Residential reverse osmosis systems were all the rage at one time, but there popularity has waned over the years.  Industries are successful with reverse osmosis systems residential homes, however, are not so successful.

Companies that sell residential reverse osmosis systems claim that they are the latest technology.  They have actually been in use for over 50 years.  They are a common component of public filtration plants.  They are the only choice for desalination facilities.  But, in they are only one step in the process.  In other words, additional steps are needed to make the water safe and drinkable.

In most cases, reverse osmosis systems residential customers are buying something that they do not need.  Some wells that are brackish may require RO, but once again, it alone does not make it safe to drink. 

There are many contaminants that residential reverse osmosis systems will not remove.  Most of them are chemicals, but bacterial organisms pass through the membranes, as well.  For well-water, a disinfection process is still required, typically involving the use of chlorine.  Then a carbon filter must be used to remove the chlorine and another type must be used to remove by-products of chlorination called THMs.

Bacterial removal protects your immediate health.  Chemicals, chlorine and THMs are threats to your future health.  Many of them are known to cause cancer, either in animals or humans or both.  Continuous exposure throughout one's life increases the risk of cancer by several hundred times, according to scientific research.

Residential reverse osmosis systems will neither protect your immediate or your future health.  But, one of the biggest reasons for their decrease in popularity is the fact that they de-mineralize.  Several books have been published about the health giving qualities of pure water, but all of them mention that drinking distilled or de-mineralized is bad for your digestion and can lead to mineral deficiencies, over time.

Industries that need demineralization rely on reverse osmosis systems residential units, on the other hand, are now offering to put the minerals back in, a process that was developed for use in desalination plants.  Before, being sent to homes, it is re-mineralized.
Residential reverse osmosis systems are calling this "revitalization".  I suppose it works in theory, but still seems illogical.  Why would you pay extra for a system that does something you do not want and then "undoes" it?

The point is that there are some situations that benefit from reverse osmosis systems residential settings, however, are not on the list.  Unless you require desalination, you can get a more effective, less expensive system for your home.  The latest technology includes multi-media block, carbon filtration, micron removal and ion exchange.  The result is safe, clean, perfectly balanced pH level and mineral content. 

Micron removal blocks microscopic bacterial cysts and spores.  Carbon filtration, as mentioned above removes chlorine and improves taste and smell.  Multi-media blocks trap any chemical contaminants.  Ion exchange balances, but does not destroy mineral content.  Residential reverse osmosis systems start at $10,000 and I haven't even covered all of the disadvantages.  Suffice to say, it is not the right choice for most of us.