Reverse osmosis and carbon filtration are popular ways for water treatment, but which is actually more effective? Carbon filtration uses a filter to remove contaminants from your drinking water by forcing it through a very fine membrane. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from your water. To put this another way, reverse osmosis involves re-condensing liquid water to gas and reformatting it again into a liquid before it can be consumed.

The semi-permeable membranes used in reverse osmosis processes work on the same principle. Water passes through a membrane, trapping the dissolved substances on one side of the membrane. Organic substances on the other side of the membrane are allowed to pass through, while the water stays dry. The process removes contaminants, minerals, and other toxins in the water at a high concentration level.

The most commonly used type of water filtration system in the home is the carbon filtration system. Carbon granules are placed inside a porous membrane, trapping contaminants on both the interior and the exterior. These granules catch particles like microorganisms, dust, sand, and dust particles and are then removed from the water. Carbon reverse osmosis filters are effective for low-level contaminants but aren’t able to remove contaminants at very high levels. This is because the granules are only able to trap small particles. However, if carbon granules with larger surface areas are used, they will be able to remove contaminants to a level that will keep them from being consumed.

Reverse osmosis water filtering systems are the most effective in removing contaminants that can be found naturally in drinking water, such as chlorine and pesticides. Some researchers believe that people are exposed to too many toxins, which are found in distilled water, every day. Reverse osmosis filtration is an effective way of reducing toxins that may be found in tap water since it only works with natural materials. Although distillers remove trace amounts of minerals, the minerals do not pass through the filter. 

The reverse osmosis water purification method is also suitable for removing contaminants in seawater. Some researchers believe that there may be health benefits for people who have undergone testing. Studies have shown that there are certain solutes in seawater that are associated with health risks, including cancer. People who consume these types of solutes may find that the mineral content of their drinking water improves.

Reverse osmosis systems are most effective when they are used in conjunction with carbon filtration and ion exchange. Carbon granules absorb contaminants while the membranes neutralize the impurities. Reverse osmosis membrane systems are more effective than the activated carbon filters that use carbon granules alone, but both filters are better than nothing. Both filters are necessary to remove all contaminants from tap water.

This post was written by Kristian D’An, owner and water expert at Eco Water Solutions of Florida. Eco Water Solutions is a Tampa water company. They offer whole home water solutions such as softeners, whole home water filtration systems, and reverse osmosis systems. Their focus is to provide Floridians with safe and clean water throughout the home.