| An osmosis filter is a complex set of filters to | | | | purpose of the unit. |
| remove contaminates and purify water. The basic | | | | Many waste water treatment facilities use these |
| principle involves five stages. First the water is | | | | filtration systems to remove trace amounts of |
| filtered to remove sediment and larger particles | | | | prescription and over the counter medications |
| dissolved in it. Then there is usually a booster | | | | found in the water supply in increasing amounts. |
| pump to increase pressure to force the water | | | | This is the best method used for these impurities, |
| through a membrane which traps microscopic | | | | as well as many others found in the water table. |
| impurities. The water is then filtered again before | | | | The problem with this type of filtration system is |
| going to the storage tank. The membrane is then | | | | the amount of wasted water, since untreated |
| flushed with untreated water to remove what | | | | water is used to flush the membrane, it can |
| was filtered out, and that goes out the waste | | | | waste up to four gallons for every gallon treated. |
| water pipe. These units can be installed for | | | | Increasing the pressure of the incoming water |
| drinking only or for the entire home. They do | | | | decreases the water wasted, but it will not |
| need to be professionally installed, unless you | | | | eliminate it entirely. While inefficient, an osmosis |
| happen to be a plumber, and they must be | | | | filter is still the best method to purify water, short |
| properly maintained, since tears in the membrane | | | | of steam distilling, which would be impractical in |
| will allow the impurities through, defeating the | | | | waste treatment facilities. |