What You Get in this Article
- What is Reverse Osmosis?
- Learn about what Reverse Osmosis Water Waste Ratio is.
- How you can prevent excessive water
- What products help or increase water waste ratio.
What is Reverse Osmosis (particularly related to Water Filters)
When you are considering cleaning up your drinking and bathing water, you are generally looking at buying a water filtration system for your home.
Water filtration systems can also use a water softener to help remove additional ‘hard’ minerals that can be damaging to your body and your home’s plumbing.
But how does water filtration work?
By using reverse osmosis.
The definition of reverse osmosis, in this case, is the activity of water being forced (by pressure) through a membrane that filters out particles, toxins, and bacteria to better purify the water.
It will even remove excessive salt!!
Science says one of the ways we ingest excessive salt (sodium) is through the stuff we drink.
We often take this into consideration when drinking sodas, but we don’t want to have to think about that while drinking our own water at home!
This process is very important in water filtration systems.
Even if you use well water!
Did you know that chlorine can even be found in well water?
It has been scientifically argued whether or not ANY amount of chlorine is good for your health to consume, but it seems like the general consensus is the less the better!
Do you have kids, pets, an aquarium? Thinking of having some?
You want your water safe for them too!
Now, is reverse osmosis water good for you?
The simple answer? It depends.
Overall, the water produced by reverse osmosis is better due to the lack of bad particles, toxins, and bacteria.
However…
It needs to be noted that the process also removes GOOD stuff too.
For example, minerals like magnesium and calcium.
No need to fear reverse osmosis though, as there are some easy and simple solutions!
If you already have a water filtration system or are looking into buying a new one, arguably the easiest solution is to add an Alkalinization Stage.
In need of one that easily fits under the sink or perhaps on your countertop?
Check out the iSpring RCC7AK 6-stage reverse osmosis system!
This system not only filters your water, even if it comes from a well but also remineralizes it!
Although the cost may seem high, it is significantly cheaper than a close competitor water filtration system, like the APEC ro-90.
Both products can also be hooked to other appliances like a coffee maker, refrigerator, ice maker, etc!
Perhaps you are wondering what the difference is between distilled water vs purified water?
In some sense, they are one and the same.
Distilled water is actually a type of purified water, just created in a different way than through the traditional reverse osmosis filtration system.
Since distilled water is lacking in a lot of much-needed minerals, it is not suggested that you drink it for long periods of time.
Let’s Dive into Water Waste
As the name implies, water waste is simply that, the act of wasting water.
When you think of water waste in your house, perhaps you think of your dishwasher, showers and baths, and also your washing machine.
Did you know your washing machine uses 15 to 30 gallons (if high-efficiency) OR 29 to 45 gallons per use?!
That is a crazy amount of water!
Keep reading to find out ways to lessen your water waste.
What if you are looking to reduce your reverse osmosis (RO) water waste ratio?
Arguably the easiest way to do this is by using the wastewater for other things.
Do it one of two ways.
- Reroute the ways water by purchasing some extra tubing and valves.
- Manually remove the wastewater
If you choose to reroute the water with tubing, simply put it to use in your washing machine as your clothes do not need added minerals!
If you decide to manually remove the wastewater, use it for your lawn and garden!
Were you aware that sometimes just by changing your reverse osmosis filter, you can actually lower the reverse osmosis water waste ratio?
Think about it…
If a filter gets clogged, from doing its job, it is more likely to use more water (waste) to push through the (clean) water…
By simply keeping track of when a filter needs to be cleaned or changed, you can significantly improve the water waste ratio!!
Different Products for Different Purposes
Did you know in addition to whole house water filtration systems, Whirlpool creates filtration faucets too!
Whole foods have a FreshPure water system in most of their stores where you can fill a water storage container with filtered water using Reverse Osmosis water.
The Watts Premier 501026 retrofit kit boasts of being ZeroWaste.
This particular product is an add-on to your current filter that will reduce the reverse osmosis water waste ratio.
You should note, a major complaint about this addition is that it was not compatible with homeowners current water filter.
This should be checked before you make your purchase.
Otherwise, this product works well!
Focusing on reverse osmosis water waste ratio… Conclusion
The question comes down to whether or not a water filtration system is perfect in that it will completely reduce your water waste ratio.
The quick answer is that there is not a product on the market that will COMPLETELY produce zero water waste.
What you, as someone who wants clean water for their home, should focus on is what will reduce your wastewater and how you would like to accomplish that.
In other words….
Do you want a water filtration system that deposits the wastewater elsewhere (dishwasher) or do you want to do it yourself (greener yard)!
