First Reverse osmosis is becoming a common home treatment method for contaminated drinking water. Reverse osmosis is best known for its use in desalination, the process of turning sea water into drinking water. However, it is also effective for treating water quality problems in the home. Reverse osmosis can reduce the amounts of organics, inorganics, bacteria and particulates that can be found in contaminated drinking water. Because the efficiency of removal of various contaminants can vary, home owners should evaluate this when considering using reverse osmosis for home treatment Other home treatment methods may be better for specific contaminant.
Reverse osmosis is based on the process of osmosis.
To make the process work, pressure is applied to the contaminated water, forcing water through the membrane. Since contaminants do not move with the water as it moves across the membrane, purer water collects on the other side of the membrane. The purified water that accumulates on one side of the membrane can then be used or stored. A specific amount of pressure is necessary to separate purified water and contaminants. This required pressure is based on the type and concentration of contaminants in the water.