Reverse Osmosis System for Filtered Water Right at Your Tap

A reverse osmosis system is a water filtration system designed to reduce contaminants, dissolved substances and certain minerals in your water. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to provide high-quality filtered water directly from your tap.

The key to understanding reverse osmosis is to first understand the osmosis process. Osmosis is defined as the passage of a solvent, such as water, from a solution of low concentration to one of higher concentration. A semi-permeable membrane separating the two solutions allows the solvent to pass through, but not what dissolves in it. The flow finally stops when the two solutions become equal in concentration. This process is classified as passive transport, as it requires no energy to be applied.

Unlike osmosis, reverse osmosis requires an external force to complete transport. Pressure is therefore a key element in the reverse osmosis process. As its name suggests, reverse osmosis is the opposite of osmosis. Instead of balancing the two solutions, the external pressure force reverses the natural flow.

Your home may depend on water treatment methods such as refrigerator filters, pitcher filters or faucet filters. While these options are effective in improving taste and reducing sediment and other particles in drinking water, they do not address dissolved solids, PFAS, VOCs, arsenic, viruses and bacteria. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is a type of water filtration that can reduce up to 99% of contaminants in drinking water, including larger particles and those you can’t always see, taste or smell.

Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process that reduces contaminants in water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane.

Distilled water is water that has been processed through one or more evaporation-condensation cycles until it contains very low levels of dissolved solids (usually less than 5.0 ppm TDS).

Although both distilled water and reverse osmosis water are commercially available, reverse osmosis is more commonly used in domestic treatment systems. Some households choose to install a home distillation solution, but these systems tend to be less practical and generally require more energy and homeowner involvement to operate.

Regular maintenance helps maintain the performance and lifespan of a reverse osmosis system. It mainly includes periodic filter and cartridge replacement, as well as system maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

At the very least, you should plan to change your filters every 1 to 2 years. In addition, make sure your reverse osmosis drinking water system is disinfected once a year.

Selecting your reverse osmosis system from an industry-leading manufacturer and service partner will ensure that your system operates efficiently. Your local Culligan water experts are equipped to handle all aspects of ongoing maintenance and care, from installation to filter changes and disinfection appointments. Culligan ensures that all parts continue to function properly so that you can provide your home with safer, better-tasting water.

Yes. A reverse osmosis system designed for drinking water produces filtered water for consumption. Its semi-permeable membrane helps reduce many contaminants and dissolved substances found in water.

Culligan reverse osmosis systems can reduce certain contaminants, including lead, nitrates, PFAS and microplastics, depending on the system and cartridges used.

Some Culligan systems also offer a remineralization option that reintroduces certain minerals into the water after the reverse osmosis process.