The Disadvantages Of Residential Reverse Osmosis Systems
Here we look at the disadvantages of residential reverse osmosis systems. Reverse osmosis systems residential units may be the right choice for some people, but for most of us there are better options.
Here’s why.
First, let’s look at the monetary disadvantages of residential reverse osmosis systems. To purchase, the cost exceeds $10,000 for a system that will adequately service the needs of a family of four. When I say “adequately”, I am only referring to the amount of water that a family of four typically uses. Inadequate is a better description of reverse osmosis systems residential units.
Electricity is required for pumping and pressurization. Increased electrical usage results in higher utility bills for the homeowner. The cost of replacement membranes exceeds $300. The membranes are delicate and require frequent replacement; else you will end up with a dysfunctional unit.
Gallons of wastewater are created, which can tax your septic system and cause increased costs in that arena. “Dumping” the wastewater would be prohibited in most areas. Some suggest that you use it for watering the plants. That is not a good idea from an environmental standpoint, as it will eventually cause more contamination in the groundwater.
From an environmental standpoint, because of the extra energy required and the water wasted, residential reverse osmosis systems are not a “green” choice.
Cost and environmental considerations would not be an issue to many of us if reverse osmosis systems residential purifiers protected the safety and health of our families. But, in most cases, they are an unnecessary and sometimes redundant step.
What is in your source? Do you know? If you are serviced by a treatment facility then residential reverse osmosis systems are redundant, because the filtration step has already been performed. If you are serviced by a desalination plant, the same is true.
If you own a protected well of good quality, then reverse osmosis systems residential units are probably unnecessary. Have your water tested first and find out what contaminants need to be removed.
If your source is a river or the ocean, then you need residential reverse osmosis systems, but you also need additional steps for disinfection and removal of chemical contaminants that are molecularly smaller than a water molecule.
If you are concerned about cryptosporidium or giardia cysts, since they cannot be removed by treatment facilities, that exist in bottle waters and can be found in wells and springs, then you may be considering reverse osmosis systems residential purifiers, because the Environmental Protection Agency lists it as an option for their removal.
But, they also mention other options.
One option they suggest is boiling, but that will not remove chemical contaminants, such as THMs, which are now known to increase a person’s risk of cancer and would become vaporized during boiling, so that is not the best option. But, of course, reverse osmosis systems residential purifiers do not remove THMs either.
Another option that they list is sub-micron filtration. Now, that’s a good and inexpensive option for homeowners. When combined with activated carbon and multi-media blocks, sub-micron filtration will remove practically any contaminant known to man. If an ion exchange step is also included, then lead and other ionic contaminants will be exchanged for harmless and good tasting sodium and potassium ions.
As you can see, I’m not a big fan of residential reverse osmosis systems, but if you need one, I understand. Just be sure to take the need extra precautions.
