Millions of people have installed home reverse osmosis systems to protect their families from the hundreds of toxins and contaminants found in tap and well water. The four recognized groups of contaminants are: 1) Microbial pathogens, disease-causing microorganisms, viruses, parasites, and bacteria. 2) Organic, such as herbicides, pesticides and VOCs, Volatile Organic Chemicals. Common VOCs include fuel additives, solvents, and adhesives. 3) Inorganics, which include the toxic metals lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as nitrates found in fertilizers and wastewater. 4) Radioactive elements, particularly radon, which is more harmful when breathed in than when eaten. These chemicals and toxins cannot be taken lightly as they not only cause various health complications but can also cause a variety of cancers if ingested for a long enough period of time.
Although the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, was directed by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 to ensure the safety and quality of public drinking water, contaminants continue to enter the drinking water supply. In 2010, EPA studies revealed that 54 active pharmaceutical ingredients were found in drinking water that had already been treated, the most common being estrogenic hormones. In 2009, the EPA introduced 13 other chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics that would potentially be added to the list of regulated compounds. It’s scary to think that pills swallowed by humans by mouth can end up in drinking water systems!
This is where the benefits of drinking purified water come into play, and where a home reverse osmosis system becomes almost mandatory. Fortunately, more supermarkets, health food stores, and even Big Box stores are installing these systems where customers can purchase purified water. However, this can be problematic. Carrying water jugs is time consuming and for some people physically impossible. Keeping enough water on hand even for daily use can take up a lot of space in a kitchen or pantry. Granted, it may only cost a couple of dollars a week to buy water, but it certainly adds up over time.
Home reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane that serves as a barrier against contaminants in the water. It does not use electricity for its operation and only uses the pressure of the water to push it through its membranes. Only H2O is allowed to pass through the membranes, and the larger molecules, whether pollutants or minerals, are left behind. Most reverse osmosis systems use special post filters that help improve flavor. Although the system does have some “rejected” water in processing, this water can be safely used on shade trees and other outdoor plants.
Advantages of home reverse osmosis systems
1. Minimal maintenance – The reverse osmosis system requires minimal maintenance. They remove most harmful contaminants from water without using electricity, saving energy bills!
2. Much Better Taste and Smell: In home reverse osmosis systems, more than 99 percent of harmful chemicals are removed from tap water. The unpleasant chlorine taste found in most water systems is also eliminated. By drinking clean water every day, you can ensure the health and well-being of the whole family, including family pets.
3. Reduces the risk of illness and disease: A reverse osmosis system offers you a strong defense against 2,700 known toxins that could be present in tap water or, if it’s in a domestic well, the many contaminants often found there too.
4 Save money in the long run: Although home reverse osmosis systems can cost a few hundred dollars, they usually pay for themselves in one to two years. Filling your own drinking water bottles from your own system could save hundreds of dollars by eliminating the need to purchase small water bottles; Not to mention the plastic waste you’ll prevent from reaching landfills.
5. Drinking clean water is important for children. Home reverse osmosis systems provide the purest water for children, which also aids in the development of their immune system since they won’t be continually bombarded with toxins.
6. Convenience: Having a continuous supply of pure, delicious water at your fingertips is a very safe feeling. You have the option of filling one or two containers and storing them for future use.
In conclusion, the many benefits of home reverse osmosis systems are certainly worth the initial cost of purchasing the unit. Plus, the savings in money and time over the years will prove that this type of water purification system is one of the best investments a family can make.
