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Reverse Osmosis Water Units - Enough Positives?
Reverse osmosis systems are accompanied by numerous disadvantages.
Here, I have the facts that you need to make and informed decision.
Wastewater & Electrical Usage Whole house reverse osmosis water units require electricity to operate and the installation of a fully enclosed drain for disposal of wastewater.
These two factors increase your costs for installation and use.
What to do with the wastewater has been a question for many years.
Some suggest that it can be used for watering plants or vegetation.
You have to remember that the wastewater contains all of the contaminants that are present in the source.
The pH level is wrong for watering vegetation of any kind.
So, the only solution is to return the waste to the septic or sewer system.
Because of this reverse osmosis systems simply return the contaminants removed back to the environment.
Contaminant Removal Reverse osmosis systems are ineffective for removing common chemical contaminants, such as chlorine and chlorine byproducts.
Granular carbon and other filtering media are necessary to remove those chemicals.
Reverse osmosis water units that are combined with other steps to effectively remove chemicals are simply over-priced and most homeowners (in particular, those with publicly treated supplies) do not need the reverse osmosis step.
There is always an alternative to reverse osmosis systems.
You just have to look for it.
Other Costs When you add up the cost to purchase, install and operate, you will see how reverse osmosis water units can have a negative effect on your family's budget.
But, those are not the only costs.
The membranes with the systems are delicate.
They tear easily and require frequent replacement.
The more polluted your supply, the more maintenance that is necessary.
Then there are some other concerns.
The whole house systems are large and loud.
Installation requirements, when it comes to space, are similar to those for a full size washer and dryer.
Each time that a toilet is flushed or someone turns on the shower, the system emits a loud noise, similar to a poorly functioning washing machine.
You see, on vacations to the beach, I have stayed in homes that had the systems.
So, I've heard the annoying noises.
I have also had to call the rental agency to send out a repairman, because the system was not functioning properly.
With today's technology, there are always alternatives to reverse osmosis systems.
If you are on a public waterline, you need a purifier that removes chlorine and its byproducts, as well as lead, cysts and other common contaminants.
A multi-stage selective filtration device that includes granular carbon and other filtering media, an ion exchange step and sub-micron filtration will remove all of those impurities.
The prices are much more affordable, no wastewater is created and no electricity is requires.
So, before you buy reverse osmosis water units, look at the purification options that are available today.
Make the right choice for your family's budget, your health and the environment.
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