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Culligan Residential

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?

Two of the most cost effective ways to enjoy great tasting water in your home are with a bottled water cooler or with a home reverse osmosis (RO) system.

In simple terms, reverse osmosis is the process by which water molecules are forced through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The membrane in a Culligan system filters out any impurities smaller than one micron. Reverse osmosis systems provide filtered water everywhere, from homes and commercial applications like restaurants and hotels, to breweries and car washes, and even the space shuttle!

Household RO systems typically filter water using the following steps:

RO Unit
  • Raw tap water first flows through a sediment filter to remove dirt, rust and other solid objects.
  • The water then flows into a carbon filter that takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals.
  • The next stage is the reverse osmosis membrane which separates 70-99% of the dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. These removed impurities are rinsed down the drain producing the final product, "pure water".
  • This water is stored in a reservoir tank typically located underneath the kitchen sink and is accessed with a separate faucet.
  • When you open the valve the water is filtered one last time with a carbon block "polishing filter" right before it reaches your glass.

Reverse Osmosis treatment generally removes a more diverse list of contaminants than other carbon, faucet or pitcher systems. RO can remove nitrates, sodium, and other dissolved inorganic and organic compounds.

A Culligan® Drinking Water System puts clean, refreshing water right in your kitchen. With a range of compact and attractive designs, our systems fit conveniently in out-of-the-way places.

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