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Today, among water purification technologies, one of the most common and effective methods is the reverse osmosis system. Preferred for both domestic and industrial use, this system purifies tap water to a very high degree, making it drinkable. So, what is reverse osmosis, how does it work, and how healthy is it? In this article, we have covered all the details you might wonder about.
Reverse osmosis is a filtration technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate ions, molecules, and particles from water under high pressure.
Literally, it means "the reverse process of osmosis." In normal osmosis, water moves from a solution with low solute concentration to one with high concentration, whereas in reverse osmosis, this process is reversed. As a result, unwanted substances such as salt, heavy metals, microbes, and chemical residues are removed from the water.
Reverse osmosis is an advanced purification method used to remove harmful substances from water. In a reverse osmosis system, water first passes through pre-filters to remove coarse sediments and chlorine. Then, it is forced through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure. The membrane allows only pure water molecules to pass while retaining salts, microorganisms, and heavy metals. As a result, clean and healthy drinking water is produced, and the wastewater is directed to the drain. Thanks to reverse osmosis, the purity of water reaches 95-99%, making it safe for consumption.
Reverse osmosis systems filter out harmful substances in water and provide the following benefits:
In addition, reverse osmosis is also preferred for producing pure water for aquariums, laboratories, and some industrial applications.
Wastewater generation in reverse osmosis devices is inherent to the system. Because only pure water molecules pass through the membrane filter, all other substances accumulate and are discharged.
This wastewater:
On average, producing 1 liter of purified water creates about 2-3 liters of wastewater. This amount varies depending on the device’s quality and the initial contamination level of the water. In new-generation systems, the waste ratio can be reduced by up to 50%.
Reverse osmosis also filters out most of the beneficial minerals in water. For this reason, it receives some criticism. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are removed along with the wastewater.
However, this does not mean that minerals are "killed"; it is simply mechanical separation. Since most essential minerals for human health are obtained from food rather than water, this generally does not pose a health risk.
Still, to maintain mineral balance, it is recommended to use alkaline or mineral filters in reverse osmosis devices. These filters add natural minerals back into the water and balance the pH value.
Yes, water purified by reverse osmosis is extremely healthy because:
However, consuming completely pure water (with no minerals) over a long period may be insufficient for maintaining the body's mineral balance. Therefore, models with mineral filters should be preferred.
Yes, water obtained by reverse osmosis is drinkable. However, some important points should be noted:
Therefore, for drinking purposes, the pH should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Reverse osmosis devices with mineral supplementation that maintain this balance can be used safely.
An ideal reverse osmosis device usually has 5 stages: sediment filter, activated carbon, membrane, post-carbon (taste) filter, and mineral filter. However, more advanced systems can have up to 6 or 7 filters. Additional modules like mineral or alkaline filters further improve drinking water quality.
The main reverse osmosis unit can be used for many years. However, pre-filters should be replaced every 6–12 months, and the membrane filter should be replaced every 2–3 years. Usage intensity and the initial water quality can affect these intervals.
It is not necessary because reverse osmosis water is already microbiologically clean. However, those who have safety concerns can boil the water. Boiling does not change the pH or mineral content but leads to energy consumption.
Although reverse osmosis water is highly purified, it is not completely pure water. Pure water is obtained through distillation in laboratory conditions and contains no ions or minerals. Reverse osmosis water, on the other hand, may still contain trace amounts of minerals.
In pump-equipped models, a motor is used to generate water pressure, which can produce a low hum. This is normal. However, if there is loud vibration, air entrapment, or improper filter installation, it should be checked.
