HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is very effective in reducing a range of home water contaminants.  This is possible because the reverse osmosis membrane is comprised of microscopic pores which allow the pressurized water molecules, among the smallest molecules known to man, to pass through the membrane where as the contaminants, and even dissolved ions are left behind.  RO systems always includes sediment pre-filter that traps fine suspended materials that permanently clog the membrane.  Most RO systems also include a carbon pre-filter to remove chlorine, along with other contaminants that may damage RO membranes and affect the taste, colour, and odor of the water.  Reverse Osmosis is a low-energy process, useful for substantially reducing the complete dissolved mineral content of water.  The process is practical in sizes ranging from a few gallons to millions of gallons per day.

WHY DO I NEED ONE ?
Anyone concerned about their health and the quality of their home drinking water – particularly if they notice taste or odor problems or are aware of high levels of dissolved minerals in their water supply – should consider an RO system.  Additionally, RO systems are often recommended for immune-compromised individuals who could be especially susceptible to infection from various waterborne contaminants.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC – USA) recommends reverse osmosis as a method for removal of a dangerous microorganism cyst called Cryptosporidium.  Reverse osmosis systems, which generally include both an RO membrane and pre- and post-filters, offer a comprehensive means of eliminating more than 90% of potentially harmful contaminants in home drinking water.

DOES IT REMOVE BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS ?
RO systems are capable of removing certain biological contaminants such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.  The pore size of the RO membrane, along with the amount of pressure applied to the water, will generally determine the rate of reduction of such contaminants.  The Water Quality Association (WQA) cautions, however, that while RO membranes are reliable for treatment of a range of health contaminants, design considerations such as tiny seal leaks or manufacturing imperfections may prevent a unit from offering foolproof protection against biological contaminants for consumer drinking water systems.  Therefore, WQA suggests that absolute disinfectant (a reduction of contaminants greater than 99.9%) be ensured with cyst-rated and certified product and post-disinfection systems such as ultraviolet light.

What is Hard Water?
Water in the home may be “hard” or “soft” depending on its mineral content. 

An average household of four, with water hardness of 7 grains per gallon, would have the equivalent of 146 lbs of rock in their water supply in a given year.

Water is soft when it falls from the sky as rain.  As it travels through rock and soil, it picks up particles of calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, and other minerals.  Unless you have a private well, your tap water is processed by a municipal water treatment plant that may lower some of its mineral content and other impurities.  Depending on the type and amount of processing, water hardness will vary from place to place.  Still, in most of Canada, water is relatively hard when it leaves the treatment plant.

Do You Have Hard Water?

• 0-2 Grains Hardness – No softening agents needed.  Pure soap effective in cleaning up.
• 2-5 Grains Hardness – Detergents with softening agents aren’t completely effective in cleaning.
• 5-9 Grains Hardness – Detergents with softening agents aren’t completely effective.  Some scaling will occur in pipes and appliances.
• 9+ Grains Hardness – Detergents with softening agents aren’t effective.  Dishwasher impossible to use without producing film on dishes.  Scaling in pipes and appliances.

Do You Have Hard Water Problems?
Calcium and magnesium are the two primary hard water culprits.  Because of them, water becomes hard, reducing the ability of soaps to suds and clean, leaving a dingy gray residue on clothes, and spots on dishes.

• Hard water is more abrasive.  The tiny mineral particles combine with soap curd or detergents to become like little pieces of rock pounding away at clothing fibers and fragile glassware.  Over time, the structural integrity of the product is weakened.  This means glasses can become etched and the life of clothing is reduced.
• Skin and hair are affected.  A greater amount of shampoo and soap is needed to clean, and hard water doesn’t rinse as well as soft water.  That means soap scum residues remain, leaving skin susceptible to blemishes and hair less shiny.
• Tough on plumbing. Hard water can cause scale to build in water heaters and pipes, limiting the water flow, reducing the life of the product, and increasing operating costs and maintenance on water-using appliances.

How Do I Correct Water Hardness ?
Water hardness is corrected by the use of a water softener (often referred to as a conditioner).  The hard water is passed through a tank containing resin beads coated with sodium ions, or, in some cases, potassium ions.  The calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for the sodium ions, thus softening the water.  When the beads have trapped all the hardness they can hold, the unit is regenerated with salt brine to replace the hardness ions with sodium ions.  The unit is then ready to soften the water again. Studies have found that soft water saves time and money in the home:

1. Soft water activates detergent or soap to make a smaller amount (up to 55% less) work more effectively.
2. An Ohio State University study found that softened water cut the time required for housekeeping from almost 4 hours to less than 2.5 hours.
3. Home water heating costs can be reduced by as much as 20% with softened water.  Costly plumbing repairs can be reduced too. (Put highlighted area in HIGHLIGHTS box).

Sheets washed in soft water last a lot longer than those washed in hard water.  Sheets washed in soft water can take 32% more washings.