What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?

Reverse osmosis, also known as hyperfiltration, is the finest filtration known. This process will allow the removal of particles as small as ions from a solution. Reverse osmosis is used to purify water and remove salts and other impurities in order to improve the color, taste or properties of the water.  The most common use for reverse osmosis is in purifying water for human consumption.  This is the same technology used by most major manufacturers of bottled water, ie. Aquafina, Desani, Kirkland etc. Treatment by reverse osmosis surpasses the most demanding specifications that are currently in place.

Reverse osmosis uses a membrane that is semi-permeable, allowing the water that is being purified to pass through it, while rejecting the contaminants in the water that remain. Simply put, while some water is allowed to pass through the membrane (purified) the rest continues downstream (rejected) away from the membrane.

The process of reverse osmosis requires a driving force (>30psi) to push the water through the membrane. Not only does Rocky Point have sporadic and often times low water pressure, but the presence of high total dissolved solids (TDS) requires special attention and  consideration.

The Rocky Point H20 Drinking Water System is Water Quality Association (WQA) Gold Seal Certified and has been tested according to NSF/ANSI 58 for the reduction of substances listed below as verified and substantiated by test data: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Barium, Cadmium, Hexavalent and Trivalent Chromium, Lead, Radium, Selenium, Flouride, Nitrites, Nitrates, Copper, and Mercury.

In the United States, the Federal EPA sets strict guidelines by which all municipalities must adhere.  Compliance is published annually and this data is typically included along with a monthly billing statement.

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What factors affect my Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System’s performance?

The quantity and quality of water produced by a Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System is affected by feed water temperature, feed water pressure and total dissolved solids.

Temperature affects the performance of reverse osmosis due to the intricate design of a reverse osmosis membrane. Production is improved as water temperature approaches 77 degrees Fahrenheit (32ºC). Please Note: An RO device should only be installed on the cold water line.

Reverse Osmosis systems are also affected by feed water pressure. As pressures increase so does the rate at which water is produced. Generally speaking, reverse osmosis systems should be operated on feed water pressures above 30 psi to provide acceptable performance.

High concentrations of total dissolved solids (poor quality) decreases feed water pressure and may shorten the life of the RO membranes or require additional maintenance.

Note: Rocky Point's water pressure and high total dissolved solids (TDS) must be properly considered in all installations.

What happens to all the impurities removed by the Rocky Point H2O Reverse Osmosis System?

They are automatically rinsed from the membrane surface and washed down the drain. Unlike filters that trap impurities, the membrane used in the Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System is self-cleaning. As water flows across the membrane, it becomes divided into two streams. The production stream is the purified water that is forced through the membrane by diffusion. The second stream serves as a rinse that carries those impurities off the membrane surface and into a drain. As a result, accumulation of impurities on the membrane is slow, keeping it clean and effective.

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What kind of maintenance is required?

To maintain the integrity of the water you drink and the warranty of the Rocky Point H20 Drinking Water System we provide an annual maintenance service.  Click here a full description service points provided.

How long do reverse osmosis membranes last?

The longevity of a reverse osmosis membrane greatly depends on feed water conditions, how well the system is maintained and whether the supply is municipal or well water. On most municipal water supplies, the average useful life of a Reverse Osmosis membrane is 2 to 4 years. In well water applications, reverse osmosis life may be reduced due to varied water conditions.

Can the Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System be connected to ice makers and refrigerator water dispensers?

Absolutely, provided a purified treatment water line can be extended from the system to the refrigerator. Please note, only special tubing should be utilized, since some materials, such as copper tubing often corrode and scale.  Rocky Point H2O offers a special ice maker hookup kit that includes all the tubing and fittings required for the typical ice maker and/or refrigerator water dispenser connections.

Can I run out of water when using my reverse osmosis system?

Yes, but rarely. Your Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System treats tap water slowly and steadily. This small flow is stored in a tank for later use. It is possible to draw water from the reservoir (tank) faster than new purified water can be made. While this won't happen often, with average use, it is possible when using large amounts of water. If you find your Rocky Point H2O Drinking Water System "running dry,” a larger capacity unit may be indicated.

What are the uses for reverse osmosis water?

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