Reverse Osmosis Membranes

In reverse osmosis systems, the waste water ratio refers to how much water is discarded for every gallon of purified water produced. For example, a 4:1 ratio means that 4 gallons of water are wasted for every 1 gallon of clean water. This waste is necessary to flush away contaminants and protect the RO membrane from buildup. While older systems will typically have higher waste ratios, newer or high-efficiency models can reduce waste to 2:1 or even less. Upgrades like permeate pumps and regular filter maintenance can also help improve efficiency and reduce water waste.

The typical reverse osmosis membrane lifespan will fall between 1 to 3 years, depending on factors of your water, including water quality, usage, and prefiltration maintenance. If you notice poor water quality, slow output, or a drop in contaminant rejection, it might be a sign that it is time to replace or clean your filter. Using a TDS meter is the easiest and most reliable way to track membrane health. To help extend the life of your membrane, always replace the pre-filters (sediment and carbon) around every 6 months.

Yes, a reverse osmosis (RO) system will change the taste of your water, typically making it cleaner and more neutral. This is because RO removes dissolved minerals, chlorine, and other contaminants that contribute to the taste of tap water. As a result, the water often tastes pure or crisp, though some people may find it a bit flat or bland due to the lack of minerals. If preferred, a remineralization filter can be added to restore some of those minerals and enhance the flavor to resemble natural spring water.

Think of cellophane; the membrane is about that thick but has very tiny holes. These holes allow small molecules or certain ions, like water, to pass through, but prevents larger molecules or unwanted substances, such as salts, bacteria, or other solutes, from crossing. Some membranes can be dissolved or slowly eaten away by chemicals like chlorine. For this reason, its very important to ensure you have a carbon prefilter to pretreat the water going through your RO membrane.

To store a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane properly, keep new, unused membranes sealed in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and freezing temperatures. For used membranes, it’s important to keep them wet by storing them in a clean, sealed container filled with RO-permeate water or a manufacturer-approved storage solution. They should be kept in a cool location, but never frozen. Avoid letting the membrane dry out or exposing it to contamination, as this can damage it and reduce its effectiveness when reinstalled.