Reverse Osmosis for home water systems

The City of Asheville Water Resources Division released a statement on November 14th, 2024, notifying that water testing has shown potential elevated lead and copper levels. Depending on pipe materials, lead and copper may be found in water that has sat undisturbed in household plumbing for 4-6 hours, with an increased risk for plumbing installed before 1988.

A boil water advisory remains in place for water prior to cooking or drinking, and it is advised to flush water lines for 30 seconds to two minutes before collecting it to boil. Use of bottled water or otherwise treated safe water is advised for consumption.

Blue Planet Plumbing offers several applications to Purify your water system. 

Here at Blue Planet Plumbing, we are water, chemistry and water quality treatment experts. We have a myriad of systems and our entire team is highly versed and trained on water, treatment and water chemistry. We have whole house systems and point of view systems that allow our clients to enjoy clean, drinking water without the concerns of lead or copper in their water system.

We recommend reverse osmosis systems to protect yourself from the elevated levels that are being found in the City of Asheville water system.

We offer three systems to remove these contaminants and pollutants from your water system:

1. Point of use which means at the kitchen sink producing 3 to 5 gallons of water a day.
2. A whole house system that requires point of use and a whole house filtration system to extend the life of the point of use R/O system.
3. A system that will remove lead and copper from the entire plumbing system and also extend the life of the point of use R/O system.

Understanding Reverse Osmosis Systems for Residential Homes on City Water Supplies

Reverse osmosis (R/O) systems are a popular and effective solution for homeowners looking to improve the quality of their drinking water. Whether you’re concerned about impurities, taste, or odors, an R/O system provides an additional layer of purification for homes connected to city water supplies.

How Reverse Osmosis Works

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that removes contaminants by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane. The system uses water pressure to separate unwanted substances such as dissolved salts, chlorine, sediment, and even microscopic particles. The result is clean, great-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses.

Key Components of a Reverse Osmosis System

A residential reverse osmosis system includes several stages of filtration:

1. Pre-Filters: These filters remove larger particles like sediment, dirt, and chlorine to protect the RO membrane.
2. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The heart of the system, this membrane removes smaller contaminants, including copper, lead, nitrates, and dissolved solids.
3. Post-Filter: After the water passes through the membrane, a post-filter further purifies the water, ensuring any remaining taste or odor issues are addressed.
4. Storage Tank: Clean water is stored in a pressurized tank, ready for use.
5. Dispensing Faucet: A dedicated faucet is installed at your sink, providing easy access to purified water.

Benefits of an R/O System for City Water

Even after the City of Asheville water supply returns to normal levels, it can still contain contaminants that affect its quality. Here’s why an R/O system can be a smart investment:

• Improved Taste: Reduces the taste of chlorine and other additives commonly found in municipal water.
• Healthier Water: Removes impurities such as copper, lead, and other potentially harmful substances.
• Convenience: Provides on-demand purified water without the need for bottled water.
• Cost Savings: Reduces reliance on expensive bottled water and helps lower your environmental impact.

Maintenance and Considerations

While reverse osmosis systems are highly effective, they do require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Filters need to be replaced periodically, typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on your water quality and usage. The R/O membrane generally lasts 2 to 3 years with proper care.

Homeowners should also be aware that reverse osmosis systems produce some wastewater as part of the filtration process, though our systems are designed to minimize waste.

Is a Reverse Osmosis System Right for Your Home?

Reverse osmosis systems are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to mitigate current city supply issues and for superior water quality beyond the current sampling concerns. Consulting a professional plumber ensures the system is correctly sized and installed for your home’s needs.

Clean, safe, and refreshing water is just a step away with one of our reverse osmosis systems. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help improve the water quality in your home!