The disadvantages of reverse osmosis come into play only in the residential sector. That is because the system was designed originally for commercial use. It was then converted for residential purposes and did not meet the requirements that most of us seek.
Does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink? That is a question that has been debated for decades. First we have to define "safe water to drink". Then we can determine whether reverse osmosis provides safe water.
OSMOSIS
It is a given that if what we drink to quench our thirst is pure, it would be good for us. But, if it contains contaminants, obviously, it is not. To find the disadvantages of reverse osmosis, we have to study the facts and determine if it really does what it is supposed to do, or it is a lot of hype. You have already seen the hype, here are the facts.
First of all, the system wastes about 4 gallons of water for every one that it filters. That is a lot of wastage and in this day, with all the shortages, we cannot afford that.
Secondly it takes too much time. To filter 1 gallon takes about 3 or 4 hours. This is a huge waste of time.
Thirdly reverse osmosis does not block pesticides, herbicides or other chemical contaminants. Does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink? No, because if chemicals are left behind, how can it be considered safe?
Another of the disadvantages of reverse osmosis is price. We find that it is one of the most expensive systems on the market. They start at ,000, and that does not include what the plumber and electrician will charge you for installation.
When you add everything up, there is only one conclusion. To answer the question, does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink? We would have to say no. It is not a complete system. Other steps, disinfection and carbon filtration, for example must be added. If you have public water, then it is already disinfected, so all you really need is a good carbon filtration system.
If you have well water, you probably do not need reverse osmosis. If your water comes straight from a lake or river, you probably do. But you need a complete system. So you need both disinfection and carbon filtration.
That's not even the last of the disadvantages of reverse osmosis. You thought we were finished? The process removes nearly all of the health giving minerals that water naturally provides.
Does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink? Clearly, as a stand alone system, reverse osmosis is not a good residential application. It is easy to be fooled by the hype. But when you know about the disadvantages of reverse osmosis, you can make a better informed decision about a safe water home purification system.
Three Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis OSMOSIS
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