Sheridan’s Trusted Source for Reverse Osmosis Systems

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes larger particulate matter, certain chemicals like chlorine, and other contaminants by way of forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane is designed to only allow the pure, fresh water through while trapping salts, heavy metals, various sediment, and other potentially harmful molecules on the other side.

Reverse osmosis systems are known for their ability to significantly improve the taste, odor, and overall quality of your water, making them an excellent choice for residential and commercial applications.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

To understand how reverse osmosis works, it’s important to first have a grasp on osmosis. Osmosis is a spontaneous, naturally-occurring process where a liquid (primarily water) flows through a semi-permeable barrier or membrane in an effort to reach a state of equilibrium between two solutions. Molecules like salts, sediments, and other compounds are too large to pass through the barrier and water naturally flows from a state of high concentration (where there are more water molecules present than other solutes) to low concentration; a good example of this is the way fingers wrinkle when they’ve been in water for a long time. Skin is semi-permeable and contains a lower concentration of water molecules, so the water flows into these cells in an attempt to equalize both solute concentrations on either side of the membrane.

Reverse osmosis maintains this same principle – water flowing through a porous membrane – only instead of following the natural direction from high water concentration to low, these systems use pressure to force the water to flow in the opposite direction. By forcing a solution that contains a variety of different molecules through the membrane, the result is fresh, purified, high concentration water.

Here’s more of a step-by-step of how this process works in an RO system:

• Pre-Filtration Stage: When water enters the reverse osmosis system, it first passes through a pre-filter, which removes larger particles such as sediment, dirt, and chlorine. This step is crucial because it protects the delicate reverse osmosis membrane from damage and extends its lifespan.
• Reverse Osmosis Membrane Stage: After pre-filtration, the water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane using high pressure. The membrane has microscopic pores that allow only water molecules to pass through while blocking contaminants like lead, fluoride, nitrates, bacteria, viruses, and other dissolved solids. These impurities are then flushed away, leaving purified water behind.
• Post-Filtration Stage: After passing through the membrane, the water goes through one or more post-filters (often carbon filters) to remove any remaining tastes or odors, ensuring the water is not only safe but also pleasant to drink.
• Storage and Delivery: Once filtered, the purified water is typically stored in a dedicated tank, ready for use. When you go to fill up a glass, the system draws water from the tank, providing fresh, clean drinking water for your home or business.

Curious to learn more about reverse osmosis and how to get a system installed in your Sheridan home? Get in touch with the dedicated professionals here at Water Products & Solutions. Reach us online or call 307-672-7606 to get started today.

What Is the Difference Between Water Filtration & Water Purification?

While both water filtration and water purification aim to improve water quality, they differ in their processes and the types of contaminants they address.

Water filtration is a physical process that removes larger particles and impurities, such as sediment, rust, chlorine, and organic matter, from water. Filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters or sediment filters, are designed to trap these unwanted materials, improving the taste and appearance of the water. Filtration is effective for everyday water quality issues but may not eliminate smaller contaminants like bacteria, viruses, or dissolved chemicals.

Water purification, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive process that not only filters out but also removes or kills harmful microorganisms and dissolved contaminants. Purification systems, such as reverse osmosis or ultraviolet (UV) light systems, go beyond basic filtration by addressing bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other dissolved substances that could affect the safety of the water. Purification ensures the water is not only clean but also safe for drinking and cooking.

Essentially, water purification takes filtration to the next level, addressing and removing more contaminants and impurities than filtration alone can take care of.

If you’re a Sheridan homeowner or business owner interested in learning more about the benefits of treating your water, our team is the one to call. Contact us today for additional details and information about our variety of water treatment products and services.

What Are the Benefits of Reverse Osmosis?

There a lot of reasons to love reverse osmosis purification; it’s one of the most effective and accessible ways to improve water quality for a variety of home, work, and play uses.

Here are some of the most notable advantages:

• Removes Contaminants: Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants, including lead, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, viruses, and more. This ensures your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other uses.
• Improves Taste and Odor: By eliminating impurities like chlorine and sulfur, reverse osmosis significantly enhances the taste and smell of your water, providing a clean, fresh flavor that’s far superior to tap water.
• Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: With a reverse osmosis system, there’s no need to buy bottled water, reducing plastic waste and saving money over time. It provides a reliable, long-term solution to consistently high-quality, tasty, and refreshing water.
• Easy Maintenance: Reverse osmosis systems are relatively easy to maintain. They require periodic filter changes, but otherwise, they operate efficiently with minimal attention, making them a hassle-free choice for homeowners and businesses.
• Healthier Water: Because reverse osmosis removes a wide range of contaminants, including harmful chemicals and heavy metals, it promotes better health by providing cleaner, safer water for your family or employees.
• Versatility: Reverse osmosis systems can be used for a variety of purposes, from providing drinking water to improving water quality for cooking, ice makers, and even some household appliances. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any home or business.

Get Cleaner Drinking Water; Give Us a Call Today!

If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer drinking water, reach out to the team at Water Products & Solutions. Our experts are here to help you get started on your journey to better water; from answering any lingering questions to the professional installation to continued and ongoing support, we’re here every step of the way to ensure optimal performance.

Don’t wait to improve the quality of water in your home or business – contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better, purified water for you and your family.