Reverse osmosis explained in 3 minutes
How under-sink RO systems work, what they remove, and whether they're worth the ~$890 investment.
Reverse osmosis (RO) forces water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores small enough to block almost everything except water molecules. What comes out the other side is 95-99% pure H2O.
What it removes
Dissolved solids, chlorine, chloramines, lead, arsenic, nitrates, PFAS ('forever chemicals'), pesticides, herbicides, fluoride, sodium (yes, the sodium a softener adds), and the taste/odor of chlorine disinfectants.
Basically everything a home reasonably needs to worry about — reduced to trace levels.
How it's installed
A 5-stage under-sink RO tucks a small unit under your kitchen sink and adds a dedicated filtered-water faucet next to your main tap. Water goes through sediment, carbon, and membrane stages, is stored in a small pressurized tank, and dispenses on demand.
Is it worth it?
For most families spending $30-50/month on bottled water, the ~$890 installed cost pays back in 12-18 months and you get better water than most bottled brands. Add one to any softener at checkout.
Ready to fix your water?
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