Why drink filtered water?

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that removes various types of contaminants, impurities, and dissolved solutes.

Although reverse osmosis is not specifically designed to eliminate microorganisms, it can reduce the concentration of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens due to the size of their molecules.

Certain compounds dissolved in water, such as pesticides, chemical solvents, chlorine and pharmaceutical products, can also be removed by reverse osmosis.

Reverse osmosis is particularly effective at removing dissolved salts such as sodium chloride (table salt), calcium, magnesium, sulfate and other minerals present in water. It can remove many heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and copper, which can be toxic to human health.

In general, reverse osmosis is effective at removing a wide range of impurities, including suspended particles, sediments and other contaminants.

What are the effects of these elements on our body?

All elements retained by reverse osmosis membranes are not harmful, particularly the minerals contained in the water. That being said, as is often the case, everything is a matter of dosage. Excesses, like deficiencies, are always harmful. Water can contain minerals in varying quantities, and some of them may be concerning in excess, while others may be beneficial. For example, a high concentration of fluoride can be beneficial for the prevention of dental cavities, but an excess of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis. Similarly, a high concentration of certain heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, in the water can be toxic to health.

Iron: An excess of iron in drinking water can be concerning, as an excessive intake of iron can cause health problems, such as the accumulation of iron in the body, which can lead to liver or cardiovascular disorders.

Sodium: Excess sodium in water can contribute to an excessive intake of salt, which can increase the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. It is therefore important to monitor the sodium content of drinking water, especially for people who are sensitive to salt.

Lead: The effects of lead on health can be serious, particularly in young children, pregnant women and the elderly. Some risks associated with the presence of lead in drinking water include developmental delay in children, blood pressure disorders, kidney disorders, fertility issues, cardiovascular problems, headaches, fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, kidney damage, effects on the immune system and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Pesticides: Pesticides are chemical products designed to kill or inhibit the growth of pests, insects or weeds, and their presence in drinking water can have several harmful effects on human health. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of pesticides in drinking water can cause acute symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and skin irritation. Long-term exposure to lower levels of pesticides in drinking water may be associated with chronic health risks, including cancer, neurological disorders, fertility problems, endocrine disorders and developmental issues in children. Some pesticides can accumulate in the body over time, meaning that even low repeated exposures can lead to long-term health problems.

Tap water can contain various bacteria, some of them being harmless, while others may present a health risk. Here are some examples of bacteria that may be present in tap water:

Escherichia coli (E. coli): Some strains of E. coli can be pathogenic and cause gastrointestinal infections in humans. The presence of E. coli in water is a sign of fecal contamination and may indicate a health risk.

Legionella: The bacterium Legionella can develop in hot water and cooling systems and can cause a serious respiratory disease called legionellosis. Plumbing installations, cooling towers and poorly maintained air-conditioning systems are potential sources of Legionella.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacterium can develop in plumbing systems, particularly in hospitals, spas and swimming pools. It can cause skin infections, respiratory tract infections and other health problems.

Salmonella: Some strains of Salmonella, present in contaminated water, can cause gastrointestinal infections in humans.

How to install a reverse osmosis system at home?

There are several systems available. It is possible to treat water on different scales, from a water dispenser that will provide your reverse-osmosis water by the glass, to a professional reverse-osmosis system that will treat all your domestic water, as well as the under-sink reverse-osmosis unit that will provide a purified water point in your kitchen, for example.

Here are some examples of products that might interest you:

For distribution by the glass

OsmoTOUCH is a water dispenser that will integrate easily into your home. Equipped with all the latest features, such as selecting the water temperature for preparing hot drinks, as well as monitoring cartridge usage levels, it does not require any connection to the water supply or wastewater system. It is autonomous and practical.

For distribution on a water point

Having reverse-osmosis water has never been easier. This fully automated production unit is placed under your sink and comes with all the connection and installation equipment. The device notifies you when you need to change the cartridges, which are replaced very easily thanks to a quick quarter-turn system.

For distribution on a water point

OsmoBAY is a modern solution for reverse osmosis water. It is ideal for a domestic installation. All the machinery is housed in a metal bay on casters with a lockable glass door.

Three large prefilters, 4 reverse osmosis membranes, a 40-liter pressurized reverse-osmosis water tank and an electronic controller.