Does an RO Water Purifier Remove Bacteria?
The Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier is a popular choice for home water filtration, known for its ability to remove a wide range of contaminants from water. One key question often arises: Does an RO water purifier effectively remove bacteria?
Effectiveness of RO Water Purifiers in Bacteria Removal
Yes, a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier can effectively remove bacteria along with other contaminants. The RO process uses a semi-permeable membrane with very small pores, typically around 0.0001 microns in size, which is small enough to block bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This makes RO a highly effective method for purifying water. However, it's important to note that while RO systems are efficient at removing many types of contaminants, they may not be as effective against certain viruses unless combined with additional filtration methods such as UV ultraviolet light treatment or activated carbon filters.
Limitations of RO Systems in Removing Bacteria
Despite its effectiveness, an RO water purifier has some limitations when it comes to widespread bacteria removal. This is because it can be difficult to sterilize the product side of the membrane; the fabric and piping may contain bacteria. Similarly, ultrafiltration camping filters can also be subject to bacterial presence on the product side without added sterilization steps.
Cost, Water Waste, and Sterility Concerns
While RO water purifiers excel at filtering out a wide range of contaminants and bacteria, they come with certain drawbacks. Firstly, they can be quite expensive, making them a costly investment for many homeowners. Additionally, they waste a significant amount of water; a low-pressure home unit may reject about 70 to 80% of the water as waste. The water that passes through an RO system is not sterile and often lacks a disinfectant residual, which means that stored water could regrow bacteria over time.
Additional Filtration for Bacterial Removal
To ensure complete bactericidal safety, an RO water purifier should ideally have a UV filter in-built to the system. A water purifier with a built-in UV filter can remove bacteria, viruses, and cysts from water, making it safe for consumption. UV filtration is a reliable and effective method to kill bacteria and other pathogens without compromising the taste or quality of the water.
Practical Considerations and Potential Issues
Technically, while the membrane of an RO system acts as a barrier to pathogens in general, it’s not foolproof. Membranes have a mechanical seal to the housing that contains them, usually an o-ring or gasket. If these components are not perfect, bacteria-laden water can potentially bypass the membrane and enter the purified water stream. Furthermore, Bacteria-laden water can quickly damage the membrane, reducing the system's effectiveness over time.
In conclusion, while a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier can effectively remove bacteria, it's important to consider the additional steps and technologies that might be necessary to ensure complete safety, such as integrating UV filtration or taking extra sterilization measures.