional installation.

🔧 Maintenance Schedule:

Prefilters: Every 6–12 months
RO Membrane: Every 2–3 years
Full system sanitization: Annually

♻️ Is RO Water Eco-Friendly?

Yes—while RO systems do waste some water during filtration, they are far more sustainable than bottled water. Newer high-efficiency models now recover more water with less waste.

🔄 RO vs Other Filtration Methods

System Type	What It Does	Best For
RO	Removes 99% of all contaminants	Drinking water
Carbon Filters	Removes taste, odor, chlorine	Basic filtration
Water Softeners	Removes hardness (calcium/magnesium)	Appliance protection
Distillers	Purifies via evaporation	Lab use, very slow

🔚 Summary

Reverse osmosis is one of the most trusted methods for achieving pure, safe drinking water at home. Whether you choose an under-sink model or a full-house system, you’ll enjoy cleaner water, fewer contaminants, and peace of mind.