Reverse Osmosis Sickness?

goddess girl · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 29

I would like to install a reverse osmosis water purifier in my home, but some friends have told me that they could make you sick. Is there any truth to this, and if so, how would it make you sick?

handnhammer · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 60 Location: Ann Arbor, MI

They can make you sick, if not properly maintained!

In time, if you don't ever change the filters or RO membrane, bad stuff MAY grow inside the filter housings. I say MAY because several things would have to happen to get you sick, especially if you were using chlorinated city water. (chlorination kills most bacteria and viruses, though protozoa, such as cryptosporidium, can survive chlorination). Follow these steps:

Always follow the manufacturer's directions
Change the filter based on a TDS (total dissolved solids) reading, not on the manufacturer's interval. The manufacturer usually wants you to replace filters often, because they sell them. This interval may be fine if you have a high TDS in the supply water. Buy a TDS meter, follow it's directions, and you may pay for the meter by doing less filter changes, and you will know exactly when the life of your filters is ended, and how pure your water is!
When you change the filters flush the system with bleach or or hydrogen peroxide. How you do this depends on the brand of RO system you have. Additionally, treat the filter replacement like a surgery, and make sure everything is very clean. Even wear plastic gloves when handling the filters and cartridges, because bacteria from your hands can get on components and multiple once you have the system sealed up.
One more tip! RO systems uses running water to flush the membranes. If you are away from home (not using the system) for more than a couple of weeks, stagnant water can cause any bacteria to multiply, so plan your filter changes after your vacation, or store all the cartridges in the refrigerator.

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