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Archive for the ‘Reverse Osmosis’ Category

Will Californians follow rules set forth due to the severe drought?

Posted by Ken Christopher

The drought here in California has caused many issues for residents, business owners, farmers and government officials who are now staring down the barrel of a gun. The drought is forcing all parties to make decisions and set precedents when it comes to water conservation and water filtration. But without the proper drinking water system installed in your home, are you prepared to deal with both contamination and restrictions? Whether or not Californians will follow new rules is unknown, and even more alarming is whether the new rules will prove sufficient to meaningfully curb California’s water use — which won’t be clear for a while.

According to a recent article from New Republic discuss some devastating news that keeps the situation looking bleaker by the minute. Last week, The Association of California Water Agencies released a list of water-saving measures that local governments have rolled out in response to the drought. Unfortunately, what is listed in their report is beginning to define California and the era we live in. Everyone in the state—including homeowners, farmers, and environmentalists—has failed to make the tough choices when it comes to water conservation that now stare them in the face.

Why is the crisis so severe? Well after decades of dealing with the pressure of dwindling water resources, the drought is starting to force life-changing choices. Some estimate that half a million acres of farmland will go fallow in California this year, and the reduction in farming already is raising food prices in much of the nation.

Change is imminent. In January, Gov. Brown called on Californians to curb their water use by 20 percent. Implementation of other ideas like the use of “recycled,” or used, water—something that makes many people cringe because of the health impact.

How can you protect your own household? Our drinking water systems will filter water efficiently and waste much less water than traditional reverse osmosis systems. You can simultaneously conserve water and filter water, both two important answers in coping with our drought situation in California. Contact us today and starting conserving water tomorrow.

Protecting and Preserving our Water

Posted by Ken Christopher

So many people talk about the environment and how we are polluting it at an alarming rate, but are there actions behind their impassioned words?  Our environment is comprised of many different things, but the most simplistic ingredients are water, air and non-living organisms.  When even one of these components is compromised, it puts our entire eco-system at risk.  All living things depend on a healthy environment so what can we, as individuals, do to ensure we are both protecting and preserving our environment.

As a water treatment company, we work with one of these vital components on a daily basis.  We so often see how water is either being wasted or contaminated so we thought we would look at ways in which we can protect and preserve this precious commodity right in our own homes.

There are many areas that are faced with some serious water contamination issues.  We encounter nitrate and arsenic contamination as well as hard water and mineral deposits in many of the homes we go into, so the first step is to determine the quality of the water your family is using and drinking so you can know the best way to treat it.  Then the next step is to determine which water treatment system will cure your water issues in the most eco-friendly way possible.

If a water softener is what your home needs, you might want to consider using a salt-free water conditioning system.  It reduces chlorine, removes any minerals that are causing problems, improves the taste and odor of your water and provides cleaner, clearer water from every faucet in your home.  This is the same as any other water softener, but with one huge eco-friendly advantage – No salt consumption and no wastewater contamination.  Water softeners in general are eco-friendly; they help preserve the integrity of your appliances, so there is no need to replace them as frequently.  But, how much better would it be if you could eliminate the wastewater contamination part by using a salt free conditioner?

Next, let’s look at water filtration systems.  Unfortunately, we encounter arsenic and nitrate water contamination all too frequently when we test water in homes; the only way to remove these chemicals as well as others that might be lurking in your drinking water is to employ a water filtration system.  Not all water filtration systems are eco-friendly however; in fact some are downright wasteful.  A typical reverse osmosis system does a fantastic job of filtering water; it removes harmful chemicals and other contaminants found in drinking water, but it wastes a TON of water in the process.  In fact, it can waste as much as 8 gallons of water just to produce 1 gallon of filtered drinking water.

A much more eco-friendly choice would be an ion-exchange water filtration system such as the LINX Drinking Water System.  Not only will it supply an almost endless amount of filtered water, but does so at a 90% water waste savings.  So for virtually no water waste, you are able to remove all of the same, plus more, chemicals and contaminates as a typical reverse osmosis but in a much more eco-friendly way.

This is just a sampling of the small steps you can take in your home to be more environmentally conscious, but if we are all willing to make even small changes, we can collectively make a huge impact on our environment.

Forecast predicts tough times for Southwest water supply

Posted by Ken Christopher

Water Tech Online has predicted a grim forecast for some states in the Southwest United States, including California, this year when it comes to drought conditions and a dry water supply. Whether you have a drinking water system in your home or not, water conservation is a topic that we urge all residents to become familiar with these days. Water waste must be avoided due to drought conditions and less snowpack than average. Some models of water filters or RO systems waste a large percentage of the water they use during the filtration process, but not having a home drinking water system can also pose health risks due to drinking water contamination. Meanwhile, bottled water leads to a large percentage of toxic landfill waste and could be avoided by making an eco-friendly choice. The article mentioned above discusses data in a press release from the USDA National Water and Climate Center NWCC. There is some positive news for some states though, as Washington, most of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the northern parts of Colorado and Utah are expected to have near normal or above normal water supplies through the rest of the summer, according to the forecasts. However, far below normal stream-flows are expected for the southern parts of Oregon and Utah, southwestern Idaho, California, Arizona, New Mexico and western Nevada. Areas like Arizona have been more drought conscious due to their naturally dry climates. For example, Phoenix water softener systems are becoming more and more common. As stated in the article, many of these areas are in the nearly 500 counties across the country experiencing drought, according to USDA disaster designations. Some experts have found that 100% of California is under drought conditions with water supplies in high demand but limited quantity. Officials and experts are scrambling to find ways to save water and limit its use. Our drinking water systems can help residents do their part in this water crisis and save on water waste thanks to our advanced water filtration technology. Household demand for water doesn’t always decrease even though our water supply has here in Irvine. That is why a water filter at the tap may be perfect for your family; water conservation meets high quality drinking water with reduced contamination. Not only is this a cost-effective solution for you, but it is also an eco-friendly solution for our area. Every little bit counts and unfortunately, we just do not have enough water supply to waste what little we do have. So, are you a California resident interested in conserving water? We are here to help with our many California locations in both Northern and Southern California. If you need a salt-free system in San Diego, a drinking water system in Los Angeles, or a water softener in San Jose . Call us today to schedule a free water test!

Under Sink Reverse Osmosis

Posted by Ken Christopher

Are you looking for effective in-home water filtration? Reverse osmosis systems are hard to beat for great drinking water, and some of them are small enough to be installed under your sink. Understanding what reverse osmosis is, how effective it is at removing contaminants, and what you should look for in an under sink reverse osmosis system can help you narrow down your options.

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a filtration method using a specialized membrane to separate unwanted contaminants from water. In a reverse osmosis water filtration system , contaminated water is forced at high pressure through the membrane to remove contaminants. The membrane in the reverse osmosis system has tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through but not larger contaminants.

How Effective is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective water filtration methods available for residential drinking water. For people weighing reverse osmosis vs distilled and other purification methods, reverse osmosis tends to be the best choice for home use. With that being said, no filtration method is perfect for removing all contaminants. Like other water filtration methods, reverse osmosis removes some contaminants but not others. 

Reverse osmosis is effective at removing microbes. This includes protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, and coliforms like E. coli. RO systems will also remove viruses in the water, such as Hepatitis A and Norovirus.

Reverse osmosis systems are also highly effective at removing mineral ions, metal ions, and salts. These include sodium, copper, chromium, and chloride. They will also reduce levels of the heavy metal arsenic, which is often found in private wells, as well as other heavy metals found in tap water. If you are curious about what is demineralized water , it is water with these minerals, salts, and metal ions removed. 

Reverse Osmosis Systems starting at only /mo. Try before you buy!

The Importance of Pre- and Post-Filters

While a reverse osmosis filter is effective on its own against a wide range of contaminants, it won’t remove all of the contaminants you may want out of your drinking water. To eliminate such contaminants, a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis unit will incorporate additional filtration methods.

Pre- and post-filters have an important role in RO systems. Pre-filters capture sediment and large particles before the water is forced through the semipermeable membrane. This pre-filtration step extends the lifespan of your RO membrane by reducing membrane fouling from large particles.

Post-filtration using activated carbon water filters will capture a wider range of contaminants than a reverse osmosis membrane alone. Granulated activated carbon (GAC) filtration is excellent at removing disinfectants used in water treatment, like chlorine, and disinfectant byproducts like chloroform. 

Post-filtration with activated carbon will also remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your tap water. Many VOCs increase the risk of developing certain cancers and may contribute to organ damage.

Not sure is reverse osmosis water safe ? When combined with pre- and post-filtration, reverse osmosis membrane filtration is highly effective at capturing the wide range of contaminants commonly found in tap water. Post-filtration through activated carbon will give your drinking water a clean, crisp taste by eliminating many of the odors and gases that contribute to poor tasting tap water.

Considerations for Under Sink Systems

RO systems come in two broad categories of configurations. Point-of-entry (POE) systems provide filtered water to your entire house and are installed where your water supply line comes into your home. Point-of-use (POU) systems are installed at a single faucet, usually at your kitchen sink. 

When looking for a POU under the sink reverse osmosis system, you’ll want to ensure the system can provide a sufficient amount of filtered water each day. Between 35 – 50 gallons per day (GPD) is a good figure to shoot for. Higher producing systems are also available for households with higher demand.

Ensure the under sink reverse osmosis system you choose reduces the highest amount of total dissolved solids (TDS). These include minerals, metals, and salt ions, and are a good representation of the overall filtration capacity of the system. Look for systems offering a reduction of TDS by between 93-97%. Be sure your system also includes a sediment pre-filter and an activated carbon post-filter, which will provide the greatest reduction in potential contaminants.

You should also consider having your system professionally installed. Though reverse osmosis systems are small enough to fit into tight spaces, installation can be challenging in certain circumstances. Reverse osmosis systems also produce a small amount of wastewater, so you’ll have to install a drain line as well. You’ll also need to periodically change the under sink reverse osmosis water filter , so you’ll want to be sure to allow for relatively easy access.

Closing Thoughts

Under-sink reverse osmosis filtration is a highly effective method of getting clean, filtered drinking water in your home. As a point-of-use system, under-sink reverse osmosis is used to provide drinking water at a single faucet. Though small in size, when configured with pre- and post-filtration an RO system is capable of reducing or eliminating a broad range of potentially harmful contaminants. 

If you aren’t sure which reverse osmosis under sink system is right for you, call our helpful staff at Rayne Water today. We can walk you through your options and schedule a water test, which can help guide you towards the RO system that is right for you.

Find a Location Near You

Sources:

  1. https://www.labconco.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ro-and-di-water-pur
  2. https://www.livescience.com/41510-what-is-distilled-water.html

 

Reverse Osmosis Vs Distilled

Posted by Ken Christopher
*Reviewed by Ken Christopher, Senior Vice President at Rayne Dealership Corporation

If you are looking at options for purified water you have probably come across the suggestion to use a reverse osmosis water purification system. You might have also seen people recommend drinking distilled water if you are worried about organic contaminants. If you’ve ever wondered the difference between distilled and purified water, distillation is just a type of water purification. So, instead of thinking of this as purified vs distilled water, it is a better representation to think of distilled water under the umbrella of purified water.

Reverse osmosis and water distillation are common methods for water purification, but what are these differences between these two purification methods, and which is better? While water distillation is an older purification process, there are several key factors making it less desirable for home water purification. Understanding the differences between reverse osmosis vs distilled water can help you determine which water purification method is right for you.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is water that has gone through the process of distillation. In order to distill water, you boil it, capture the steam that rises from the water, then allow the steam to condense and fill another container.

Put another way, the distillation process involves turning liquid water into a gas and then reforming it as a liquid again. This type of treated water requires a piece of equipment known as a still. Modern distillation units are fairly straightforward in operation by automating the process.

Distillation is used as a means of water purification. Purification is the process of removing certain contaminants from water, so distillation is a method of reducing contaminants and producing clean water. Like other methods of water filtration or purification, distillation is unable to remove all organic contaminants on its own.

Distillation is effective at removing dissolved solids in water, such as minerals and salts. These substances make water hard and lead to scaling. Distillation is also excellent at neutralizing microbes such as giardia or Legionella from water. Distillation is less effective at removing chemicals with a boiling point near water. To remove these chemicals, distilled water will need to be run through an additional filtration process.

Distilled water is necessary for the operation of certain types of equipment. You’ll see it required for use in equipment that may be damaged by mineral deposits. Distilled water is used in a residential setting for use in an electric iron or steam mop, as well as in automotive cooling systems and certain types of batteries.

What are the Disadvantages of Distillation?

Although distillation can provide some purification benefits for tap water, there are some downsides to consider as well. When comparing reverse osmosis water filter vs distilled water, the biggest disadvantages of distillation are speed and energy costs. Home distillation systems require high amounts of energy to run, resulting in higher ongoing costs when compared to alternatives like reverse osmosis.

Distillation systems are at a disadvantage for providing drinking water on demand. While the best under sink reverse osmosis system can produce up to 75 gallons of drinking water each day as needed, distillation takes time. Water must be brought to a boil, and steam must condense and collect in a storage container.

The second disadvantage of distilled water is most people do not enjoy drinking it. Distilled water has been demineralized, and is often described as flat or bland in taste. For people wondering, “what is demineralized water?”, it is simply water with the dissolved minerals and salts removed. Minerals and salts like magnesium and calcium, which harden water, also give it some of the taste many of us have come to expect. Since distillation nearly completely removes any mineral content in water, many people find the taste strange.

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What is Reverse Osmosis Filtration?

Reverse osmosis is one of the most common water filtration systems in both residential and industrial settings. Reverse osmosis is used by millions of people to provide clean, filtered drinking water. It is also used in desalination plants to turn seawater into freshwater, in industrial agriculture to give greater control over the PH of the soil, in the production of pharmaceutical products, and in food and beverage production.

The best way to understand the reverse osmosis process is by getting a sense of how osmosis works first. Osmosis is a natural process involving the movement of solvent from a solution with a low concentration of solutes to a solution with a high concentration of solutes across a semipermeable membrane. This movement is due to a force known as osmotic pressure.

The point of reverse osmosis water is to achieve equilibrium on both sides of a membrane. When one side has a higher concentration of solutes and a lower concentration of liquid, the liquid flows from the other side until the solution on both sides of the membrane is the same.

Osmosis is how plants get nutrients from the ground. The soil is a solution with a low concentration of solutes, and the plant has a high concentration of solutes. Water flows through the semipermeable membrane of the roots into the plant.

In reverse osmosis, this entire process is reversed. Reverse osmosis starts with a solution with a high concentration of solutes. For water purification, this is water with a large number of contaminants. This contaminated water is forced at high pressure across a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane has tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through but keep other contaminants out.

One of the easiest ways to visualize the reverse osmosis process in action is through the desalination process. Desalination plants force seawater, which has a high concentration of salt, across a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass but keeps salt out. What’s left on the other side is, potable, fresh water.

If you are wondering, “is reverse osmosis water safe?”, the answer is reverse osmosis water has far fewer contaminants than unfiltered tap water.

Reverse osmosis as a filtration process on its own is effective at reducing or removing a number of contaminants. These include:

Reverse osmosis systems within a residential setting sometimes have pre- and post-filters as well. The pre-filter reduces any sediment in the water before it passes through the membrane. This helps extend the lifespan of the membrane. The post-filter uses granulated activated carbon (GAC), which captures some contaminants reverse osmosis systems aren’t as effective against. These include disinfectants like chlorine, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs), and other substances which alter the taste or smell of water.

There are a couple of important things to briefly note about residential reverse osmosis water filtration systems. The first is they aren’t 100% efficient. A small amount of water is flushed down the drain along with any contaminants collected during the reverse osmosis filter process. The second thing to note is you will occasionally have to replace the filters and RO membrane in the system. This is usually a simple process with minimal system downtime but is essential to ensure your system continues operating at peak performance.

When weighing the choice between reverse osmosis water filter vs distilled, keep in mind both types of systems produce some type of wastewater. In both types of systems, the contaminants and impurities collect on one side of the process and must be flushed from the system.

How are Reverse Osmosis Systems Used?

If you want clean, purified drinking water in your home then a Rayne Water reverse osmosis water filter system is the way to go. Reverse osmosis systems come in two configurations. The more common configuration is known as a point-of-use (POU) system. POU systems are designed to provide filtered water at a single tap, such as at your kitchen sink.

Reverse osmosis purification systems tend to be ideal for this because they are small enough to be installed in tight spaces, such as under a kitchen sink. Yet these systems are still powerful enough to provide sufficient drinking water for everyone in your household. If you are weighing the advantages of reverse osmosis vs distilled, the size and on-demand power of reverse osmosis systems clearly pull ahead.

The second, less common configuration for reverse osmosis filtration is known as point-of-entry (POE) system. Otherwise known as a whole-house water treatment system, a POE reverse osmosis system is designed to provide reverse osmosis filtered water to your entire home. One of the benefits of a whole-house reverse osmosis system is having soft, clean water throughout your home. The water you shower and bathe in will also have had a wide range of contaminants and impurities removed.

However, if you want to eliminate the effects of hard water throughout your home and also have clean, purified drinking water it may be more economical to use a whole-house water softening system and a POE reverse osmosis filtration system. This setup is common because the use of water softeners eliminates the impact of hard water around your house, while the reverse osmosis system provides clean, filtered drinking water.

Closing Thoughts

Both distillation and reverse osmosis are methods of water purification, however, they function in different ways. The distillation process involves boiling water, capturing the steam produced, and condensing the steam in a different container. This process is accomplished with a specialized type of equipment known as a still.

Though distillation is effective at removing microbes, minerals, and salts from your water supply, it leaves water tasting flat and bland. Distillation as a process is simply too slow, cumbersome, and inaccessible as a method of home water purification except in emergencies.

In contrast, a reverse osmosis water filtration system forces water containing contaminants across a specialized semi-permeable membrane at high pressure. In a reverse osmosis system, the membrane is designed to allow water molecules to pass through but not other contaminants. Combined with an activated carbon post-filter, reverse osmosis systems are capable of removing minerals, salts, and microbes from water, along with many organic and synthetic chemicals, and disinfectants, and their byproducts.

Unlike distillation, reverse osmosis is accessible for all homes. RO systems can be installed at a single tap and provide a sufficient amount of clean, fresh water for an entire family. Reverse osmosis systems are much more cost-effective than bottled water delivery services and offer a high level of protection against any unexpected rise in contaminants.

To learn more about residential filtration systems with reverse osmosis or if you’re interested in commercial reverse osmosis systems, please contact Rayne Water today.

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Sources:

  1. https://www.labconco.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ro-and-di-water-pur
  2. https://www.livescience.com/41510-what-is-distilled-water.html
Expert Reviewer – Ken Christopher

 

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe?

Posted by Ken Christopher

What exactly is reverse osmosis water? It’s like giving your tap water a luxury spa treatment.

Through a filtration process called reverse osmosis, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane that acts like a fine sieve. This removes any contaminants and impurities that are bigger than water molecules, such as chlorine, lead, and other substances.

The end product? Water that isn’t just safer and cleaner but also tastes fresher. This is because it’s virtually free from the impurities that give water a bad taste or odor.

If you’re curious about reverse osmosis systems or wondering about their benefits, Rayne Water is ready to help.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Drinking from a Reverse Osmosis Water System?

When it comes to reverse osmosis (RO) water systems, there are many advantages to consider.  to consider.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of drinking water from an RO system:

The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Pro #1: Effective Contaminant Removal

Reverse osmosis is highly efficient in removing a wide range of contaminants from water. It can eliminate impurities like chlorine, lead, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, and more, providing you with cleaner and purer water.

Pro #2: Improved Taste and Odor

Many people find that water from an RO system has a crisp, refreshing taste compared to tap water. The removal of impurities can also enhance the odor and overall quality of the water.

Pro #3: Healthier Alternative

By removing potentially harmful substances, RO water is a healthier choice, especially for individuals with weak immune systems or specific health concerns.

Pro #4: Versatility

RO systems can be installed as point-of-use filters, allowing you to have clean drinking water right from your tap or as whole-house systems to ensure purified water throughout your home.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Reverse osmosis water purification is one of the most popular methods of water purification today.

Reverse osmosis is critical to a number of industries, including electronics manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the food and beverage industry, and also an important residential water purification technique.

In reverse osmosis systems, a water supply containing unwanted contaminants is forced at high pressure through a specialized membrane. The membrane in a reverse osmosis system has tiny pores. The pores in the membrane allow water molecules to pass but not larger contaminants.

The drinking water produced by reverse osmosis contains very few contaminants, while the water on the contaminated side of the barrier containing concentrated levels of contaminants is flushed down the drain.

In short, reverse osmosis water treatment produces clean, safe drinking water without the use of chlorine or other cleansing agents commonly found in municipally purified water.

The Mechanisms Behind Reverse Osmosis

Imagine osmosis as nature’s way of balancing concentration: water naturally moves from a less concentrated area to a more concentrated one. Reverse osmosis, as the name suggests, reverses this process.

In a reverse osmosis water system, pressure is applied to push water through a selective membrane—a filter that traps impurities and allows only water to pass through. This membrane can filter out nearly all contaminants, including harmful chemicals and microbes, ensuring the water that comes out is pure and safe.

Step-By-Step Process of Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Here’s a quick look at how the reverse osmosis (RO) filtration process unfolds:

  1. Prefiltration: Water first passes through carbon and sediment filters to remove larger particles like sediment and chlorine that could clog the membrane.
  2. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The pressurized water is forced through the RO membrane, capturing even the smallest dissolved particles.
  3. Storage: Once purified, the water is held in a storage tank, ready for use. The system automatically shuts off when the tank is full to save resources.
  4. Post Filtration: Before the water reaches your tap, it goes through a final postfilter that polishes it off, ensuring it’s of the highest quality when you drink it.

Key Components in Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis systems rely on several critical components to provide clean drinking water:

What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

There are many water purification methods you can use in your home. Some common examples include using activated carbon, distillation, and reverse osmosis. Ion-exchange units are also used to remove hard minerals from water. It’s important to note that each of these purification methods has advantages and disadvantages, and none of them will remove all contaminants contained in water.

Compared to other filtration methods, a residential reverse osmosis water filter can remove a wider range of commonly found contaminants.

Additionally, the best under sink reverse osmosis systems incorporate a carbon post-filter that removes certain contaminants that reverse osmosis systems aren’t as effective against. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), disinfectants, and their byproducts.

By layering purification methods, the best reverse osmosis filtration systems remove the widest spectrum of contaminants possible.

If you are not sure if reverse osmosis is safe to drink, with reverse osmosis water you will be exposed to fewer contaminants than drinking unfiltered tap water.

Reverse osmosis itself is effective at removing or reducing the following contaminants commonly found in tap water:

Reverse osmosis systems rate their filtration capability by expressing the reduction in total dissolved solids (TDS) the system is capable of providing. The best under sink reverse osmosis systems will reduce TDS by 93 – 97%.

Common Contaminants Targeted by RO Systems

Here’s a closer look at some of the major offenders tackled by RO systems:

RO systems work diligently to ensure your water is free from these and other toxic elements, making it clean and safe to drink.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While RO systems are incredibly effective, they aren’t perfect. For example, soluble gasses like carbon dioxide can bypass the RO membrane. Regular maintenance, such as changing filters periodically, is essential to keep the system running efficiently.

For those looking for the most comprehensive purification, pairing RO with additional treatments like UV light or carbon filters can address any lingering impurities, adding an extra layer of safety and enhancing water quality.

Separating Facts from Fiction about Reverse Osmosis Water Safety

Let’s clarify some common misconceptions about RO water safety:

Safety Concerns for Reverse Osmosis Water

At a minimum, reverse osmosis water has been filtered through a membrane that captures most of the dissolved solids and microbes in the water.

If your reverse osmosis system has a carbon post-filter, any volatile organic compounds, disinfectants, disinfectant byproducts, and other substances which give water a bad taste and odor have been removed in the filtration process as well.

What is left is water with fewer contaminants than the tap water piped into your home.

For those wondering, “is reverse osmosis water bad?”, the answer is, reverse osmosis water is actually far better than tap water. By removing a wide range of contaminants, a reverse osmosis water filter can limit your exposure to contaminants currently in your water and safeguard against any future rise in contaminants.

If you are asking yourself, “what is demineralized water?”, the answer is simply water with dissolved minerals and salts removed. This softens the water, while also slightly altering the taste.

The removal of minerals from water is far less of a health concern in a developed country like the United States than it is in other parts of the world.

In the United States, most people get the required minerals from their diet alone. In other parts of the world, individuals battling food insecurity and an inadequate diet may see a benefit from the mineral content in hard water.

In the United States, a healthy adult with a balanced diet should not notice any negative side effects from the removal of trace hard minerals from water.

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Right for You?

Moreover, reverse osmosis water is not only safe but also clean and great-tasting. This filtration process effectively removes contaminants like chlorine, lead, and other impurities, giving you higher quality water. If you’re choosing reverse osmosis, you’re choosing established companies like Rayne Water who ensure that your water is pure, refreshing, and healthier for you and your family.

While many people debate whether to get an RO water system, water filter, or water softener, we feel using a combination of these for your household or establishment is the best overall water treatment system solution.

Rayne has delivered top-notch water softener & drinking system solutions since 1928. Get started with us today!

Sources:

  1. https://www.labconco.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ro-and-di-water-pur
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216589/
  3. https://www.livescience.com/41510-what-is-distilled-water.html

FAQs

What is reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis water is a type of purified water produced through a reverse osmosis water system. This system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities, contaminants, and dissolved solids from water, resulting in clean, clear drinking water.

What are the health benefits of drinking reverse osmosis water?

Drinking reverse osmosis water can help maintain hydration and reduce exposure to potentially harmful contaminants found in tap water. Its purity may also benefit individuals with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.

Do reverse osmosis water systems require maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance of reverse osmosis water systems is necessary to ensure optimal performance and water quality. This includes replacing filters and membranes as recommended by the manufacturer.

Actionable and Essential Water Conservation

Posted by Ken Christopher

Water conservation has been a hot topic the last several years as many southwest states continue to experience one of the worst droughts in the past century.  There have been reports of wells running dry and drinking water shortages and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.  Some experts are even saying that California is on the verge of a mega-drought, which is defined as a drought that lasts for a decade or longer.  In order for California and other drought plagued parts of the US to have enough water to sustain living conditions, as well as the huge agricultural production in the region, there must be a change in how water is consumed. As the lakes and streams get lower and lower, it becomes even more imperative that any sort of water waste must be eliminated.  There are already restrictions in place regarding unnecessary outdoor water usage such as washing of sidewalks and driveways, limited irrigation times, no dumping and refilling of pools, spas or outside fountains with many more restrictions to come.  In many areas, restaurants are required to only give drinking water to customers upon request and residents are required to fix any leaks and plumbing issues immediately.  Some of the hardest hit communities are even rationing home and business water usage with substantial fines for those who don’t comply. Even though much of California is described as having a Mediterranean climate, with winter rains and hot dry summers, there is also a large part of the southern portion of the state that has desert-like conditions.  Considering that their infrastructure of irrigation is second to none however, the nice green grass and vegetation does not attest to the desert-like conditions.  California is first in line to get their allotment of the Colorado River and residents can usually enjoy a surplus of water resources, which unfortunately tends to perpetrate water waste. One way to combat water waste is to install high efficiency appliances. Sure there is an upfront cost, but in the long run they will save you money while conserving energy and precious water in the process.  One area where high efficiency appliances are most often overlooked is in drinking water systems.  Reverse osmosis (RO) is probably the most common way to treat drinking water, but it wastes a huge amount of water in the process. Huge as in up to 12.5 gallons of municipal water go down the drain just to produce one gallon of drinking water.  In fact, RO systems are probably the biggest waster of water you will find in a household.  Upgrading to a high efficiency drinking water system, such as the LINX 140 or 160 systems, can save an average household over 7,000 gallons of water per year. With no end in sight for this pervasive drought, California and its neighbors need to start thinking outside the box for ways to conserve this precious commodity.  Adhering to water restrictions is a good start, along with installing low flow toilets, faucets and shower heads and being conscious about how much water is actually being used; but are these measures enough?  There are many sources of hidden water waste that most individuals don’t even recognize and those are the ones that might just tip the scale into actionable and essential water conservation.

The Best Water Filter for Nitrate Reduction

Posted by Ken Christopher

 

*Reviewed by Ken Christopher, Senior Vice President at Rayne Dealership Corporation

Contaminated drinking water is widespread in the United States and throughout the public water system; the highest degree of contamination is in the Midwest, Texas, the Pacific Northwest and California.

Water wells contamination statistics

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that as many as 52 percent of community wells and 57 percent of domestic water wells are contaminated by a measurable amount of nitrates and nitrites. In Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley of California, it is estimated that  one in every three domestic wells are contaminated with levels well over the EPA’s recommended guidelines for ground water. As a result, water softeners in Los Angeles and other Southern California areas are becoming increasingly popular as a solution to hard water and contaminants in tap water.

Get started today! We specialize in providing the purest water possible!

 

Why is Nitrate contamination dangerous

Nitrates and Nitrites are not all bad, in fact we need them to some extent to stay healthy, however excess consumption from elevated nitrate levels can cause serious health risks. Infants below six months of age are especially susceptible to nitrate contamination. The EPA states that if they consume water containing nitrates in excess of the maximum contaminant level, they could become seriously ill, and if untreated, may die from nitrate poisoning . Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.

How to remove nitrates from water

Wondering how to remove nitrates from water? The only way to remove nitrates from drinking water is through a water filtration system. Many water treatment companies promote Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems as an immediate solution to provide nitrate and nitrite reduction. RO systems do in fact reduce nitrate levels, however even the best RO system can only reduce them by eighty percent. The most typical systems only have a sixty percent reduction rate. This sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Well in some cases this reduction rate is just fine, however not all water has the same level of contamination. The EPA recommended guidelines for nitrates are a maximum 10 parts per million (ppm). Let’s say for example that your water has 30ppm nitrate contamination, a sixty percent reduction would only bring it down to a 12ppm nitrate level – still more than the recommended guidelines. At eighty percent reduction it would be 6ppm, which does falls within the guidelines, however there are only a select few RO’s that have an eighty percent reduction. Now let’s say your water starts at a 60ppm contamination level, even at an eighty percent reduction rate it would only bring it down to 12ppm, which is too high and can cause some health complications.

Most effective nitrate reduction solution

The LINX Drinking Water System is the best solution to nitrate pollution. It doesn’t matter how much nitrate contamination your water has, 200ppm or 20ppm, it still reduces it down to non-detect levels – every time. These reduction rates are far superior to a traditional RO water filtration system for nitrate removal. This superior nitrate filter has earned them the WQA Gold Seal for Nitrate / Nitrite Reduction as well as being certified and approved for nitrate reduction in the state of California.

If your water has a problem with elevated levels of nitrate contamination, don’t take the risk of being exposed to excess contamination, install the one and only water filtration system that can reduce your high nitrate levels to non-detect levels and create safe drinking water. 

Expert Reviewer – Ken Christopher

5 Home Water Problems You Need to Fix

Posted by Ken Christopher

<![CDATA[Your home’s water affects nearly every aspect of your daily living. Sure, we all know we need drinking water and water to bathe or shower in, but a home’s water goes way beyond that. From a home’s plumbing and fixtures to how your clothes and bedding look and feel, water has a significant impact. Let’s look at 5 different ways your water can have a negative impact on your home and how it can be fixed.

  1. Laundry: Hard water can be damaging to your clothing and bedding. Soap scum is created when the calcium or magnesium ions in hard water react with the fatty component of soap. This soap scum attaches itself to fabric fibers which not only give a grey or yellow appearance to fabrics, it also causes the fabric fibers to become brittle, shortening their durability and lifespan. A water softener will remove the mineral deposits in your water therefore not allowing the formation of damaging soap scum.
  2. Kitchen: Water is a solvent and as such can easily pick up impurities. When we use water for drinking or cooking, we are ingesting not only the water, but any contaminants it contains as well. Water can, and often does, contain Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) which includes minerals, salts or metals dissolved in it. TDS’s can affect the taste and appearance of water as well as cause some serious health concerns if it contains nitrates, arsenic, lead or chlorine to name a few. Drinking water systems such as a RO system or a LINX® Drinking Water System can filter out TDS’s in your drinking water, making it safe and healthy to drink and cook with.
  3. Bathroom: Do you notice that gray ring around your bath? How about the discoloration in your toilet? Does your sink constantly have white spots on the faucet or counter? Odds are, you have hard water. The minerals in hard water can cling to surfaces, causing them to become stained over time; iron especially can cause some really nasty staining. When hard water comes in contact with soap it creates soap scum (remember from the laundry) which clings to the tub and shower and requires a serious scrubbing to remove. A water softener or salt free water conditioner can help with this problem.
  4. Skin and Hair: Studies have shown that eczema can be triggered by hard water. The magnesium and calcium in the water causes the skin to dry out leading to irritation. In order to get a nice rich lather going in hard water, more soap and shampoo is necessary which can also aggravate eczema. Hard water can play havoc on your hair as well, causing it to become dry, frizzy, easily damaged and can even change the color. Installing a water softener or salt free water conditioner can help alleviate these issues.
  5. Plumbing and Appliances: Pipes, hot water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers and icemakers are in constant contact with water. When a home has hard water, scale is produced inside the pipes, hoses and even the appliance itself which can cause a host of problems. Pipes and hoses become clogged, which significantly decreases water pressure and can even cause them to burst. Heating elements can fail if there is an excess scale buildup and can cause leaks or breakage if valves and gaskets are damaged. Overall, hard water has been proven to decrease efficiency in appliances and shorten their lifespan. A water softener or salt free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup and lengthen the life of your appliances while keeping them running at full efficiency

Be on the lookout for these common water contaminants

Posted by Ken Christopher

drinking water system or a water filter to maintain high-quality drinking water could be at risk of common water contaminants. Drinking water contamination doesn’t happen to everyone and it doesn’t always happen in the same places. With so many variables and causes for drinking water contamination, the only true and consistent way to protect your water is with a water filter. Unfiltered drinking water could be more dangerous than you thought. Traces of 18 unregulated chemicals were found in drinking water from more than one-third of U.S. water utilities in a nationwide sampling, according to new unpublished research by federal scientists. Included are 11 perfluorinated compounds, an herbicide, two solvents, caffeine, an antibacterial compound, a metal and an antidepressant. Yuck!

Twenty-one contaminants were detected – mostly in low concentrations of parts per trillion – in treated drinking water from at least nine of the utilities. Eighteen of the chemicals are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act so utilities do not have to meet any limit or even monitor for them. But what are the most common drinking water contaminants we can all look out for? What contaminants can our drinking water filters remove? According to most sources, here are the most common drinking water contaminants and we also included their threats to our health:

Our drinking water systems are effective at removing harmful contaminants and efficient when it comes to the environment. High-quality drinking water doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg, it only takes a phone call. Contact us today to learn more about our water filters and which of our drinking water systems would be optimal for your household.