Most groundwater contains at least some degree of contaminants that can be harmful to your health, damage your plumbing, or give your water a strange taste. This is especially true for homes with their own water wells, which might contain sediment, high mineral content, and even radioactive material. Reverse osmosis is one of the most affordable and effective water purification systems available, capable of removing everything from hazardous chemicals to minerals and other dissolved solids.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

How Reverse Osmosis Works

Reverse osmosis systems function by forcing unfiltered water through a series of filters and a semipermeable barrier designed to remove solid particles. First, the water passes through a sediment filter that extracts dirt, grit, sand, chlorine molecules, and any other larger material that could clog the barrier system.

Once the water has been filtered, intense pressure forces it through a membrane which is only permeable to water. Everything else is trapped by the membrane, including some particles that are too small to be seen under an electron microscope. The purified water is stored in a large tank, and filtered again when you turn on a faucet or open a tap.

What Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

As one of the most effective water purification technologies available, these systems are capable of removing almost any type of contaminant. In addition to calcium and iron, which can clog pipes and stain fixtures, these systems also eliminate dangerous pesticides and herbicides, fluoride, and some types of bacteria. However, because bacteria can flourish on the membrane, an additional UV water purification system might be needed to kill off microorganisms.

For nearly 40 years, Hewitt-Messenger Well Drilling and Pump Service has provided cutting-edge technology and clean drinking water to homes throughout Springfield, Republic, Rogersville, Ozark, and Branson, MO. Drawing on their years of experience and expertise, their expert technicians will carefully evaluate your water supply and recommend a treatment system designed to eliminate as many contaminants as possible. Visit their website for more on their water purification services, follow them on Twitter for more expert tips, or call (417) 725-8816 to request an estimate today.