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Reverse osmosis is a process that reduces contaminants, solids, large molecules and minerals from water by using pressure to push them through specialized membranes. This is a purification method used to improve water for drinking, cooking and other domestic uses.

The key to understanding reverse osmosis is to first understand the osmosis process. Osmosis is defined as the passage of a solvent, such as water, from a solution of low concentration to one of higher concentration. A semi-permeable membrane separating the two solutions allows the solvent to pass through, but not what dissolves in it. The flow finally stops when the two solutions become equal in concentration. This process is classified as passive transport, as it requires no energy to be applied.

Unlike osmosis, reverse osmosis requires an external force to complete transport. Pressure is therefore a key element in the reverse osmosis process. As its name suggests, reverse osmosis is the opposite of osmosis. Instead of balancing the two solutions, the external pressure force reverses the natural flow.

Your home may depend on water treatment methods such as refrigerator filters, pitcher filters or faucet filters. While these options are effective in improving taste and reducing sediment and other particles in drinking water, they do not address dissolved solids, PFAS, VOCs, arsenic, viruses and bacteria. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is a type of water filtration that can reduce up to 99% of contaminants in drinking water, including larger particles and those you can’t always see, taste or smell.

Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink?

Yes, RO water is a safe drinking water option for your home. The Water Quality Association has concluded that water treated with a reverse osmosis drinking water system poses no health problems for healthy people. Drinking RO water can help minimize the health risks associated with potentially harmful substances sometimes found in drinking water. Culligan also offers remineralizing cartridges to introduce “good” minerals into the water.

Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process that reduces contaminants in water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane.

Distilled water is water that has been processed through one or more evaporation-condensation cycles until it contains very low levels of dissolved solids (usually less than 5.0 ppm TDS).

Although both distilled water and reverse osmosis water are commercially available, reverse osmosis is more commonly used in domestic treatment systems. Some households choose to install a home distillation solution, but these systems tend to be less practical and generally require more energy and homeowner involvement to operate.

Yes, the performance and longevity of your reverse osmosis system will be affected by regular maintenance. However, the most efficient reverse osmosis filtration systems generally require little continuous effort.

At the very least, you should plan to change your filters every 1 to 2 years. In addition, make sure your reverse osmosis drinking water system is disinfected once a year.

Selecting your reverse osmosis system from an industry-leading manufacturer and service partner will ensure that your system operates efficiently. Your local Culligan water experts are equipped to handle all aspects of ongoing maintenance and care, from installation to filter changes and disinfection appointments. Culligan ensures that all parts continue to function properly so that you can provide your home with safer, better-tasting water.