Reverse osmosis systems for in-home use are not the right choice for most people. Originally, the reverse osmosis system was designed for large scale operations. Your public water treatment facility is probably using some form of the system.

The only way to be completely safe is to install good filters within our homes, but some companies are taking advantage of our need to take care of ourselves. They advertise reverse osmosis systems as the answers to all of our problems. They are not being completely honest.

As mentioned above, the reverse osmosis system is often used by water treatment facilities, but it is also used in industrial settings where there is a need for de-mineralized water. Film development, for example, requires de-mineralized water.

Simply put, reverse osmosis systems work by forcing water at high pressure through a porous membrane. Much of the water is lost, becomes waste water. Sometimes, it is recycled back into the system. Sometimes, it goes back to the source, whether that is a river or a sewer.

Not only are reverse osmosis systems expensive, they increase a person's water bill. They are difficult to install, typically requiring a plumber's help. So, you have to pay for the reverse osmosis system, pay the plumber and your monthly water bill goes up.

Also, drinking de-mineralized water is not healthy. The trace minerals found naturally in ground water are good for your health. Depending on where you live, your water may be your best source of potassium or other minerals.