Which Works Better? Reverse Osmosis or Deionized Water Filtration?

No question, you want the best quality water in your home regarding purity and taste. What can be overwhelming is determining exactly the best method to achieve this kind of water. With such a vast array of products on the market; from in-fridge filters to full-scale water filtration systems, how do you know what you need? How do you know what to look for?

One question that we are commonly asked is in regards to reverse osmosis systems or deionized water filtration systems; namely, which one is better?  Read on to find out more.

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?

You may have heard of reverse osmosis, as it is the more commonly used system of the two. It was originally developed to remove salt from saltwater (i.e. the ocean) to make that water drinkable. It’s quite reliable and will eliminate in the range of 99 percent of impurities.

It works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane using pressure. That membrane primarily acts as a catch-all, removing impurities from the water. Commonly, things like lead, pesticides, detergents, chlorine and fluoride get removed during this process. Any remaining impurities get flushed out, and you have pure tasting water that remains.

What is Deionized Water Filtration?

In the deionization process, water flows through two ion exchange materials, where ions (i.e. salt) in the water are drawn out and replaced. As the water flows through the first area, minerals (usually calcium and magnesium) are removed and replaced with hydrogen. As the water flows through the second chamber, remaining impurities are drawn out and replaced with hydroxide ions. The hydroxide and hydrogen ions combine and form water, which is very pure.

Pros and Cons of Using RO and DI Filtration

One of the benefits of RO is that the pores in the membranes that the water flows through are extremely small, which means that it is difficult for bacteria to pass through. This feature makes it very efficient in producing clean water.

While the membranes are useful in catching bacteria, they are not as effective in finding some of the other minerals because of the size, which requires an RO system to have an additional filter (usually a carbon filter) to purify the water. Another potential drawback is that these systems can be costly. It is widely believed, though, that if you are after pure drinking water, this is the better system.

DI filtration is adequate as well but requires more maintenance. Material gathers in the collecting resins over time making them less potent. You’ve got to have them cleaned out on a regular basis.     

Do you need help sorting through your water filtration options? We’re more than happy to help answer any of your questions at Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC, in Stuart FL. Call us today at (772)-288-0998.