Is Reverse Osmosis Worth It?

If you're tired of hauling cases of bottled water home, reverse osmosis (RO) is worth a look. It's the same basic technology many bottled water companies use, sized to fit under your kitchen sink.

How it works

An RO system pushes your water through a few stages, one after another:

1. A sediment pre-filter catches dirt, sand and rust.
2. A carbon pre-filter protects the membrane and improves the taste.
3. The RO membrane, a very fine membrane, does most of the work.
4. A post-filter polishes the taste before the water reaches its own faucet.

Some systems add one more stage that puts minerals like calcium and magnesium back in, which gives the water a smoother taste.

What you get

Good water for drinking, coffee, tea, cooking, ice and baby formula, from a faucet at your own sink. No more buying, storing or recycling plastic bottles. And you can see the difference in numbers: we take a TDS reading before and after so you can compare.

Before you buy

The filters need changing. The pre- and post-filters usually go every 12 months, and the membrane every few years.

Some water goes down the drain. RO uses extra water to rinse the membrane, though modern systems waste much less than older ones.

It's for drinking water. RO usually goes in at one sink. If you also have hard water or chlorine in the shower, that's a job for a whole-home system. Many of our customers have both: a whole-home system for showers, laundry and appliances, and RO at the kitchen sink for drinking.

Is it worth it?

For most families who drink a lot of water, cook at home or buy bottled water now, we think so. A free water test will show your current TDS level and help you decide.