So, you've decided you're going to stop buying all that bottled water, and get your clean water straight from the tap by using a reverse osmosis water filter system. How do you pick the right one?

How do they work? Do you need a 5 stage reverse osmosis water filter system, or 7 stages?

Before you can choose the best reverse osmosis water filter system for your home, you'll need to know how it works, so you can choose among all those 5-stage and 7-stage options to get down to just what you need.

That's what I hope you'll understand by the end of this article.

Here's how the article will flow:
(Click on the links to jump to the parts you're interested in, or past the parts you already know.)

1. How a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Works
   I'll describe “osmosis” and the several stages in a complete filtering system. Simply.
2. Pros & Cons of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System for Home Use
   Why these things are great, and why you might want to reconsider.
3. How to Select a Good System
   An overview of the things you'll need to consider when purchasing.

There seem to be a lot of technical considerations, but I'll do my best to make it as simple as possible, and easy to understand.

*I'm going to assume that you've already done your research about the impurities in your tap water, and have decided that they are not worth drinking regularly and long-term. So, I'll be focusing on HOW an RO system will rid you of these impurities, rather than on whether or not you should remove them in the first place.

Let's get right into it: What is a reverse osmosis water filter system? How does it work?

A Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System: How It Works

It's hard to talk about a reverse osmosis water filter system and how it works without getting overly technical. But, I'm gonna try to make this as simple as possible, with pictures and stuff, so bear with me…

First I'll explain Osmosis in the simplest way you've ever seen, and how reversing it gives you extra clean water.

Then, I'm going to talk to you about all those “Stages” in reverse osmosis water filtering systems — why they're all necessary (or not), and what each one means for you.

Osmosis & Reverse Osmosis

Ok, let's start with “The Membrane”: It's a thin sheet of material with tiny holes that only small molecules like water (H2O) can pass through. Stuff made up of larger molecules — such as salts, metals like lead, chemicals like fluoride, some bacteria, and junk like that — can't pass through this Membrane.

Now, let's use this Membrane to separate two different kinds of water: Cleaner and Dirtier:

So we have water with a high concentration of junk on one side, and a low concentration of junk on the other.

Now, regular “Osmosis” is the natural tendency for the water to move across that Membrane in a way that results in an equal concentration of junk on both sides:

It's Nature's way of achieving “balance”. In this case, that means equally dirty water on both sides.

Yuck. That's nasty.

We don't want that. We want cleaner water! Let's reverse the process.

Ok, so to get “Reverse Osmosis” we simply apply some pressure to the water on the Dirtier side, which forces the water to move to the Cleaner side:

Now we have significantly cleaner water on one side, and some junk to get rid of on the other side.

Here's a video pretty much describing the same thing, only with better images:

But this is only ONE part of the entire reverse osmosis water filtration system. The Membrane is actually too delicate to all the work by itself. So, there are other important Stages in the process.

The Stages of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

If you've done any searching around, you've seen anywhere from 3 to 5 stage reverse osmosis water filter systems available.  Recently, I've seen as many as 7 stages in some of the top-rated reverse osmosis systems.

What the heck are all these stages, and what do they do?

I like to organize all the stages into three major categories:

1. Pre-Filtration Stages
   First, you'll have one or more Pre-Filtration stages, to get rid of the larger particles that could damage your reverse osmosis filter. Things like rust, dirt, and certain chemicals.
2. Main Reverse Osmosis Stage
   Next comes the Reverse Osmosis stage, which is the heart of the system. It's simply the reverse osmosis filter I described above, removing salts, metals like lead, chemicals like fluoride, some bacteria, etc.
3. Post-Filtration Stages
   Finally, during the Post-Filtration stages, a number of filters or processes are used to clean out anything that was missed by the reverse osmosis filter. Some of these stages will even add back stuff that you may have wanted to keep in the water, like healthy minerals.
4. Storage Tank
   “Waitaminit! You said THREE categories!” Yeah, I know, but I really wanted to make this stand out. While it's not really one of the “filtering” stages in the system, the Storage Tank is where all the clean water is stored before coming out of your spout. And if you don't take it's size into consideration, you're going to be disappointed when you try to install your system.

Let's see how all these stages might play out in a 7-stage reverse osmosis water filter system:

Early Stages: Pre-Filtration

The filters in the first few stages remove impurities that could potentially damage the Reverse Osmosis filter.

1. First, Sediment Filters remove the larger particles that might clog the Reverse Osmosis filter. Dirt, silt, rust, calcium carbonate, and other chunkier contaminants are separated by one (or sometimes two) of these filtration stages.
2. Next, Carbon Filters remove the chemical contaminants that can deteriorate and damage the Reverse Osmosis filter. Chlorine and chloramine (which are added to tap water to disinfect it), and other organic chemicals that affect the taste and odor of the water are removed in this stage.

Main Stage: Reverse Osmosis

3. This is where the Reverse Osmosis Filter kicks in. We discussed this stage above.

Once your water is past the Reverse Osmosis Stage, it's pretty darn clean. 95-98% of the contaminants that it's calibrated to remove are gone. (Very small amounts CAN get through, however.)

Even some of the minerals you may have wanted to keep in your water are mostly gone.

The clean water moves on to the final stages, while the contaminants that were filtered out are flushed down the drain.

Final Stages: Post-Filtration (Polishing, Remineralizing…)

At this point, what many of the multi-stage filtration systems do is add a few stages that will “polish up” the water for you.

Many people consider these stages to be optional. But, depending on what you're trying to accomplish, some of these might be required steps.

They will either remove the last little bits of chemicals and contaminants that may have made it through the first stages of filtration, or add a few things back in that you may not have wanted removed.

4. 4. Additional Carbon Filters
      Now that the water is mostly clear of contaminants, carbon filters can be more effective. Additional filters here can remove those chemicals that made it past the reverse osmosis membrane.
   5. Remineralizer
      Some people will also argue that water should be a good source of healthy minerals, and that removing minerals from our water makes it less healthy. A remineralizer will put those minerals that are removed by reverse osmosis back into your water.*
   6. Alkaline Filter
      An alkaline filter (often combined with a reminieralizer) will reinstate a healthy pH balance to your drinking water. While there are many arguments as to the benefits of alkaline water, many people are not used to it. This filter is an option for those who have have decided it is a benefit to them.*
   7. Ultraviolet Lamp
      Certain types of bacteria can make it past your reverse osmosis filter. These tiny microbes are then subjected to an ultraviolet light as a sterilizer. The light kills the bacteria, and renders them harmless.

* I recommend doing your own research on the effects of alkaline water and the bioavailability of minerals before deciding upon either of these options.

The Non-Stage: The Storage Tank

As I mentioned, this is where all your nice clean filtered water is stored before it's served up to you through the faucet/spout.

The storage tank keeps the water at the ready, so that you don't have to wait too long to get a drink.

The filtration process slows down the flow of water considerably. So much so that, without the Storage Tank, you'd be standing at your faucet impatiently watching water drip slowly into your glass.

This tank is the largest single part of the reverse osmosis water filter system. With under sink reverse osmosis water filter systems, they can come as small as about 2 gallons (about the size of a basketball) or as large as 4 gallons. You can even replace them with larger tanks later if you need to.

Even though the storage tank is usually pictured in the product photographs you'll find online, people tend to underestimate its size, or brush it off as a second thought. Make sure there is space under your sink for the tank when you purchase your system.

Put It All Together

Here's a diagram of all the stages of a reverse osmosis water filter system:

While I've listed 7 possible stages above, and in 3 categories, the system you buy might use any combination of the above stages to clean your water.

Carbon filters, for example, come in different grades to filter out different contaminants. A system might use two different types, and count each one as one stage.

Be sure to read the product's details about the stages, to make sure they address your particular concerns about your drinking water.

Ok, next up: Pros & Cons…

Some Pros & Cons of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

First, I'll give a quick list of the Pros right here. Then I'll spend a little more time on the Cons.

I'm not giving the Cons more attention because I feel more negatively towards reverse osmosis water filter systems, but because I think these points deserve special CONSideration. (Get it?)

The Good Points…

For people who want the cleanest possible water they can filter themselves, reverse osmosis water filter systems are an excellent option.

Our water travels several miles on its way to our faucets, and it can pick up a lot of junk along its journey.

Dirt and sediment, bacteria, rust and other metals, and maybe even some hormones, pesticides, or pharmaceutical drugs can get carried along the flow through the underground pipes, passages, and waterways that run through our cities, towns, and countrysides to our homes.

Sometimes, stuff is purposefully added that's supposed to make the water better. Like chlorine and chlorides to kill the bacteria and germs, and fluoride to fight tooth decay.
*(Contact your local water authority/provider for a Water Quality Report about what's in the water when it leaves the treatment plant.)

Many of us have reconsidered taking a lot of this stuff into our bodies. Installing a reverse osmosis water filter system at home gives you control over your water.

It's like having your own water processing station right there under your sink. Benefits include:

• Pure Drinking Water: You get desalinated water, free of pathogens, contaminants, debris, funky odors, and chemical tastes.
• Control: Choose a system that filters out what you want to remove.
• Convenient: Requires minimal maintenance, and you can have clean drinking water at the touch of a finger.
• Affordable: Can be cost effective compared to other pure-water systems like bottled water and water pitcher filters.

Wait, so what about Bottled Water and Water Pitcher Filters?

Bottled water is a popular and healthy option. Check the labels, and you'll find that many brands use reverse osmosis to provide the clean water!

Some of the arguments against bottled water are that:

1. Certain types of plastic bottles can leach chemicals like BPAs into the water;
2. Many brands are just cleaning up their own local tap water, and reselling it to you at a significant mark-up. You can save money by doing it yourself with your own reverse osmosis water filter system; and
3. It creates additional waste in the form of plastic bottles. (Despite the fact that we can recycle them, most people don't.)

Those popular pitcher water filters are a great convenience, but they don't filter out everything you might want to remove from your tap water before drinking it.

They are essentially just the “Pre-filtering” stage of a reverse osmosis system. They do get rid of much of the junk that you want to filter out. They also keep things like healthy minerals in the water, which is an advantage over RO systems. However, that also means that some things like bacteria and fluoride* will get through.

*I'm not going to argue over the health benefits and risks of fluoride. Some people want it, some don't. I just want you to know which water filtering systems will filter it out, and which keep it in.

The Special CONSiderations…

After their initial excitement about reverse osmosis water filter systems being the savior of their tap water, many people make a few discoveries that give them pause.

I want to clarify a few of the things you'll want to consider when deciding if a reverse osmosis water filter system is right for your home.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System: Installation

Installing your system will take a little bit of plumbing expertise. It's not as simple as unscrewing the pipe to your faucet and screwing it onto your new RO filtering system:

• The water flow will need to be split into two — part to your existing faucet, and part to your filtering system.
• You will also need to make sure there is an additional hole in the top of your sink for the designated faucet/spout for your filtered water. Will you need to drill a new hole? (Be sure your system comes with one of these designated faucets, or you'll have to buy one separately.)
• You'll also need an additional hole in the drain, so that all the filtered impurities can be flushed down and out.

Storage Space

Once installed, your system will take up a significant amount of space under your sink.

As I mentioned before, the storage tank alone is at least the size of a basketball.

Then, of course, are the filters themselves, which take up about as much space. If you already have a garbage disposal, it will get pretty crowded under your sink

Each of the self-contained filtering stages need to be installed in a way that makes them easily accessible, so that you can replace them when necessary…

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Maintenance

Yes, you will need to replace your filters. Regularly.

And, each stage of filters will have its own replacement schedule.

Depending on how much filtered water you use, you will have to replace most of your filters every 6-12 months.

The Reverse Osmosis stage of the filters usually lasts the longest, and only needs to be replaced every two years or so.

However, you may have to replace it sooner if you don't replace the pre-filtering stage in time. Failing to replace the filters in time means they will let impurities through. And if certain impurities and chemicals like Chlorine get through the pre-filters, they can damage the Reverse Osmosis filter, which means the whole filtering system is pretty much ruined.

It's your responsibility to make sure the filters are replaced regularly, and on time.

It Cleans TOO Well, or Not Well Enough

Is it possible to clean TOO well? Isn't pure water what we want?

The real question here is, what do you want to filter out of your water? Is your reverse osmosis filtering system rated to remove that stuff?

Not every reverse osmosis filtering system is the same. Be sure it's tested and rated to remove every one of those things you want removed — whether it be lead, chlorine, fluoride, or whatever.*

Always check the documentation before purchasing one. You can usually find product manuals online. I always include links to these in my reviews.

*(Contact your local water authority/provider for a Water Quality Report about what's in the water when it leaves the treatment plant.)

And, what about the good stuff like that minerals you want to keep in your water?

As I've explained, many of those minerals do not make it through the cleaning process, which causes some people to dismiss the other benefits of reverse osmosis water filters.

Take a look at those systems with those extra additive stages. You may decide that adding those minerals back in is worth having taken them out with all the other junk in the first place.

Increased Water Usage

For every gallon of purified water you get from your reverse osmosis water filter system, it will use an additional 1-3 gallons of water to flush out the junk it filters out down the drain.

The knee-jerk reaction is usually: “What?! You mean my water bill will be 2-3 times what it is now?!?”

No, that's not how it works.

Remember this is only the purified water that you'll be drinking. Not the water you will be using for showering, to do laundry, or wash dishes.*

Most systems' documentation will provide you with the “Filtered Water to Waste Water Ratio” under ideal conditions to help you determine how your water usage will increase.

*While it is possible to set up your system to service whole house, reverse osmosis water filter systems are most efficient for providing your drinking water.

Is it costly?

Considering annual filter replacements and water usage, owning and operating a Reverse Osmosis water filter system for a family of four generally costs less than 30¢ per day. (Every system and situation will be a little bit different, of course.)

Considering that most Americans spend about $100 a year on bottled water (which would be $400/year for that family of 4), an RO system would save nearly $300/year.

Also consider the convenience of having that clean water at the ready, literally “on tap”, and the time and resources you'll save in recycling PET bottles, and you can decide for yourself whether or not it's worth it.

Finding the Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System for Home Use

So, now that you have a sense of how reverse osmosis water filtering systems work, and some of the special considerations you'll have to make based on your situation, let's put it all together into a checklist of sorts. There are a few other things you'll want to consider when selecting the best reverse osmosis water filter system for your home, so we'll add those new elements to the mix as well…

1. Determine what's in your water that you want to filter out.
   Test your well water, or contact local water authority. Make sure you choose a filtering system calibrated to removed those contaminants.
2. Decide whether you want to remove minerals from your water, or keep them in.
   If you want to keep them in, you should either consider a system with additional stages that add minerals back into the filtered water, or a filtering method OTHER than reverse osmosis.
3. Can you manage/afford the Maintenance…?
   Each of the filtering stages in your reverse osmosis water filter system has a different lifespan, and will have to be replaced on a regular basis. Check the manual and sales materials before you buy to determine how easy it is to swap these out, and be sure that your installation makes it easy to do so as well. Also, check on how frequently each filter needs to be replaced, and check prices for the replacements online, so you can set a schedule and a budget for yourself.
4. Estimate how much clean water you'll need in a day.
   Most people will only use their filtered water for drinking and cooking. Others may want to use it for plants, or brushing their teeth, or more. This is also affected by the size of your household. Popular reverse osmosis systems for home use are rated in gallons per day (GPD). Usually they produce more than enough for an average household, but if you want to know more, check out the sidebar about Reverse Osmosis GPD, below.
5. Installation Considerations:
   1. Where do you have room to store the filtration system? Under the sink? On the counter? In a separate, specially designated cabinet? Will it compete for space with your garbage disposal or other things in your cabinets? Again, check the manuals and sales material to estimate how much space you'll need for the filters—and don't forget to consider the storage tank's size!
   2. Will you need access to electricity? Basic systems only need water pressure to work properly. However, additional stages like an ultraviolet lamp or alkaline re-mineralizer might require an external electrical source nearby to plug into.If you have very low water pressure, you may need to plug in a permeate pump that will bring the water pressure up to a level that will work with the reverse osmosis membrane.
   3. Plumbing and Construction Work — What kind of alterations need to be made to your sink or plumbing? Will you need to split your water source and add extra piping? Do you need to drill an extra hole for a faucet for the filtered water, or can you feed your newly filtered water into your pre-existing faucet? Determine whether or not you can do the work yourself, or if you should pay someone like a professional or your savvy uncle.
6. Will you need/want any Reverse Osmosis Accessories?
   When I say “reverse osmosis accessories” I don't mean the basic things you'll need for the system to provide you with clean water — like the faucet, or electrical outlets, plumbing, or anything else required for installation.Here. I'm talking about things that will enhance your experience.For example, while you'll need a basic faucet to pull clean water from the storage tank, you might opt for a hot and cold filtered water dispenser that will provide hot water on demand for tea, coffee, cleaning, or cooking.Or, if you want your filtered water to come out of the water dispenser in your refrigerator door, you might get a reverse osmosis refrigerator kit that will send the water to your fridge. This will also provide clean filtered water to your ice-maker for ice.Water testing kits for drinking water are another popular accessory, as are pH balance testers for those looking at mineralized water.

Conclusion

I've discussed a lot here about the general reverse osmosis water filter system: how it works, how to determine what you need and pick the right reverse osmosis water filters for home use in your situation.

So, now what do you do? Where do you start?

To give you a head-start, here are a few models you can look at to begin your search.

How can I make this article better? Do you still have questions that aren't answered above? Or, does the article inspire MORE questions?

Please leave your questions and ideas in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for reading. I hope the information above is helpful.

~ Scott

More Reading:

• ConsumerAffairs.com published a guide about Water Treatment Systems