Advantages and Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis is one of the most advanced methods of water-filtration technology. Many freshwater-starved countries with a coastline are adopting this method of water purification to desalinate seawater. Many landlocked countries are using it for filtering brackish groundwater.
Some North African and Middle Eastern countries use it as a principal source of drinking water. Saudi Arabia, for example, supplies most of its population with the resource via these methods, but there are both advantages and disadvantages to using it.
The Good and the Bad of using Reverse Osmosis (RO)
The advantages of RO are abundant. Let’s take a look at three of the pros and cons of using this form of water purification:
Three Advantages of Using Reverse Osmosis
Here are a few advantages of RO water:
- Fewer Contaminants – Removing up to 99% of particles larger than 0.01 micrometres, RO is one of the most successful forms of eliminating disease-causing organisms, bacteria, and most chemical contaminants. For these reasons, industries such as the food and beverage sectors are using this form of the liquid to ensure that the water they use is safe for consumption.
- Better Taste and Smell – Removal of the presence of nitrates, sulphur, iron, and lead-based compounds allow for a more palatable taste and with the filtering out of chlorine and other strong-smelling chemicals, RO offers a fresher, cleaner aroma.
- A Healthier Alternative – Chlorine could react with various organic matter present in incorrectly filtered water. It may create toxic by-products known as trihalomethanes (or THMs) which might contribute to the development of certain forms of cancer. RO processed water with the removal of these contaminants and micro-organisms is beneficial to individuals with low immune systems or sufferers of high blood pressure, liver or kidney diseases, and more.
Three Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis
- Water Efficiency – Through RO filtration, the process uses more water than is treated. This will negatively affect water bills if the source is metered and charged for, and will use more water from reserve storage tanks or underground sources.
- Wastewater Disposal – Domestically, wastewater can be easily disposed of through municipal drainage systems, however, on larger-scale projects, the affected waste liquid would need to be disposed of into the sea or through evaporation systems to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems.
- Decreased Pressure – In some instances, a decrease in water pressure may be observed and some RO filters may experience a noticeable pressure drop.
Although the pros far outweigh the cons of utilising reverse osmosis as a reliable, sustainable purification technique to produce drinking water in one of its purest forms, the disadvantages do exist. However, with cutting-edge technology, innovation, and state-of-the-art purification techniques, WaterIcon should be your preferred choice for limiting and preventing them.
Consult with us at WaterIcon for the best results, innovative outcomes, and leading water-filtration solutions.