So why should you care about a number you can’t even pronounce? Because regular filters—like the Brita in your fridge—use pores around 0.5 to 1 micron. That’s huge compared to RO!
That Brita catches sediment and some bad tastes, sure. But it lets dissolved minerals, heavy metals, and most bacteria waltz right through like they own the place. An RO membrane is the difference between a screen door and a bank vault. One keeps out flies; the other keeps out everything short of a water molecule.
Fun fact: the pressure needed to push water through these tiny pores is about 40 to 60 PSI. That’s like having a small car sitting on your countertop, forcing water through a microscopic maze. No wonder it takes a few minutes to fill a glass.
And Now, the Surprising Downside
You might think, “Great! I want water that’s basically sterile unicorn tears!” But hold your horses. Because RO removes everything, it also strips out beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. Your water becomes so pure, it’s almost aggressive. It will actively try to dissolve your pipes or steal minerals from your body.
Some people call this “dead water.” I call it “water that’s too pure to hang out with.” That’s why many RO systems add a remineralization filter afterward—to put back a tiny bit of the good stuff. It’s like going to the gym to get ripped, then eating a single Cheeto to feel human again.
