Interested in Reverse Osmosis for Your Fort Myers Home? Reach Out to Aqua Care

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe To Drink During a Boil Advisory?

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is not usually considered safe to drink during a boil water advisory.

A standard reverse osmosis system does a good job of filtering out many contaminants, including some bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, during a boil advisory, the concern is typically about microbial contamination, more specifically pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, or Cryptosporidium.

Most residential reverse osmosis systems are not certified to reliably remove all of these harmful microorganisms. If your reverse osmosis system is not NSF/ANSI certified for microbiological purification, it cannot be guaranteed safe.

Unless your reverse osmosis system is specifically certified for microbial removal, you should always boil your water (including reverse osmosis water) during a boil advisory.

Extra tip: If your water system was under a boil advisory and you used your reverse osmosis water system during that time, it’s also a good idea to sanitize the system after the advisory is lifted. In addition, replace the filters and/or the membrane, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Beneficial Minerals From Water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) does remove some beneficial minerals from water, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These are naturally occurring minerals that, yes, can have health benefits.

Is this a reason to opt against having a reverse osmosis system put in? Definitely not.

The fact is that you get the majority of these essential minerals from your diet, not your drinking water. The mineral content in water is relatively low compared to food sources, and the body absorbs minerals from food more efficiently than from water. So, even though RO strips water of these minerals, it shouldn’t lead to a deficiency, as long as you’re eating a balanced diet.

What’s the Difference Between a Reverse Osmosis System & a Regular Water Filter?

Regular water filtration options differ from reverse osmosis setups both in how they filter and what they remove. 

• Regular water filters typically use carbon or sediment filtration, which remove larger particles, chemicals, and some bad tastes/odors. The filtration method will always be mechanical and chemical, not pressure-based like a reverse osmosis system.
• Reverse osmosis systems use a pressure system and a semipermeable membrane that removes particles as small as 0.0001 microns. They often include multiple stages, like a sediment pre-filter, carbon filter, RO membrane, and an optional post-filter or remineralizer.

As far as what’s being removed, regular filters remove chlorine/chloramine, some pesticides and VOCs, some bad tastes and odors, and larger sediment, but they do not remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, or microorganisms. 

Reverse osmosis systems, remove heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, mercury), nitrates/nitrites, fluoride, salts and minerals, chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, VOCs, and some bacteria and viruses (especially with UV add-on)

So, what’s best for your household? If you’re looking for maximum purification, especially the removal of heavy metals, fluoride, or nitrates, go with reverse osmosis – just expect to pay a bit more upfront. For basic taste and odor improvement, a regular water filter may be all you need.

Where Is a Reverse Osmosis System Typically Installed?

A reverse osmosis (RO) system is typically installed under the kitchen sink. Essentially, the system connects to the cold water line and dispenses filtered water through a dedicated reverse osmosis faucet that’s mounted on your sink or countertop. These are convenient, compact, and provide purified water right where you typically need it the most.

That said, there are other installation options depending on your needs. Other installation options include:

• In the basement or utility room. Sometimes the reverse osmosis unit is installed in the basement or in a utility area directly beneath the kitchen, with tubing running up to the kitchen sink. This is better for areas where under-sink space is limited, and these can also connect to other fixtures, like a refrigerator or ice maker.
• Where the main water line enters the house. This is less common, but some people opt for a whole-house reverse osmosis system. While larger and more expensive, these will filter the water for an entire home or commercial space.
• On the countertop. Reverse osmosis systems can also come in compact, portable units that sit on the countertop and connect to your faucet. These are more ideal for renters or for smaller households, and they require no installation – just connect and go.

In addition, some people invest in smaller, portable units when they’re camping or traveling. This can be a great option for treating questionable well or campground water.

What Are Signs My Reverse Osmosis System is Damaged or Failing?

If your reverse osmosis system isn’t working properly, it can compromise your water quality and system performance, so it’s important to get on top of any issues right away. What can you keep an eye out for? 

• Low Water Flow or Pressure: A clogged filter, a worn-out reverse osmosis membrane, or low tank pressure can all contribute to this. The filters may need replacing, or the storage tank bladder could be malfunctioning.
• Bad Taste or Odor in Water: If the filters or membrane are overdue for replacement and are no longer removing contaminants, you’ll notice it when you drink your water. Replace the carbon filters and RO membrane, and inspect for bacteria growth if the system hasn’t been sanitized recently.
• Cloudy or Murky Water: If the water is looking cloudy, chances are sediment or total dissolved solids (TDS) are getting through the system. Test your water with a TDS meter. If levels are high, your membrane is likely no longer effective.
• Water Leaks: Leaks are most likely caused by loose fittings, cracked housings, or worn-out O-rings. Inspect all tubing, connections, and filter housings for signs of moisture or dripping.
• Constant Run-Time: If you’ve noticed your system doesn’t automatically shut off, it could be a faulty auto shut-off valve, a damaged check valve, or a full tank that’s not pressurizing properly. The system should only operate while filling the tank.
• Slow Refill Time: This is often due to a worn out reverse osmosis membrane, low feed water pressure, or clogged pre-filters. Monitor how long it takes to refill the tank – if it takes hours, something’s wrong.
• Higher Than Normal TDS: If the membrane is starting to fail, it’ll allow dissolved solids to pass through, leading to higher TDS. Use a TDS meter to compare tap water vs. filtered water – RO water should have very low TDS.
• Unusual Noises: You could have air in the system, the system could have been installed incorrectly, or components could be failing. Gurgling is normal after a filter change, but persistent strange noises may mean something bigger is amiss.

To avoid issues, replace your filters every 6-12 months (depending on usage and type), replace the reverse osmosis membrane every 2-5 years, and sanitize the system at least once a year. Experiencing a bigger problem? Call in our experts to troubleshoot leaks, check out pressure issues, or inspect valves and other components.

For Cleaner Water Near You in Fort Myers, Trust Us

Whether you’re looking to improve the taste of your tap water, reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, or simply enjoy the convenience of cleaner water right from your faucet, Aqua Care has reverse osmosis systems that can meet your needs. With professional installation, reliable service, and systems tailored to your Fort Myers home or business, we make it easy to enjoy safer, better-tasting water.

Reach out soon to get started.