Reverse osmosis (RO) uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, which filters out contaminants. Before reaching the membrane, however, water is prepared by preliminary filters, including sediment filters and GAC (granular activated carbon) filters. Together, these filters remove silt, dirt, chlorine, VOCs, and other substances that cause unpleasant tastes and odors.
The water then passes through the RO membrane’s extremely tiny pores, about 0.0001 microns wide, which trap impurities while allowing water molecules through. Contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, PFASs (synthetic “forever chemicals”), bacteria, and viruses, are discarded in wastewater called brine or concentrate. The purified water then moves to the final step of filtration, often a coconut carbon block filter, which removes residual tastes and impurities.
The end result: safe water for pure refreshment.