Reverse Osmosis
A multi-stage drinking-water system that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane designed to reduce a wide range of dissolved solids.
How reverse osmosis works
Reverse osmosis is one of the most widely used technologies for drinking water at home. Rather than treating the whole house, it focuses on the water you actually drink and cook with, delivered through a dedicated faucet in the kitchen.
- 1
A sediment pre-filter captures particles like sand and rust before they reach the membrane.
- 2
A carbon pre-filter addresses chlorine and some taste and odor compounds, which also protects the membrane.
- 3
Household water pressure pushes water through a semipermeable membrane. Water molecules pass through while a large share of dissolved solids are rejected and sent to the drain.
- 4
Filtered water is stored in a small pressurized tank, then passes through a carbon post-filter on the way to the dedicated faucet for a final polish.
What it does, where it goes and why homeowners choose it.
Designed to
- Reduce total dissolved solids in the water you drink and cook with.
- Improve the taste and clarity of drinking water, coffee, tea and ice.
- Provide a dedicated tap for filtered water, often with a line to the refrigerator.
Typical installation
Typically installed under the kitchen sink with its own small faucet at the counter. A compact storage tank holds filtered water so it is ready when you need it, and a line can often be run to the refrigerator or ice maker.
Homeowners consider it when
- Tap water that tastes or smells off, especially in drinks and ice.
- A desire to reduce dissolved solids in drinking and cooking water.
- Wanting an alternative to buying bottled water.
- Preferring a dedicated drinking-water tap in the kitchen.
Practical details before you decide.
Pre-filters, the membrane and post-filters are replaced on the manufacturer's schedule.
The system needs cabinet space under the sink and a drain connection.
Reverse osmosis sends some reject water to the drain as part of normal operation.
It treats drinking water at one point in the home, not every tap.
Wondering if reverse osmosis fit your home?
Tell us what you have noticed about your water and we will walk through whether this is the right starting point.