Reverse Osmosis Vs. Whole House Water Filter

　　In the ongoing conversation about water purification, today we’re delving into the disparities between Reverse Osmosis and Whole House Water Filters. How do these purification methods stack up against each other in terms of efficiency, cost, and overall efficacy? Let’s explore the details.

　　Interviewer: Good morning, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Our focus is on understanding the distinctions between Reverse Osmosis and Whole House Water Filters. To get started, could you elaborate on what Reverse Osmosis involves and how it differs from a Whole House Water Filter system?

　　In comparing Reverse Osmosis Systems and Whole House Water Filters, we see that Reverse osmosis is a POU (point of use) system installed beneath the kitchen sink, primarily for treating water for drinking and cooking. On the other hand, a whole house filter is a POE (point of entry) system installed at the main water line, designed to treat water for the entire home. Whole house filters accommodate a much higher flow rate and are intended for general uses such as cleaning, bathing, and laundry. These systems treat contaminants with filtration micron sizes ranging from 10-30 microns, allowing quick filtration from the main water line to every faucet in the house. Meanwhile, the water used for drinking and cooking should undergo more meticulous filtering to ensure contaminant-free consumption. Whole house systems generally filter a broader range of contaminants for the entire home, while Reverse Osmosis specializes in removing a wide array of contaminants specifically for drinking purposes. Let’s discuss the primary differences between these two types of filtration in more detail.

• Reverse Osmosis vs. Whole House Water Filter:
  • Application: POU (Point of use) vs. POE (Point of entry)
  • Filtration Size: 0.0001 micron vs. 10 – 30 micron
  • Use for: Drinking or Cooking vs. Bathroom, Shower, Cleaning, and Gardening
  • Average Flow Rate: 45 Gallons Per Day vs. 10 Gallons Per Minute

　　Reverse osmosis is often considered the most convenient and effective water filtration method, similar to the process used for bottled water and initially designed for desalinating seawater. The RO membrane’s filtration size is a mere 0.0001-micron, significantly smaller than human hair and bacteria. This system removes up to 99% of contaminants, including those that whole house filters cannot address, resulting in the purest water directly from the faucet.

　　Some might wonder about the safety of their city’s tap water. While tap water was once considered safe, the addition of chemicals like chlorine, chloramines, or fluoride to kill diseases has raised health concerns due to the formation of toxic byproducts. While whole house systems can treat chlorine and chloramines, they are not equipped to remove specific contaminants like nitrate, arsenic, and chromium.

　　Reverse Osmosis systems are installed under the sink, storing purified water for immediate use through a dedicated faucet. These low-maintenance systems require annual filter changes and are designed for long-term use. However, using reverse osmosis water throughout the entire home isn’t practical, as it would waste high-quality water. This is where a whole house filtration system can complement the RO system, providing comprehensive filtration for the entire home.

　　Whole house systems come in various types, tailored to specific water issues. For general purification, a carbon filtration system or a water softener may be recommended. For specific problems, such as iron staining, a dedicated whole house system can protect pipes and appliances.

　　Determining the suitable whole-house system depends on the contaminants to be removed. High-performance systems use filter media lasting over five years and require minimal maintenance. These heavy-duty systems are large and placed at the main water line, while standard filters need more frequent replacement.

　　For complete water filtration, combining different levels of purification is essential. Reverse osmosis provides bottled-quality water for drinking and cooking, while a whole house filter ensures clean water throughout the home. Enjoy purified water every day!