Basically, a reverse osmosis water system works by forcing water under high pressure through a “membrane”. The size of the pores in the membrane determines what contaminants will be filtered out. Larger particles are easily removed. For smaller, microscopic particles, the system is highly ineffective.

Most people need filters in there home for better tasting and safer drinking water, as well as cleaner healthier shower water. In fact, filtered water is better for things as simple as washing clothes and doing the dishes. But, the particles that make tap water unsafe are mostly microscopic chemical compounds.

One of the biggest problems with tap water is the chlorine content. One reason that water treatment facilities use chlorine is to protect their reverse osmosis water system membranes from rot and algae growth.

So, it’s obvious that reverse osmosis water systems do not remove chlorine or anything with a molecular size similar to chlorine. In order to block those chemicals, you need a micron filter and an activated carbon filter. Each one removes different contaminants from tap water.

Some drinking water filters contain only activated carbon. That’s okay for blocking some of the chlorine and improving the taste to a certain extent, but it’s not the safest choice. A multi-stage filtration system containing both micron filters, activated carbon and additional systems to balance pH and mineral content are the best and safest choices. And, they are not that expensive. They typically cost less than a reverse osmosis water system.

Mineral content is another concern. Trace minerals found naturally in ground water are good for your health. Water is one of the best sources of potassium and other minerals. Reverse osmosis water systems were designed to de-mineralize water.

In industries such as film processing, it is necessary to have de-mineralized water. Instead of using distilled water, large companies have installed a reverse osmosis water system to take care of their needs.

Research has shown that drinking distilled or de-mineralized water is bad for the digestive system. The long-term health consequences are unknown.

The portable reverse osmosis water systems that companies are promoting for in-home use were designed for military units and individuals traveling in rural areas with no source of acceptable drinking water. For most of us, the water that comes out of our tap is considered “acceptable”, because it won’t cause diarrhea or cholera, like river water could.

Portable reverse osmosis water systems are also a good idea in hurricane damaged areas, until public water treatment facilities are able to get back on-line. With certain attachments, reverse osmosis water systems can be used to desalinize water. So, if you were trapped on a desert island, it would be good thing to have one. Otherwise, you want a different system.

They leave things in that we don’t want and takes things out that we do want. They waste more water than they clean. They are high maintenance and difficult to install. The membranes tear easily and often have manufacturer’s defects that make them even more ineffective. So, when someone tries to sell you a reverse osmosis water system, just say “no”.

James Carol is a strong supporter of healthy living and dedicated researcher of water purification systems. To learn about the recommended alternative to reverse osmosis water systems that James recommends after extensive research, visit http://www.water-purifier-site.com now!