Reverse osmosis is a water filtration method that is extremely effective at removing inorganic contamination from water. Reverse osmosis systems are typically used in residential settings to provide safer and better tasting drinking water. The system can be installed under a sink and forces water through a tank and filter system that can remove up to 99 percent of chemical contamination.

On the Other: Potential Limitations

Reverse osmosis systems are not effective at filtering out coliform bacteria. The systems also do not remove 100 percent of most inorganic contaminants. They have installation and ongoing maintenance costs. The systems use two to four tanks, which must be installed and will take up space. Finally, reverse osmosis systems waste a fair amount of water, possibly up to 20 times the amount of water treated.

Bottom Line

Despite several limitations, reverse osmosis systems remain popular in residential settings because of their ability to remove chemical and mineral contaminants that directly affect the safety, taste, and smell of drinking water. Additional or altogether different filtration systems should be used where bacterial contamination is a concern.

Source:

Environmental Management: El Dorado County, California

North Dakota State University: Water Treatment