Our Reverse Osmosis System is a popular choice for people who want clean, healthy water.
There are a lot of other drinking water systems on the market too. The choices can be confusing. So which ones work? The answer depends on your water quality – and the number of contaminants you want to remove.
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
City water and well water each have unique concerns. City water may contain chlorine and other disinfectants. Well water can contain nitrates, pesticides and more.
The EPA groups drinking water contaminants into 5 categories:
- Inorganic Contaminants
- Organic Contaminants
- Disinfectants and Byproducts
- Microbes
- Radionuclides
Reverse Osmosis is quite effective against all these groups – EXCEPT microbes. Bacteria can grow through a Reverse Osmosis System. If bacteria, etc is a concern, you should consider adding a Whole House UV System (ultraviolet).
How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
Our Reverse Osmosis Systems are effective against a wide range of contaminants because they use several technologies:
Sediment Pre-Filtration
Removes large particles like dirt, debris.
Carbon Filtration
This step removes chlorine and organic chemicals. Water flows through this filter about 100x slower than a faucet mount filter. The slower you run water through carbon, the better.
Membrane Purification
Now we remove salts and metals like arsenic, chromium, and mercury.
A membrane separates dissolved solids and metals. It returns water back into its original state. Hydrogen + Oxygen.
It’s this stage that really sets a Reverse Osmosis System apart from faucet and refrigerator filters.
Now that the water has been “purified”, it is stored in a sealed tank.
Post Filtration
This final stage aerates the water for a fresh, clean taste. The result is a fresh, crisp taste.
- TDS Raw Water
- TDS Filtered Water
- TDS RO Water
How Does RO Improve Water Quality in Illinois?
A Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter is a great way to measure the quality of your water.
Average TDS around the McHenry, IL is in the 300-400ppm TDS range.
If you measure water before and after a refrigerator filter, you may see the water quality improve 5-10%.
The RO System we use will clean up the water by an average of 95%.
That is a difference you can taste!
Are You Ready for Great Drinking Water?
Garrelts Water has been installing Reverse Osmosis Systems every since we opened our doors in 1992.
Is Reverse Osmosis right for you? We can test your water, and help you find the right system for your needs.
Give us a call at (815) 344-8186 or contact us for a FREE WATER TEST to get started!