What is Reverse Osmosis?

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Clean water is essential for a healthy lifestyle, and in 2025, the demand for reliable, high-performance water filtration systems will be greater than ever before.

Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems are leading the field, offering unparalleled filtration capabilities and the highest water quality. This sophisticated water purification technology goes far beyond traditional methods with the latest nanotechnology.

Unlike standard water filters that merely trap some pollutants present with carbon or sediment, RO systems recommended by Angel Water employ a complex, multi-stage filtration process that removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, heavy metals, and potentially harmful chemicals.

The Many Benefits of Using a Reverse Osmosis System

The water quality challenges continue to grow. With outdated EPA guidelines and increasing environmental contamination, today’s homeowners need robust water treatment solutions. RO systems now address a wide range of pollutants, including:

In the greater Chicagoland area, local homeowners are dealing with a variety of potentially dangerous issues. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, nearly 70% of children under 6 in this region live in households with tap water containing unsafe levels of lead.

If your home depends on water from a private well, your situation could be even more dire, as this supply is susceptible to many dangerous contaminants that can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled.

Municipal water supply impurities in Southeast Florida are an ongoing challenge for residents concerned about what they are consuming. There are many common tap water pollutants present in these households that can be eliminated with a reverse osmosis system, such as:

While the US Environmental Protection Agency sets legal limits on over 90 different contaminants in our country’s drinking water, including toxins, heavy metals, microorganisms, and industrial byproducts, the government can’t keep up with increasing amounts of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, chemicals that are considered dangerous to human health.

There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, per the National Institutes of Health, and they can be found in soil, water, air, and in the blood of some 97% of Americans. Some scientists call PFAS “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment indefinitely and accumulate in the human body.

A 2020 study by the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment found that under-sink reverse osmosis and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal of PFAS chemicals (94% or more).

Possible Disadvantages of Purchasing a Reverse Osmosis System

Along with the many benefits of installing a reverse osmosis system in your home, there are a few drawbacks you should consider before making the investment.

Water Waste

Traditional RO systems can produce several gallons of wastewater for each gallon of purified water, though modern systems are much more efficient. Point-of-use RO systems that have earned the EPA’s recommended WaterSense® label can reduce waste and help ensure you’re utilizing the most efficient and sustainable way to enjoy fresh, pure hydration.

Removal of Beneficial Minerals

RO filtration can remove some naturally occurring and healthy minerals from water, potentially affecting taste and nutritional content. However, many modern systems address this through a simple remineralization process.

Well Owners May Need Additional Filtration

For Chicagoland and Southeast Florida property owners who use well water, more advanced water purification may be needed to remove certain pollutants that can be present in well water. Many DIY water filter systems do not address this issue (although some systems do have this functionality), and these particulates and microorganisms can wreak havoc on your health.

That’s why it’s crucial to get your home’s supply tested by a licensed water treatment expert to reveal which drinking water contaminants you need to remove and how best to accomplish this goal.

Must-Have Features to Look For in a Reverse Osmosis System

When selecting a water filtration solution for your home, you should prioritize these essential features to guarantee you’re purchasing the best reverse osmosis system for your family’s needs and the contaminants present in your water supply.

1. NSF/ANSI 58 Certification

This certification ensures that the product meets rigorous standards for contaminant reduction and structural integrity. Always choose NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems for additional peace of mind.

2. American-Made Components

Savvy homeowners opt for a reverse osmosis water filtration system manufactured entirely in the USA to ensure quality control and support domestic industries. Avoid products that use low-quality foreign-made parts, as these may compromise performance and durability, which will end up costing you more money in the long run.

3. BPA-Free Construction

Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in many consumer products, including baby bottles, food containers, and water bottles, and has been linked to potential health issues, particularly in infants. Choose RO systems made with BPA-free materials to avoid introducing this chemical into your purified water.

4. Smart Technology Integration

Many households throughout Chicagoland and South Florida utilize energy-efficient and integrated smart home technology. Look for reverse osmosis water purification systems that offer:

  • Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring
  • Smartphone apps for system control and maintenance alerts
  • AI-driven performance optimization

5. Water Enhancement Capability

Some advanced RO systems go beyond purification and provide remineralization to improve the taste and nutritional value of your drinking water. Alkaline water production for additional health benefits or customizable mineral profiles to suit individual preferences allows you to have unlimited access to the perfect water profile.

6. Eco-Friendly Design

Prioritize systems that minimize water waste and energy consumption with high recovery rates (water efficiency) and energy-efficient pumps and components. Products created with recyclable or biodegradable filter materials are an even more sustainable choice.

If you’re gambling with your family’s health by drinking unfiltered tap water, or relying on bottled water, which can be more dangerous than tap water and more expensive than installing a filtration system, we’re here to help you navigate the path to the best reverse osmosis system for your home.

Contaminants can affect the safety and taste of your water. Get a free water test to check your water quality and see if a reverse osmosis system can help provide clean, pure drinking water.