Reverse osmosis, also known as hyperfiltration, is the finest means of filtration available today. It is the most common treatment technology used by premium bottled water companies. Reverse osmosis refers to the process of forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure.

Reverse osmosis uses a membrane that is semi-permeable, allowing pure water to pass through it, while rejecting the contaminants that are too large to pass through the tiny pores in the membrane.

These are just processes that remove most of the dissolved minerals from water. Many orchid growers with poor quality water will use one or the other to produce high quality pure water for use. To repeat the warning above for pure water users, you must use a complete fertilizer including calcium and magnesium, and be careful of the pH after adding the fertilizer. For more details see "Water Quality Issues for Slipper Orchid Growers".

With proper maintenance of your sediment and activated carbon pre-filters, your reverse osmosis membrane should last 2-3 years.

Absolutely not. Like all water filters, the effectiveness of a reverse osmosis system depends greatly on the quality of its components - especially its pre-filter cartridges (quantity and quality) and the membrane itself. Lower quality pre-filters will suffer from premature membrane fouling, as well as reduced performance, purified water output, and membrane life.

Reverse Osmosis filters use "Semi-Permeable Membrane" technology. In this technology water is pushed against a membrane with microscopic pores that only allow H2O molecules to pass through. All other contaminants are flushed away leaving only extremely pure water for drinking.

The only major category of contaminants that reverse osmosis is not highly effective in removing (organic compounds) is specifically targeted by activated carbon filters. Pre-filters also prevent the reverse osmosis membrane from being fouled or clogged by sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and lifespan.

Yes, RO is generally an excellent choice for homeowners with well water. However, it is important to note that reverse osmosis does not provide foolproof protection against all microorganisms. You should have your water tested for bacteria and virus contamination before relying solely on reverse osmosis. If microbiological contamination is present or suspected, you should combine reverse osmosis with an ultraviolet system for maximum effectiveness and protection against bacteria and viruses.

We recommend ROs when people wish to filter out as much impurities as possible from their drinking water supply. RO membranes are rated at 0.0005 micron and can take out practically all impurities in dssolved or ionic form, whereas conventional filters rated at from 0.5 micron to 20 microns can take out some solid sediments and dissolved substances, and are thus much less effective. If you understand how RO works, you'll know carbon filters can NEVER be as good as ROs.

No. While we are partial to the taste of reverse osmosis water, we realize that not everyone has the same tastes. We offer Crystal Mountain Spring Water in 5-gallon containers as well as Mountain Valley steam distilled water.

Yes, you can hook up these purification units to fridges. We recommend you do not use copper lines. Always use plastic tubing. RO water is considered to be hungry water since it is so pure. The water may leach out minerals from the copper lines and cause foul tasting Water and ice cubes. RO systems can also be installed downstairs, in utility rooms, and garages. The main criteria are we must be able to run a water line from faucet or cooler to the water system.

If you think back to your 7th grade science class you'll remember (or try to remember) that osmosis is the natural tendency of a solution to travel from one solution to another through a semipermeable membrane. This natural tendency of osmosis is to pass from the diluted solution to the concentrated solution thus equalizing the concentration of both solutions.