7 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems in 2021- Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
iSpring RCC7AK-UV 7-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

- The UV filter system
- Remineralizes water for enhanced taste
- Removes 99% of contaminants
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

- Better RO system
- Built-in non-electric permeate pump
- Improved flow rate
APEC Top Tier 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis System

- Removes 99.99% of chemical and sediments from water
- Remineralizes water by adding calcium carbonate
- The 6-stage filtration system
It may sound like a marketing gimmick, but tap water is not as safe as you would think. According to EWG Tap Water Database, the samples of tap water have been found to contain harmful contaminants like arsenic, chromium, lead, nitrates, and radiological contaminants.
To ensure that you and your family are drinking the cleanest and safest water, water filtration has become a modern-day necessity. Reverse Osmosis Systems is one of the best methods to purify water for your household. Unlike regular water filters, these systems remove up to 99% of contaminants from water. Every RO system, regardless of the brand, uses a membrane to eliminate the total dissolved solids (TDS) along with sediments and carbon from the water.
Reverse Osmosis Systems are easy to install and have low maintenance. They only take a couple of minutes every few months to get the optimum output from the system.
But why are some RO units more expensive than others, and how do you figure out which one to choose?
In the following article, we take a closer look at 7 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems and their pros and cons. Along with that, we also provide you an in-depth analysis with the 30 seconds summary, quick summary, comparison chart, the working of RO systems, its benefits, things to consider while buying the RO system, and FAQs.
So, let’s get on with it!
APEC Top Tier Supreme 6-Stage RO Water Filter System

If you’re opting for the most premium reverse osmosis system, we recommend you to go for APEC 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System. Along with the six-stage filtration system, this unit contains extra-capacity cartridges and extremely durable reverse osmosis membranes. It is capable of purifying about 90 gallons of water each day, which is more than enough, even for a large household. It comes at a fairly reasonable price and is a gold seal certified by the Water Quality Association.
Quick Summary of Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Product Image | Product Name | |
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Top Pick for Premium Performance
APEC Top Tier Supreme 6-Stage RO Water Filter System
With high performance and premium quality, this RO system is engineered with six filtration stages to supply highly purity water. This system is a gold seal certified by the Water Quality Association for its high removal rate. |
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Best RO System with Ten-Stage Filtration Technology
Express Water Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Powered by 10-stage supreme filtration technology, this reverse osmosis system by Express Water is one of the most versatile products of its kind available in the market. |
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Reverse Osmosis System with Fast Flow Kit
Home Master Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
With the removal rate of 98% and its fast-flowing technology, Home Master Artesian Full Contact RO System is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to reverse osmosis systems. |
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Top Pick for High Filtration Accuracy
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis System is by far the most effective RO unit when it comes to filtration accuracy. This filter can remove up to 0.0001 micrometers of water contaminants to deliver the cleanest water possible. |
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Best Value for Money Reverse Osmosis System
Olympia (OROS-50) 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Cheap but highly effective, OROS-50 uses five-stage filtration technology that guarantees clean and safe water. This product is certified by NSF International for Its high removal rate. |
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Best RO System with UV Sterilization Lamp
iSpring 7-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System
The top class 7-layered filters of the iSpring RO System is super-efficient in removing massive amounts of pollutants from the water. This filter comprises of GAC and CTO that serve as an additional shield against harmful contaminants. |
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Budget-Friendly RO System with 6-Stage Filtration Technology
iSpring 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
Relatively inexpensive yet highly efficient — iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Filter System guarantees protection against various water contaminants and delivers fresh and clean water fit for consumption. The advanced technology of this filter not only purifies water but also re-introduces minerals to produce fortified and natural-tasting water. |
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Best Reverse Osmosis Systems in 2021- Reviews
APEC Top Tier Supreme 6-Stage RO Water Filter System
Features Highlights
- Gold Seal Certified by the Water Quality Association
- Replaceable filters that ensure a one-year lifespan
- 1-year manufacturer service with 24-hours tech support
- Leak-proof — cuts off the water supply automatically when leaking
- Lead-free — material safety
- Rust-proof plastic shell storage tank
- Easy installation with 4-color tubing set
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
20.2 x 19 x 16.8
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Weight:
30 Pounds
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Capacity:
90 Gallons Per Day
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Filteration System:
Supreme 6-Stage Alkalizing Water Filter System
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Warranty:
1-Year Return Policy
APEC 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System is designed to improve the water quality for drinking and cooking. The unique filtration system eliminates up to 99 percent of hazardous toxins, sediments, and impurities. These premium filters are rigorously tested to ensure the highest contaminant removal rate.
Capacity
Unlike most models in the market, APEC 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System features extra-capacity cartridges and long-lasting RO membranes. This product can purify up to 90 gallons of water per day, which is more than enough even for a large family. Additionally, the RO membrane of this filter is extremely durable, which only requires annual maintenance for optimum performance.
Micron Rating
The pre-filtration technology of the APEC RO system removes water contaminants down to 5 microns. This feature is significant for the durability of the RO membrane. Once the water passes through the prefilter, the membrane does the rest. The RO membrane removes the remaining particles up to 0.001 microns and produces pure water.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of APEC 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is exceptionally high. With 0.5 gallons per minute, this model outperforms most of the systems of its kind in this category.
Design
The premium APEC system has a flexible design that virtually fits anywhere you want. The sturdy metal frame can also be mounted on the wall. The comprehensive kit of APEC includes cartridge set and holding tank. All the plastic components in the system arebuilt with food-grade materials. Additionally, this system is easy to install and requires no electricians and plumbers.
Pros
- It is highly effective in improving the quality of water for less than whole-home systems
- Equipped with high-capacity and budget-friendly filters
- It comes a comprehensive kit and is easy to install
- It is less noisy
- It is backed by top-notch customer support with a one-year warranty
Cons
- It does not remove chloramines
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium quality RO system for your home or office use, APEC 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is your best bet. Powered by 6-stage high performing filtration technology, this system not only removes the contaminants from the water but also improves the taste. On top of that, this RO system can filter up to 90 gallons of water every day, which is relatively high for this price range.
Express Water Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Features Highlights
- The filtered alkaline water contains 20% more oxygen than regular water
- Active Mineral Technology adds important minerals in the water
- It removes 99.99% of pollutants like chlorine, lead, fluoride, and arsenic
- Easy installation
- Backed by excellent customer support
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
19 x 18 x 19 inches
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Weight:
27 pounds
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Capacity:
100 Gallons Per Day
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Filteration System:
10-Stage Filtration System
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Warranty:
1 Year Warranty
This top-rated RO system by Express Water is equipped with ten-stage filtration technology. As each filtration stage serves its individual purpose, it is highly effective in eliminating dirt, sediment, debris, and other contaminants to produce pure and clean water. This model is loaded with some great features and wastes relatively less water compared to other systems.
Filters
As this RO system is powered with a 10-stage filtration technology, it is highly effective in removing waterborne contaminants. The first five stages of the filtration process are somewhat similar to other RO systems. However, the filtration process gets even more advanced once the water passes to the sixth stage. While most manufacturers have considered remineralization as a one-step process during filtration, Express Water RO system counts each step in remineralization as a significant stage.
Easy Installation
When it comes to the installation process, the Express Water RO system is a cinch. The model comes with detailed instructions that are easy to follow. However, it may take a couple of hours to set up the entire system. The additional pressure gauge will make it convenient for you to monitor the operating pressure of the system.
Design
This system comes with a unique, flawless, and easy-to-use design. The system includes a membrane, a polishing filter, and three carbon filters. Designed for a high flow rate, the filtered water passes through the remineralization stage to produce crystal clear water.
Pros
- Equipped with powerful 10-stage filtration system
- The filters are easy to install and change
- The filtration process wastes fairly less water
- Eliminates over 99% of harmful chemicals and toxins from water
- Requires less maintenance
Cons
- The installation process may take slightly longer than expected
Our Verdict
This product by Express Water is hands down one of the best options when it comes to the alkaline RO system. This system has a 10-stage filtration technology that removes 99% of water contaminants. It also includes remineralization pH+ filters that increase the water pH up to 10, making it more alkaline. With such functionality, this model comes at a reasonably decent price.
Home Master Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Features Highlights
- It restores natural calcium and magnesium that are driven out during the RO process
- It removes up to 98% of chemicals and waterborne contaminants
- Sturdy and long-lasting filters that are easy to install and replace
- It comes with comprehensive Fast Flow RO kit
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
20 x 16 x 13 inches
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Weight:
14.1 pounds
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Capacity:
50 Gallons Per Day
-
Filteration System:
7-Stage Water Filtration System
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Warranty:
5 Year Limited Warranty - Parts
Home Master Artesian Full Contact RO System delivers pure Alkaline Mineral Water. This system produces clean and safe water by removing 98% of contaminants using the RO process and then remineralizes it using patented Full Contact Technology. It comes with a Fast Flow RO Kit, which delivers double the flow rate than the typical faucet.
Water Efficiency
Home Master Artesian Full Contact RO System comes with a Fast Flow kit that produces 50 gallons of pure water every day. However, it is one of the least efficient systems on the list. With every gallon of pure water, this system creates about four gallons of water waste. This is an excessive amount of wastage.
Filtration Design
This system features a modular filter design which makes replacing the filter elements extremely easy. You do not need any tools for filter replacement — simply pull the old filter from the housing and push the new one for replacement. The filter replacement should be carried out at least once every year.
Easy Installation
This appliance is extremely easy to install and requires no professional plumber for the installation. The only complication that comes during the installation is drilling a hole in the sink top. For your convenience, it also comes with a user’s manual that provides detailed instructions for installation.
Pros
- Equipped with full-contact technology which remineralizes water and improves the pH value
- A single filter can purify up to 2,000 gallons of water
- It has 4 gallons water tank
- Removes 98% of water pollutant
- Easy installation
- Five-year manufacturing warranty
Cons
- The rate of wastewater is exceptionally high
- It does not include UV light
Our Verdict
Although slightly expensive, the 7-stage advanced filters of Home Master Artesian RO System is worth the money. The full-contact technology of the system remineralizes water that adds the lost minerals and improves the pH value of the water. It also has a Fast Flow Kit that delivers twice the amount of water in comparison to regular units. Additionally, it is backed by a five-year manufacturer's warranty.
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Features Highlights
- It is equipped with three-stage advanced filtration system
- Effectively eliminates water pollutants with filtration accuracy of 0.0001 micrometer
- The entire installation can be completed in less than an hour
- It has no tanks and takes less storage space
- With an internal pump, the flow rate of this RO system is extremely high
- With the drain ratio of 1:1, this system reduces water waste by 300%
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
18.1 x 5.7 x 17.8 inches
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Weight:
31 pounds
-
Capacity:
400 Gallons Per Day
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Filteration System:
3-Stage Filtration Technology
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Warranty:
1 Year Limited Warranty
Waterdrop RO System is powered by a triple-stage filtration technology with supreme performance. With filtration accuracy of 0.0001 micrometers, this system effectively removes water contaminants from the tap water to produce highly pure water. The revolutionary design of this RO system features no storage tank. Therefore, this compact system can fit virtually anywhere and occupies less space, unlike traditional appliances.
Triple-Stage Filtration System
Waterdrop RO System has three-stage filtration technology with pre-sediment and carbon-block filter, reserve osmosis filter, and post-activated carbon filter. The triple-stage technology guarantees to remove all the contaminants from the water. Its RO membrane is nothing like regular membranes available in the market. The 0.0001-micrometer filtration accuracy whips out about 99% of water pollutants, and its carbon filter improves the taste of the water
LED Display
Another impressive thing about this RO system is its LED display at the faucet. This display comes in handy to monitor the quality of the filtered water. Also, the system panel has another display that indicates the exact amount of TDS.
Highly Effective
When it comes to water waste, Waterdrop RO System produces three times less water waste than other RO systems on the market. With every gallon of filtered water, this appliance only produces one gallon of wastewater. Additionally, no tank design prevents secondary contamination that generally occurs in the storage tank.
Versatile Design
The design of the Waterdrop RO system is simply revolutionary. Having a 5.7-inch slim body with no storage tank, this system can fit anywhere and consumes less storage space. Additionally, this compact system can also be attached to your refrigerator.
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel faucet
- Compact design with no tank
- 3-stage filtration and removal of large particles
- Effectively removes fluoride
- Low water waste
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- This system does not alkalize water
- The faucet comes in a single color
Our Verdict
If you’re looking to buy a high-quality RO system and have no problem spending a hefty sum for it, Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System is your best pick. It is equipped with powerful filtration technology, compact design, and is extremely well-built to justify its high price. In addition to that, it is effortless to install and has a low water waste.
Olympia (OROS-50) Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Features Highlights
- The entire system is tested and certified by NSF International
- It features 5-stages of advanced filtration that deliver high-quality drinking water
- Perfectly designed to fit in under-sink cabinets
- It offers lifetime customer support
Product Specification
-
Weight:
26 Pounds
-
Capacity:
50 Gallons Per Day
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Filteration System:
5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
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Warranty:
1 Year Limited Warranty
Olympia Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System (OROS-50) comes at a reasonable price and gets the job done. Manufactured in the United States, this RO system is NSF certified and uses a 5-stage filtration system to purify the water and enhance its taste. This system has a top-quality RO membrane that delivers 50 gallons of water per day.
High-Quality Water Purification
With five stages of the filtration process, OROS-50 effectively removes contaminants and impurities from the water to produce pure drinking water. Rigorously tested, this system guarantees to remove arsenic, fluoride, lead, radium 226/228, copper, and also reduces turbidity from water.
NSF Certification
The entire system of OROS-50 is NSF tested and certified. This high-quality system has been tested and certified against NSF/ANSI 42 for the removal of chlorine, taste, and odor. Additionally, it is NSF/ANSI 58 approved for effectively reducing the Total Dissolved Solids.
Easy Installation
The installation process of OROS-50 is ridiculously straightforward. With a step-by-step manual, installing the RO system has never been so easy. Also, for your convenience, it comes with a colorful tubing. The only complication you might face while installing this system is drilling the holes in the stainless steel sink drain.
All-in-One Kit
This system comes with an all-inclusive RO kit that is required while installing and operating the device. It includes three filter housings, an automatic shut-off valve, a flow restrictor, two carbon block filters, a sediment filter, RO membrane, a post-carbon filter, and a gallon tank.
Pros
- An inexpensive system with great performance
- Features 5-stage system for pure water with improved taste
- NSF certified
- Easy to install and maintain
- Relatively less wastewater
Cons
- Drilling a hole in stainless steel sink may be complicated
- It may occupy the entire space under the sink
- It has an occasional leak issue
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an inexpensive reverse osmosis system that gets the job done, this is your go-to product. Although relatively cheap, this system delivers highly purified water with its 5-stage filtration technology. The system is easy to install and maintain and also produces less water waste. This system is NSF certified for its performance and high removal rate.
iSpring 7-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Features Highlights
- It is powered by a 7-stage RO filtration technology
- It also features UV Sterilization Lamp for additional protection
- It is built with high-quality stainless steel housing
- The installation process is relatively easy and straightforward
- It uses a special filtration system to remineralize the water and make it more alkaline
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
15 x 8 x 18 inches
-
Weight:
28 pounds
-
Capacity:
75 Gallons Per Day
-
Filteration System:
7-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
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Warranty:
1 Year Money-Back Guarantee + 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
The deluxe RO system of iSpring consists of a 7-stage filtration system that delivers quality, performance, and durability. The layered filtration technology of this system is precisely built around the RO membrane to remove over 1,000 types of contaminations. Unlike regular filters, the second and third filter combines both GAC and CTO to provide additional protection against harmful chemicals. It features an extensive 75 gallons per day capacity RO membrane.
Efficiency
This RO filtration system is highly efficient, with a ratio of 2:1. This means with every gallon of filtered water produced from this system, only 2 gallons of wastewater will be wasted. This efficient unit is not only cost-effective in the long run but is also better for the environment.
Filters
When it comes to the filtration system, iSpring is one of the most reliable names in the market. Its 7-stage RO filtration technology guarantees to remove up to 99% of bacteria, debris, and chemicals from water. In addition to the standard filters, this RO system also features a carbonite filter for remineralization and a red mineral filter to add ionized minerals to the water.
The additional UV Sterilization Lamp in the system provides added protection from bacteria and other microorganisms to improve the water quality.
Installation
The installation process of this RO system is easy and straightforward. If you have prior experience with DIY projects, installing this unit will be much easier. Even if you do not have prior experience, you’ll still be able to fix it by yourself. Thanks to the step-by-step instruction manual that explains the entire installation process. However, the instruction manual is not well written and is slightly tricky to follow.
Pros
- This system features 7-stages of filtration technology
- It has a UV Sterilization Lamp
- It is made of premium stainless steel
- It is easy to install
- The filter remineralize and alkalize the water
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- The user manual, at times, is very confusing
Our Verdict
This RO product by iSpring not only removes water pollutants but also remineralizes and alkalizes the water to deliver the best consumable water possible. The seven-layered filter is high-performing and is capable of eliminating 1,000 different contaminants from the water. Additionally, this RO system is highly effective. With every gallon of filtered water, the system produces two gallons of water waste, which is fairly less compared to other systems.
iSpring 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
Features Highlights
- Superior capacity RO filtration system for safe and healthy water
- The filter removes up to 0.0001-micron contaminations
- Premium quality nickel faucet
- Easy-fitting and leakage-free pipes
- High-quality components to ensure reliability and low maintenance
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
14.5 x 6 x 17 inches
-
Weight:
20 pounds
-
Capacity:
75 Gallons Per Day
-
Filteration System:
6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
-
Warranty:
1 Year Money-Back Guarantee + 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
This reverse osmosis system by iSpring is a six-layered unit that guarantees protection from over 1,000 types of water contaminants. Along with multiple filtration stages, the final stage of the purification process helps to re-introduce minerals back to water that is often lost during the earlier stages. This additional function helps to produce more natural-tasting water than regular water filters.
Performance
The six-stage filtration technology of this iSpring RO system removes up to 99% of water contaminants, including lead, chlorine, arsenic, sodium, and fluoride. With the additional filters, this system not only purifies the water but also restores minerals and alkaline balance.
Features
This RO system comprises of all the necessary components that are required for installation. The entire set includes premium quality components that ensure high reliability and low maintenance. It comes with a brushed nickel faucet, shut-off valve, filter cartridges, storage tank, and reverse osmosis membrane along with the system.
This RO system has a filtration capacity of 75 gallons per day. It includes both GAC as well as CTO filters. The GAC filter traps large contaminants, leaving smaller particles to pass through the CTO carbon block filter. This combination functions with maximum efficiency and lasts longer than standard filters.
Installation and maintenance
Installing this RO system is extremely effortless and straightforward. Designed for DIY users, this unit can be easily installed within an hour if you have prior experience. However, even if you have no idea how to install the system, following the instructional video from the manufacturers will do the job. It also includes a step-by-step manual.
Pros
- High-quality product at relatively low price
- Powered by a six-stage filtration system
- It is designed to fit right under your kitchen sink
- WQA Gold Seal Certified
- It covers 1-year money-back guarantee along with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Relatively higher water waste with 4:1 ratio
Our Verdict
Well, the iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Filter System is a fairly decent product considering its price and quality. With six layers of filter, this system comes handy not only to drive out the pollutants but also to enhance the taste of water. Additionally, this system is compact in size and is designed to fit right under your sink.
Comparison Table
Names | Dimension (in inches) | Capacity (GPD) | Weight (Pounds) | Filtration System | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
APEC Top Tier Supreme 6-Stage RO Water Filter System | 20.2 x 19 x 16.8 | 90 | 30 | Supreme 6-Stage Alkalizing Water Filter System | 1-Year Return Policy |
Express Water Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Filtration System | 19 x 18 x 19 | 100 | 27 | 5-Stage Filtration System | 1 Year Warranty |
Home Master Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System | 20 x 16 x 13 | 50 | 14.1 | 7-Stage Water Filtration System | 5 Year Limited Warranty |
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System | 18.1 x 5.7 x 17.8 | 400 | 31 | 3-Stage Filtration Technology | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
Olympia (OROS-50) 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System | 16.5 x 16.5 x 19.7 | 50 | 26 | 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
iSpring 7-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System | 15 x 8 x 18 | 75 | 28 | 7-Stage Reverse Osmosis System | 1 Year Money-Back Guarantee + 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty |
iSpring 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System | 14.5 x 6 x 17 | 75 | 20 | 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System | 1 Year Money-Back Guarantee + 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty |
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is a water treatment process that removes contaminants from unfiltered water sources by applying pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. In general, water flows from a slightly more concentrated side of the reverse osmosis membrane to less intensive side to produce clean drinking water.
The clean water produced after the filtration process is known as permeate, while the concentrated water left over is known as brine or waste.
A semipermeable membrane consists of small pores that effectively block contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through. In the osmosis system, water is more concentrated while it passes through the membrane to acquire equilibrium on both sides. However, the reverse osmosis system entirely blocks the contaminants to enter the less concentrated side of the layer.
How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
Basically, a reverse osmosis system eliminates chlorine and sediment from the water with a pre-filtration technology before it forces water through a semipermeable membrane to get rid of dissolved solids. After water comes out of the membrane, it passes through a post-filtration system that refines the water before it enters the faucet. Depending upon the pre-filters and post-filters of the product, RO systems may have several stages of the filtration process.
Stages of Reverse Osmosis System
In general, a reverse osmosis system consists of three major phases — pre-treatment, reserve osmosis, and post-treatment. However, few reverse osmosis systems also include several additional stages for extra purification. With every stage, water passes through the different treatment process before it comes out of the faucet for consumption. In this section, we’ll explain the purpose of each stage of filtration in RO systems:
Sediment Filter
First, the contaminated water is pre-filtered with a sediment filter in order to eliminate larger particles in the water, including calcium carbonate and rust. The sediment filter also acts as a shield to the filter that comes after it, as it removes harmful contaminants that could possibly affect them. Keep in mind that this filter should be replaced every six months, as this is the first thing that comes in contact with the contaminated water.
Carbon Filter with Activated Carbon
After the sediment filtration, the water has to go through another pre-filter process with a carbon filter. The activated carbon effectively filters organic chemicals, chlorine, and oils that can degrade the composite membrane used in reverse osmosis filters. If these contaminants pass through this process, it will damage the pores on the membrane, making it highly ineffective.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
In the reverse osmosis stage, most of the contaminants are eliminated from the water. This process effectively removes organic as well as inorganic compounds, including arsenic, lead, fluoride, cysts, and copper. Most importantly, it reduces Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which contains inorganic salts such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Remineralizing Filter
Although the water becomes highly pure once it passes through the reverse osmosis membrane, it still remains slightly acidic. Therefore, a remineralizing filter is used to balance the pH level and improve the aftertaste by introducing healthy minerals, such as magnesium and calcium in the water.
Storage Tank
Once the water passes through the major purification stages, this is the process of storing it. This is the final stage of the purification process in most reverse osmosis systems. However, a few systems might include additional stages for further purification.
UV Filter (Optional)
This additional UV filter effectively destroys microorganisms and harmful bacteria to protect against biological contaminants. This additional UV rays destroy illness-causing microorganisms and produce highly purified water.
Color Changing Resin Deionization Filter (Optional)
This additional filter removes the remaining TDS from the membrane filtered water. While the RO system removes the larger particles, there are still some TDS left in the water.
Final Carbon Filter
This stage is also known as the ‘polishing’ filter. In this stage, the final carbon removes the unpleasant taste and odors from the water. It also eliminates the rubber particles from the storage tank that may have been dissolved in water during the RO stage.
Reverse Osmosis Water Benefits
Effectively Removes Waterborne Contaminants
Reverse Osmosis systems are 99% efficient when it comes to eliminating waterborne contaminants and pollutants to produce safe and clean drinking water. The semipermeable membranes processes and isolates bacteria, viruses, ions, and heavy metals from water.
Produces Odor-Free Water
While regular filtration systems are ineffective in removing odor from water, Reverse Osmosis systems remove the aftertaste and improve the taste of water. RO systems are equipped with activated carbon filters that attract the odor-causing contaminants and filters them out to produce purified water.
Removes Inorganic Molecules
While most of the regular filters use carbon cartridges that do not remove inorganic compounds, Reverse Osmosis systems are highly effective in removing inorganic molecules with its high-performance membrane.
Extremely Easy to Maintain
The benefit of having a reverse osmosis system over a regular filtration system is low maintenance. While the ordinary filters require frequent washing and rinsing, RO systems are regularly washed by the system itself. This innovative concept makes RO systems convenient for household purposes.
Long-Lasting and Economical
Reverse Osmosis systems usually last longer than regular water filters. As the system itself washes and rinses the membranes of RO, it can easily last for a couple of years. Additionally, it is also relatively economical as this system requires minimal maintenance compared to typical filtration systems.
Option for UV Radiation
UV Radiation is hands down the most effective way to disinfect water. While regular filters do not use UV technology, some RO models have UV lamps that whip out bacteria and viruses.
Things to Consider While Buying a Reverse Osmosis System
While Reverse Osmosis systems are highly effective in purifying water, they may vary when it comes to efficiency. With so many options in the market, it might be a tough call to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things you need to consider while buying a reverse osmosis system.
Water Source
If you’re planning to use a reverse osmosis system to purify water that comes from a treatment plant, an entry-level system will be sufficient for you.
However, if you’re planning to use the system to treat well water, which has a high concentration of contaminants, you will require a high-quality reverse osmosis system that includes a UV light sterilizer.
Stages of Filtration
Most reverse osmosis systems have three stages of filtration. However, some system features additional filtration stages for high performance. For most applications, the RO system with four-stage filtration technology is more than sufficient. However, if you’re willing to filter well water that contains high levels of sediments, a five-stage reverse osmosis system is highly recommended for additional pre-filtration to get rid of the residues.
Your Budget
Budget is probably the most obvious thing you need to consider while buying a reverse osmosis system. Before purchasing a system, we recommend you to consider both initial costs as well as the maintenance cost. The initial cost is the price of the system, whereas the maintenance cost involves filter replacements and faulty parts. If the unit requires frequent replacement, it will be costlier in the long run.
Filtration Quality
Due to technological differences, the reverse osmosis system has variation in rejection ratios. The pre-filtration and post-filtration usually determine the effectiveness of the entire system. While most manufacturing companies claim that their RO system can effectively remove 99% of contaminants, you can measure the effectiveness of the filter using the TDS meter. You can also check the quality of the filter by checking if the RO system is certified by a renowned institution.
Water Needs
The water flow rate is another significant thing you need to consider while investing in a reverse osmosis system. Each system will have a different flow rate that will determine how much water the system can purify on average. This usually depends on several factors, including water temperature and water pressure. It is crucial to keep in mind that a system with 50 GPD-rated (GDP - Gallons Per Day) will be sufficient for a common household, but a family of 8 to 10 will require a system that offers twice the GDP rating with 90 to 100.
FAQs
Reverse osmosis systems comprise of multiple filters, each responsible for removing specific contaminants. This water treatment system removes copper, lead, sand, fluoride, magnesium, and VOCs from the unfiltered water to produce safe drinking water. Additionally, it also removes odors and bad taste from water.
While the reverse osmosis system whips out harmful pollutants, it also removes some essential elements from water. It removes magnesium and calcium, which are particularly beneficial for your bones. However, the filtration device itself does not bring any risk to your health.
During the process of filtering water, the RO system separates the waste and contaminants that are present in water. So, the wastewater is probably the most obvious environmental impact of the RO system. Not only that, for every two gallons of filtered water, about eight gallons go into the water waste system. So, an extensive amount of water goes to waste during the filtration process of RO systems. However, if you use the wasted water for other general purposes, this impact is easily solvable.
A unit can virtually last forever if you use it diligently with regular maintenance. However, you may require to replace the filters frequently to get the optimum output of the RO systems.
Reverse osmosis system and water distillers are two different appliances with a different mechanism, but with similar end results. While RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter water, distiller boils the water then condenses its steam to purify it. However, they both serve the similar purpose of producing highly pure drinking water.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all about the best reverse osmosis systems in the market today. To wrap things up, all these RO systems are engineered to deliver fresh, clean, and safe water, whether you choose to use it at your home or the office. No matter which of these products suit your preference the best, all these RO systems are high-end units that guarantee highly purified water for consumption. But if you still are confused whether you need whole house reverse osmosis system, we recommend you read this article written on Do I need a whole house reverse osmosis system, might it change your mind. Cheers!
