When it comes to protecting your family’s drinking water, reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most trusted filtration methods on the market. But what exactly does it filter out—and what slips through the cracks?
If you’re considering a reverse osmosis system for your home, it’s important to understand both its strengths and its limitations. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your water quality.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that forces water through a semipermeable membrane, removing contaminants along the way. It’s commonly used in both residential and commercial settings for producing clean, great-tasting drinking water.
What Reverse Osmosis Removes
RO systems are incredibly effective at eliminating a wide range of harmful substances. Here are some of the main categories of contaminants that reverse osmosis systems typically remove:
1. Dissolved Salts and Minerals
Sodium
Chloride
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfates
Nitrates
2. Heavy Metals
Lead
Arsenic
Mercury
Chromium
Cadmium
3. Chemical Contaminants
Fluoride
Pesticides
Herbicides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA, PFOS)
4. Microorganisms (To a Degree)
Reverse osmosis membranes can block many bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, but they should not be solely relied upon for biological disinfection. That’s why many households pair RO systems with a UV Light Water Treatment system for added protection.
5. Bad Tastes and Odors
RO systems effectively reduce chlorine and other substances that can cause unpleasant tastes and smells.
What Reverse Osmosis Doesn’t Remove Here
While reverse osmosis is powerful, it’s not perfect. Some substances can pass through or require pre- or post-treatment to be fully addressed:
1. Certain Pesticides and Solvents
Some smaller or less polar organic compounds can pass through RO membranes. Carbon filters in multi-stage systems help catch many of these, but not all.
2. Chlorine and Chloramines
RO membranes can degrade from chlorine exposure. Most systems include a carbon pre-filter to reduce these chemicals—but the RO membrane itself doesn’t remove them effectively.
3. Gases
Dissolved gases like carbon dioxide and radon can slip through RO membranes, especially without a degassing step.
4. Essential Minerals
While the removal of contaminants is a benefit, RO systems also remove healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium. If this concerns you, consider a post-RO remineralization filter to restore beneficial content.
Is Reverse Osmosis Right for Your Home?
Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for homes dealing with:
High total dissolved solids (TDS)
Lead or arsenic contamination
Salty, metallic, or chemical-tasting water
Well water with questionable quality
If your main concern is bacteria or viruses, an RO system should be paired with a UV Light Water Treatment for comprehensive safety.
Why Homeowners Trust MT Treatment
At MT Treatment, we’ve been installing Reverse Osmosis System Installations for over 15 years across Ontario. Our systems come with professional installation, long-term warranties, and customized filtration tailored to your specific water profile.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re on city water or a private well, our team of licensed experts will test your water and recommend a solution that works—and lasts.
Final Thoughts
Reverse osmosis is a powerful tool in your water purification arsenal, especially when integrated with complementary filters like carbon blocks and UV lights. It’s one of the most effective ways to get clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water straight from your tap.
Want to learn more or get a quote? Reach out to us today and see how MT Treatment can help protect your water—so you can drink with confidence.
