Reverse Osmosis Water vs Filtered Water: Which is Better?
Water filtration removes contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, bacteria, and heavy metals to improve drinking water's taste, odor, and safety. Different filtration systems use various methods to achieve this goal, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. The two most common methods used in homes are:
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Filtered water systems: This term generally refers to standard water filtration systems that use activated carbon filters, mechanical filters, or sediment filters to remove common impurities from water.
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Reverse osmosis systems: RO systems use a more advanced filtration process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing a wider range of contaminants.
In this article, we'll explore the main differences between reverse osmosis and filtered water, how each filtration system works, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and which filtration system might be better depending on your water quality requirements.
What is RO water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration process that uses a high-pressure pump to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving behind various contaminants.
The result is highly purified water that is free of many dissolved solids, chemicals, and microorganisms. For more details on how this process works, you can check out: what is a reverse osmosis system?
1. How RO works？
RO systems effectively purify water through multiple stages of filtration. First, the water passes through a sedimentation filter to remove larger particles, then through an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine and volatile organic compounds, improving the taste and odor of the water.
At the heart of the system is the RO membrane, which allows water molecules to pass through while blocking heavy metals, fluoride, and other harmful dissolved solids. Finally, some systems have additional carbon filters to further enhance the taste and quality of the water.
2. Contaminants Removed by Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems are effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including:
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Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
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Fluoride is often added to municipal water supplies.
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Nitrates and sulfates.
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Chlorine and chloramines.
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Pesticides and herbicides.
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To a lesser extent, bacteria and viruses (although RO is not designed as a primary method of removing microorganisms).
3. Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water
Highly Purified Water: RO systems remove up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS), making it one of the most effective methods of producing ultrapure water.
Safe Drinking Water: Reverse osmosis is great for removing harmful contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride, making water safer to drink, especially in areas with poor water quality.
Improved Taste and Odor: By removing chlorine, sulfur, and other chemicals, RO water tastes cleaner and more refreshing.
No More Bottled Water: With an RO system, families can enjoy purified water straight from the tap, reducing the need for bottled water and contributing to environmental sustainability.
4. Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis
Wastewater: RO systems waste a lot of water. While modern systems are increasingly efficient, for every gallon of water filtered, 3-4 gallons of wastewater may be produced.
Removes beneficial minerals: While RO removes pollutants, it also removes beneficial minerals from the water, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for health and give the water its natural taste.
Slower filtration process: Some original reverse osmosis methods are slower than other filtration methods and require a storage tank to collect the purified water.
What is filtered water?
Filtered water generally refers to water that has been through a low-intensity filtration system, usually including activated carbon, sediment filters, or ultraviolet light. These systems range from basic pitchers with replaceable filters to more complex whole-house filtration units.
1. How Filtered Water Systems Work？
Filtered water systems improve water quality through a combination of filters. First, a sediment filter removes large particles of impurities such as sand, dirt, and rust; then an activated carbon filter effectively removes chemicals that affect water taste and odor, such as chlorine and organic compounds.
Some advanced systems may also use ultraviolet (UV) technology to kill bacteria and viruses, although this is not common in standard home water filters.
Click to learn: How to purify water at home.
2. Contaminants Removed by Filtered Water Systems
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Chlorine and chloramines (used in municipal water treatment).
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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Sediment and particulates.
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Some pesticides and herbicides.
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Some heavy metals (although not as effective as RO for lead and arsenic).
3. Benefits of Filtered Water
Mineral Retention: Unlike reverse osmosis, filtered water systems retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can improve the taste of water and support overall health.
Faster Filtration: Most filtered water systems get clean water faster, especially those that don't require a storage tank like a pitcher or faucet attachment.
Affordable and Easy to Maintain: Filtered water systems are generally less expensive than reverse osmosis systems and require less frequent maintenance.
Reduces Water Waste: Unlike RO systems, filtered water systems don't produce a lot of wastewater, making them more environmentally friendly.
4. Disadvantages of Filtered Water
Limited Contaminant Removal: Filtered water systems are not very effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, especially dissolved solids like fluoride, nitrates, and heavy metals. They are also less effective at removing bacteria and viruses.
Inconsistent Quality: Filtration depends on the quality and age of the filter. Over time, filters can become clogged or less effective, requiring regular replacement.
Doesn't Solve Hard Water Problems: Filtered water systems generally don't soften hard water or remove scale-causing minerals, which can be a problem in hard water areas.
Reverse Osmosis Water vs. Filtered Water
Following are the main differences between the two types of water:
1. Filtration Process
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Uses multiple stages of filtration, including semi-permeable membranes, effectively removing various contaminants.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Typically employs activated carbon, sediment filters, and optional UV light, mainly targeting chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and large particles.
2. Contaminant Removal
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Can remove up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and nitrates.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Effective against chlorine, VOCs, and large particles, but less effective against heavy metals and dissolved solids.
3. Mineral Retention
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Strips most minerals from the water, resulting in purer water quality.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Retains beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium, making the drinking water more nutritious.
4. Wastewater Production
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Typically produces 3-4 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of filtered water.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Virtually no wastewater is produced, leading to more efficient water usage.
5. Cost
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Higher upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Lower initial costs, fewer replacement parts, and lower maintenance expenses.
6. Filtration Speed
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Slower filtration rates, usually requiring storage tanks for filtered water.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Faster filtration, providing immediate access to drinking water.
7. Best Suited Scenarios
- Reverse Osmosis Water: Ideal for areas with poor water quality, high contamination levels, or specific issues such as fluoride.
- Traditional Water Filtration: Significantly improves water taste, odor, and trace contaminants, reducing health risks.
Which is better, reverse osmosis or filtered water?
Which method is better depends on your specific needs and the quality of your water supply, but here are some tips for you:
When reverse osmosis is better
High levels of contaminants: If your water contains high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, or fluoride, then reverse osmosis is the best choice to remove these substances.
Immunocompromised people: People with weakened immune systems may benefit from the extra protection against bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals that reverse osmosis provides.
Taste and purity: For those who seek water that is as pure as possible, and free of any contaminants or impurities, choosing an RO system is the right choice.
When filtered water is better
Retained minerals: If you prefer water that retains beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium, then filtered water is the better choice.
Cost and convenience: Filtered water systems are generally more affordable and easier to maintain, making them a good choice for families who want to improve water quality without making a large investment.
Sustainability: If reducing water waste is a top priority, filtered water systems are more environmentally friendly than reverse osmosis systems.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis and filtered water systems each have their advantages and cater to different needs. If your main goal is to remove various pollutants and ensure that the water is as pure as possible, reverse osmosis is a good choice. However, if you want a simpler system that can retain minerals that are beneficial to the body and produce less waste, filtered water may be more suitable.
With the advancement of technology, many water purifiers have gradually combined the advantages of these two types of water. TOKIT's water purifier is a typical example. It not only removes harmful impurities but also retains beneficial minerals.
In addition, its filter element contains strontium, which can effectively delay cell aging, stabilize body functions, protect cardiovascular health, promote bone health, and inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
TOKIT AkuaPure is committed to becoming an expert in the field of home water purification. With the brand slogan of "Pure Water, Expertly Yours,", its vision is to provide you with excellent products and services, improve people's quality of life, and protect people's health.
Related reading: How much does a reverse osmosis system cost?
