How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
Osmosis is the phenomenon of water flow through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks the transport of salts or other solutes through it. Osmosis is a fundamental effect in all-biological systems. Osmosis is applied to water purification and other chemical laboratory and industrial processes. When two water volumes are separated by a semi-permeable membrane, water will flow from the side of low solute concentration to the side of high solute concentration. The flow may be stopped or even reversed by applying external pressure on the side of higher concentration. This is called reverse osmosis. (R.O.) Reverse osmosis is only one stage of a typical R.O. system. Sediment and carbon filtration is normally included with an R.O. system, with each stage of filtration contributing to the purification process.

1. The first stage of filtration is the sediment filter, which reduces suspended particles such as dirt, dust, and rust.
2. The second stage of filtration with a reverse osmosis system using a Thin Film Membrane (TFM) membrane is the carbon filter, which reduces volatile organic chemicals, chlorine, and other taste and odor causing compounds.
3. The R.O. membrane is the heart of the system. It is responsible for rejecting up to 98% of the total dissolved solids in the water. This is where the purification takes place.

What Is Meant By Total Dissolved Solids?
In the natural cycle of water, water that began its life as rain and eventually found its way to your tap has come in contact with many sources of potential contamination. The various minerals and salts that have been dissolved by the water during this cycle are called Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

Does R.O. Remove Parasites Such As Bacteria, Cysts Or Cryptosporidium?
While a health claim can not be made because of intangibles such as regular maintenance, these items are too large to pass through the TFM membrane. NSF's rating for reduction of Giardia Cysts and Cryptosporidium is 1 micron, and the TFM membrane filters down to 1/10,000th of a micron. That is 10,000 times smaller than these parasites.

Isn't Water Wasted Down The Drain With R.O. Systems?
There is a certain percentage of water from the system that goes to the drain. This water is carrying away the impurities. These particles are too small to be caught by the filters. Premier has an automatic shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of water to the drain when the holding tank is full. This valve stops the R.O. system from continuously running water down the drain, thus conserving water via the R.O. system working only according to usage.

What Is The Ratio Of Wastewater To The Pure Water Produced By A Premier R.O. Unit?
The typical ratio is 4 to 1, based on incoming water temperature and pressure.

Can This Water Be Saved And Used?
Yes. Most wastewater today is recycled for golf courses and artificial lakes. The drain water is slightly higher in TDS concentration than the incoming water, but as R.O. does not add anything to the water, it can be used to water your lawn or garden.

What Is The Importance Of Water Pressure To An R.O. System?
It is the pressure of water that forces the water through the membrane for purification and flushes the rejected solids away. Low water pressure will result in reduced production and premature fouling of the membrane. The ideal pressure for operating an R.O. system is 60 PSI. Pressure below 40 PSI is generally considered insufficient, and should be boosted using a pressure booster pump.

Will Iron Hurt An R.O.?
Yes. Iron will plug a R.O. membrane, as the membrane is not able to flush iron out. Trace amounts of iron (up to 2 PPM) can be removed by a water softener. If the water contains 1 PPM or less, there is no need for concern as the membrane will usually last 1-2 years. Note: This refers to clear water iron, not red iron. The difference is that clear water iron leaves no visible signs, whereas red iron leaves a reddish brown discoloration in toilet bowls, tanks, sinks and tubs. If red iron is present, steps to remove the iron will have to be taken, otherwise the warranty will be void.

Is It Necessary To Change The Filters In The Premier R.O. System Every Six Months?
Yes. It is highly recommended. The Premier R.O. system has been designed to operate best to give high quality purified water with normal routine maintenance. By changing the pre-filters on a regular six-month basis, you will eliminate dirt and chemicals in the water that will plug the membrane. After six months of use, the carbon filters can have bacteria growing within the filter media. Your local water conditions may necessitate more frequent filter changes.

Can Any Other Filters Be Used In A Premier R.O. System?
Yes. The 1st stage sediment filter must be a 5 Micron, 10" cartridge. The 2nd stage filter is more crucial. A purification grade carbon must be used, also 10" length. Premier recommends the customer use Premier's G.A.C. 56 cubic inch carbon filter because our filters have more carbon than others, therefore, better filtration. The system's various components are designed to enhance each other, thus the system will work much better. You can use other carbon filters; however, you may need to replace them more often due to their smaller volume of carbon.

Does The R.O. Unit Have To Be Mounted Under The Kitchen Sink?
No. The R.O. system can be mounted in a cabinet to either side of the kitchen sink or even mounted remotely in a garage or basement.

I Have A Water Softener; Doesn't That Treat My Drinking Water?
No. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water and is usually installed at the point-of-entry (P.O.E.) of the water to the house. A water softener is good for the home's plumbing and water related appliances, but does little to improve the taste or quality of your drinking water.

Will A Water Softener Harm The Reverse Osmosis (R.O.)?
No. Calcium and magnesium (limescale) are two of the hardest minerals for the R.O. membrane to remove. Sodium (added to the water by the softener) is much easier on the membrane and it will reject 98% of all sodium in the water. A water softener will help extend the life of the membrane.

Will An R.O. Soften Water?
Yes. R.O. water is softened through the reverse osmosis purification process; however hard water (above 7 grains of hardness) will shorten the life of the membrane. The harder the water, the shorter the life. Example: If you incoming water is 15 grains hard, you may only get 2-3 years of life from your membrane.