If you’re concerned about your drinking water quality, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in California turn to reverse osmosis (RO) systems to ensure their water is clean, safe, and great-tasting. But what exactly does RO eliminate from your water, and why is it so important—especially in California? Let’s dive into some of the most common contaminants effectively removed by reverse osmosis systems and why this matters for your health and home.
Related Article: Why Investing in Water Quality Matters for Your Family’s Health
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective water filtration methods available, using a semipermeable membrane to eliminate up to 99% of impurities from drinking water. Here are some of the most common contaminants removed by reverse osmosis:
1. Lead
Why it’s a problem: Lead contamination is a serious issue that can cause neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and high blood pressure in adults.
How RO helps: Reverse osmosis removes lead from drinking water, helping protect your family from potential lead poisoning.
Related Article: EPA Proposes Replacing All Lead Pipes In the Next Decade
2. Chlorine & Chloramine
Why they’re a problem: Municipal water supplies often use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect water. While effective at killing bacteria, these chemicals can cause bad taste, unpleasant odors, and skin irritation.
How RO helps: An RO system removes chlorine and chloramine, improving the taste and smell of your drinking water.
Related Article: How to Improve the Taste and Health of Your Drinking Water
3. Fluoride
Why it’s a problem: While fluoride is added to many water supplies to help prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure has been linked to dental fluorosis, thyroid issues, and other health concerns.
How RO helps: If you prefer to control your fluoride intake, an RO system can effectively remove fluoride, giving you more control over what’s in your water.
4. Arsenic
Why it’s a problem: Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that can seep into groundwater. Long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to cancer, heart disease, and developmental issues.
How RO helps: Reverse osmosis significantly reduces arsenic levels in drinking water, making it safer for you and your family.
5. Nitrates & Nitrites
Why they’re a problem: Commonly found in agricultural areas, nitrates and nitrites can enter drinking water through fertilizer runoff and pose a serious risk to infants, potentially leading to “blue baby syndrome.”
How RO helps: A reverse osmosis system removes these harmful contaminants, ensuring your water is free from agricultural impurities.
6. Sediments & Heavy Metals
Why they’re a problem: Sediments, rust, and heavy metals like mercury and cadmium can make their way into your tap water through aging pipes and environmental pollution.
How RO helps: Reverse osmosis filters out these particles, leaving you with clean, clear, and safe drinking water.
7. Pesticides & Herbicides
Why they’re a problem: Agricultural runoff can introduce harmful pesticides and herbicides into your water supply, leading to potential health issues over time.
How RO helps: RO filtration significantly reduces these chemicals, providing peace of mind for your household.
Why Are Drinking Water Contaminants a Problem in California?
California has some of the strictest water quality standards in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean all water is contaminant-free.
- Drought conditions can concentrate pollutants in the water supply.
- Aging infrastructure can contribute to lead contamination.
- Agricultural runoff increases nitrate and pesticide levels in groundwater.
- Chloramine use in municipal water treatment can cause taste and odor issues.
With all these factors at play, having a reliable reverse osmosis system in your home is one of the best ways to ensure your water is clean, safe, and refreshing.
A CalSoft Water Reverse Osmosis System Can Help Remove Contaminants From Your Water Supply
At CalSoft Water, we provide high-quality RO drinking water systems for homeowners in and around Santa Maria, CA. Our reverse osmosis systems:
- Effectively remove harmful contaminants, improving water quality.
- Enhance your water’s taste and clarity, making every sip more enjoyable.
- Are customizable to fit your home’s specific water needs.
- Ensure your family’s health and safety with top-tier filtration technology.
Don’t take chances with your drinking water. Contact our water treatment experts today to learn more about our reverse osmosis systems and how we can help you enjoy cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water in your home!