Water Education - Contaminants Facts

Reverse Osmosis Contaminant Rejection

Reverse osmosis (RO) is used to purify tap water for drinking water in homes.

In addition to removing excess or harmful minerals, reverse osmosis removes odor, color, chemicals, and other organic compounds and contaminants, which contribute to bad taste or health concerns.

Use this article to find out what an RO system can do for you and guard you from!

Benefits of RO water include:

  • Safer drinking water: Consumers want safe, healthy, good-tasting water. RO purified water meets the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA standards for drinking water.
  • Good taste: RO removes excess minerals, odor, color, and other organic compounds that contribute to bad taste.
  • Health: RO membranes provide a barrier to bacteria and virus resulting in healthier water for drinking and cooking.

Performance Guide for Reverse Osmosis Membranes:

ContaminantsReduces /Rejects ContaminantsReduces /Rejects
SodiumYesChromium-6Yes
CalciumYesChromium-3Yes
MagnesiumYesSodiumYes
Potassium YesLead Yes
Iron 2YesChlorideYes
Manganese 2YesBicarbonateYes
AluminumYesNitrate3Yes
CopperYesFluorideYes
Nickel YesPhosphateYes
Zinc YesChromateYes
StrontiumYesCyanide Yes
Cadmium YesSulfate Yes
Silver YesArsenic + 3 Yes
MercuryYesArsenic + 5Yes
BariumYesSeleniumYes
RadioactivityYesAsbestosYes
BacteriaYesSedimentYes
ProtozoaYesTurbidity Yes
AmeobicYesGiardiaYes
CystsYes  
Organic Contaminants Organic molecules with a molecular weight < 300 YesOrganic molecules with a molecular weight < 3005Yes

This information is extracted from the Water Quality Association WQA.

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