Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely used water purification technology, capable of effectively filtering a wide range of contaminants through a semi-permeable membrane. This technology ensures that the water consumed is clean, clear and free from harmful substances. Thanks to its efficiency and performance, RO has become a mainstay of modern water treatment solutions.

1. What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. This membrane is designed to allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules and contaminants, including :

• Bacteria and viruses Disease-causing micro-organisms are effectively reduced, minimizing health risks.
• Chemical pollutants This includes industrial chemicals, heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, PFAS, pesticides and pharmaceutical residues that may be present in water.
• Salts and minerals Dissolved in water, they contribute to hardness and scale build-up in pipes and household appliances.

The pores of a quality membrane measure around 0.0001 micronor one millionth of a millimetre (by way of comparison, bacteria measure between 0.2 and 1 micronviruses between 0.02 and 0.4 micronsand PFAS around 0.0005 microns).

2. Why is it called "reverse osmosis"?

The term "osmosis" refers to the natural movement of water molecules from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration, across a semi-permeable membrane. This process aims to balance the concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

Reverse osmosis" reverses this natural process. By applying external pressure, water is forced from a zone of high solute concentration (contaminated water) to a zone of low concentration (pure water), effectively separating contaminants from the water.