Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that removes dissolved solids and contaminants from drinking water. Dissolved solids are small organic or inorganic particles that are suspended in water. Dissolved solids vary by location but can include chemicals such as salts, calcium, and phosphates. Water with high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels often appears cloudy and can have “off” odors.
During the reverse osmosis filtration process, water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out very small particles. A typical reverse osmosis water filter system includes the following 4 stages of filtration:
Stage 1: Sediment Filter
• Sediment filters remove the largest particles, like dirt, sand, and rust to prevent clogging of the subsequent filters.
Stage 2: Pre-Carbon Filter
• Pre-carbon filters reduce organic compounds and chlorine.
Stage 3: Reverse Osmosis Membrane
• A reverse osmosis membrane reduces molecules heavier than water, such as sodium, high levels of lead, dissolved minerals, arsenic, chromium, bacteria, and fluoride.
Stage 4: Post-Carbon Filter
• Post-carbon filters refine the taste of the water using coconut carbon fibers.
Who Needs a Reverse Osmosis Filter?
Excessive TDS can be harmful to humans, which is why the EPA generally considers drinking water with a TDS level below 500 parts per million (ppm) safe to drink. We have found that water with TDS over 250 ppm often tastes metallic, salty, and even bitter. As such, we recommend reverse osmosis water filter systems for offices with TDS levels over 250 ppm. We also require reverse osmosis filtration for customers who rely on potable well water or whose tap water exceeds TDS levels of 300 ppm.
Which Quench Machines are Equipped with Reverse Osmosis?
All Quench water coolers and ice dispensers can be equipped with reverse osmosis filtration. Note that in the case of pressure-fed water coolers (as opposed to gravity-fed units), reverse osmosis filtration requires an additional pump. Also note all reverse osmosis-equipped machines require a drain line.
