FAQ

HealthyWaterSupply Reverse Osmosis Water Filter FAQ

What is HealthyWaterSupply.com Home Reverse Osmosis System?

How does Reverse Osmosis differ from a Water Filter?

How did Reverse Osmosis get its start?

Will R.O. remove Sodium from the water?

Does R.O. remove Bacteria? Cryptosporidium?

When should the membrane be changed?

How do HWS RO Water filtration systems compare to competition?

Where is the HealthyWaterSupply RO drinking water system installed?

What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced?

What is the maintenance schedule for the HealthyWaterSupply.com System?

What is the actual process of the HealthyWaterSupply.com R.O. System?

What is the RO membrane and how does it work? 

Can you explain Osmosis?

What is Reverse Osmosis?

What does the HealthyWaterSupply series drinking water taste like?

What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

How will the HealthyWaterSupply.com series water affect mixed beverages?

Can the HealthyWaterSupply.com system be connected to an extra faucet?

How much water does the HealthyWaterSupply system produce?

What is the guarantee on the HealthyWaterSupply.com System?


 

Q: What is HealthyWaterSupply.com Home Reverse Osmosis System?

A: HealthyWaterSupply.com RO Systems is a Home Drinking Water System that uses the principle of reverse osmosis to remove 95-99% of all the mineral and chemical contaminants from raw tap water. HealthyWaterSupply.com products give you the quality of bottled water with the convenience of a faucet mounted on your kitchen sink or Counter Top RO unit that requires no tools for installation.

Q: How do HWS RO Water filtration systems compare to competition?

A: Please see table below:

Compare Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
Benefit/Model

HWS Light RO

HWS Light RO Plus

HWS Osmostar

HWS Sintra Counter Top
Other Brands
Remineralizer Alkaline Post Filter Included
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
Designer Faucet of your choice comes standard
YES
YES
YES
N/A
NO
Water Quality Indicator Alarm
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
Internal Leak Detector
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
Filter Change Indicator
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
Extended RO membrane life: Automatic Membrane Flushing
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
Rapid Flow: 3/8" delivery tubing Standard
YES
YES
YES
N/A
NO
Maximum Water Production: Booster Pump
NO
YES
YES
YES
MAYBE
RO unit comes Plug and Play Ready: RO Membrane is Preinstalled
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
Maximum Water Production: Booster Pump
NO
YES
YES
YES
MAYBE

Q: How does Reverse Osmosis differ from a Water Filter?

A: Ordinary water filters use a screen to separate only particles of dirt sediment from water. Reverse osmosis employs a semi permeable membrane that removes not only particles but also an extremely high percentage of dissolved contaminants-molecule by molecule- from raw tap water.

Q: What is RO membrane and how does it work?

A: The membrane consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded together and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tub (This is also known as a thin film composite or TFC membrane.) The material of the membrane is semi permeable: it allows water molecules pass through while acting as a barrier to dissolved solids (i.e.: mineral chemical contaminants). When the feed water stream passes across the surface of the membrane, the purified water molecules penetrate the membrane surface, working their way around the spiral and collecting in the center tube. The remaining contaminants are concentrated and washed from the surface of the membrane down the drain. All HealthyWaterSupply RO systems come with US made NSF certified(ANSI/NSF 58) Filmtec Membranes.

Q: Can you explain Osmosis?

A: Assume a membrane is semi permeable, allowing water to pass through while being closed to dissolved salts. Place a membrane between two compartments in a container. Then place a salt solution in one half of the container and pure water in the other half. Now a fundamental scientific principle comes into play. That is, two different concentrations of liquids within the same system will try to reach equilibrium (i.e. the same concentration of contaminants) on both sides of the membrane. Of course the only way for this to happen is for pure water to pass through the membrane to the salt water side in an attempt to reach equilibrium is called OSMOSIS.

Q: What is Reverse Osmosis?

A: Reverse Osmosis is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis. In a water purification system, the goal is not to dilute the salt solution, but to separate the pure water from the salt and other contaminants. When the natural osmotic flow is reversed, water from the salt solution is forced through the membrane in the opposite direction by application of pressure-thus the term REVERSE OSMOSIS. Through this process, we are able to produce pure water by screening out the salts and other contaminants.

Q: What is the actual process of the HealthyWaterSupply.com R.O. System?

A: The raw tap water first flows through a 5 micron particle FILTER [1] to remove dirt, rust and other sediment. The water then flows into a granulated activated carbon (GAC) cartridge FILTER [2] which takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals. The next stage of the process is FILTER [3] Block carbon filter to filter multi-chemical compounds and suspension. [4] The reverse osmosis membrane (TFC) which will separate 95-99% of the dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. The contaminants are then washed down the drain. The next stage of the HEALTHYWATERSUPPLY.COM RO SYSTEMS process is Alkaline Post FILTER [5] which consists of multiple layers. First layer removes the remaining traces of chemicals, tastes and odors. Last two layers add tiny amount of calcium and magnesium back to water to give it a delicious taste. The R.O. water is stored in a storage TANK [6]. Inside the tank is a balloon-like rubber diaphragm, pre-charged with 8-10 psi of air. As the tank fills, the air pressure increases and pushes the water out when the faucet is opened. The final element of the HealthyWaterSupply.com Series system is FAUCET [7] of your choice. It is installed on the kitchen counter or the sink.
A: Although the idea of reversing osmosis has been known for over 100 years, the practical application is a recent development. In 1962 the U.S Government funded the first R.O. plant which processed 1000 gallons clean water per day. Today, there are more than 3000 large R.O. treatment plants, each producing more than a million gallons of drinking water each day. In 1991, the U.S. Army bought 8,000 large membranes to their mobile water purification units for troops in Desert Storm. In 1993, the U.S. Government bought another 6,300 large membranes to purify flood water in the Midwest.

Q: Will R.O. remove Sodium from the water?

A: YES! Reverse Osmosis was originally designed to make sea water drinkable for the navy. It is ideal for anyone on a low sodium diet.

Q: Does R.O. remove Bacteria? Cryptosporidium?

A: YES! An R.O. membrane has a pore size much smaller than bacteria virus, pyrogen or the cryptosporidium parasite. When functioning properly it will remove all microorganisms from tap water and produce sterile water.

Q: What does the HealthyWaterSupply series drinking water taste like?

A: Unlike many other RO units available which produce water stripped from any minerals making water taste like distilled water -very acidic. HealthyWaterSupply.com RO units come standard with alkaline post filter which adds necessary minerals back to water. The taste after HealthyWaterSupply.com RO unit will always fall between bottled water (low mineral) and natural spring water (moderate mineral content).

Q: How will the HealthyWaterSupply series water affect mixed beverages?

A: Because reverse osmosis removes invisible contaminants that mask flavor, it allows the natural taste of your beverages to come through. You will be able to use less coffee and still get the full flavor. Concentrated beverages like orange juice will taste tangier. You will probably be drinking a lot more water as well, since many people drink soda, Kool-Aid, concentrated juices, and beer as an alternative to bad-tasting tap water. Also, HealthyWaterSupply eliminates most of the lime build up on drip coffee makers, preventing the need for frequent cleaning. No longer will you find the white scum on the inside of pans after boiling water.

Q: Where is the HealthyWaterSupply RO drinking water system installed?

A: The HealthyWaterSupply RO System is usually installed underneath the kitchen sink. So installers prefer to locate the equipment in the basement or in a crawl space since the water may stay cooler there, and can be easily run up to the kitchen sink, as well as to a refrigerator & additional faucets in the home.

Q: Can the HealthyWaterSupply RO system be connected to an extra faucet?

A: It only takes a 1/4" tee and tubing to run the water to a refrigerator or an extra faucet. Some families run HealthyWaterSupply.com system to all of their bathrooms.

Q: What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced?

A: There are four major variables to consider:

  • 1. PRESSURE. The greater the water pressure, the better the quantity and quality of the water produced. Water pressure of 60 psi is ideal. HealthyWaterSupply.com’s many models include booster pump to make sure there is enough water pressure.
  • 2. TEMPERATURE. 76*F is the ideal water temperature for R.O. 40*F water will cause the production of R.O. water to fall to half of that at 76*F. The maximum water temperature recommended is 85*F.
  • 3.TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS). The higher the amount of dissolved contaminants in the water, the lower the quantity of water produced. A high level of TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS can be overcome with additional water pressure.
  • 4. MEMBRANE. Different membranes have different characteristics. Some produce more water than others; some have better contaminant rejection capabilities; some have greater resistance to chemical abrasion for longer life. HealthyWaterSupply.com system comes with Filmtec the Thin Film Composite (TFC) membranes combine the best of these characteristics and are considered the finest membrane in the world.

Q: How much water does the HealthyWaterSupply system produce?

A: Our most popular products produce 100 Gallon per Day. This is more than enough for a large family.

Q: What is the guarantee on the HealthyWaterSupply RO System?

A: The HealthyWaterSupply RO System (excluding filters) is guaranteed for 3 years for material and workmanship. All defective parts will be replaced free within the first 3 years. The membrane has a one year pro-rated guarantee.

Q: What is the maintenance schedule for the HealthyWaterSupply RO System?

A: Our most popular HealthyWaterSupply RO systems come with built in filter change reminders. Following applies to HealthyWaterSupply RO systems that do not have filter change reminder feature. Three pre-filter cartridges should be changed every 6 months. The first is a 5 micron sediment cartridge. The second is a Granulated
Activated Carbon Cartridge. The third is a Carbon Block Cartridge. Failure to change the cartridge every 6 months may allow chlorine to destroy the membrane. It is very easy to change the prefilters. Just order the needed filters from us and all systems come with the housing wrench to open the filter housings so you can maintain your system yourself and feel confident about your drinking water.

Q: When should the RO membrane be changed?

A: Many HealthyWaterSupply RO units come with Water Quality Indicator Alarm which will alert you if water quality has changed and membrane needs to be replaced. Following applies to HealthyWaterSupply.com RO systems that do not have Water Quality Indicator Alarm feature. One indication is a gradual reduction in water production caused by a layering of minerals and salts on the membrane surface. Another is a gradual deterioration in the quality of water being produced. You my notice a different taste or more white scum on the inside of a pan of water you are boiling. This might mean the R.O. membrane is disintegrating and requires replacement.

Q: What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Remove?

A: The HealthyWaterSupply.com System contains a quality carbon filter which will remove more than 98% of organic chemicals from the water. These include THMs (chloroform), DBCP, lindane, TCEs (trichloroethylene), PCEs (tetrachloroethylene), carbon tetrachloride, chlorine, In addition to following chemicals.
 

- Adrazin >98%

- Aldrin >98%

- Aluminum >98%

- Arsenic >98%

- Barium >95%

- Benzene >98%

- Bicarbonate >99%

- Cadmium >95%

- Calcium >98%

- Calcium Cloride >99%

- Chlorine >98%

- Chloride >95%

- Chlorinated Pesticides >99%

- Chloroform >98%

- Chromium VI >98%

- Copper >98%

- Copper Sulfate CuSO4 >99%

- Criptosporidium cysts >99%

- DDT >99.9%

- Dichloromethane >98%

- DOT > 98%

- E.coli bacteria >99.9%

- Endrin >98%

- Fecal bacteria >99.9%

- Fluoranthene >98%

- Fluoride >95%

- Ferro cyanide >97%

- Giardia cysts >99%

- Glucose >98%

- Herbicides >98%

- Iron >98%

- Lead >98%

- Lindane >98%

- Magnesium >98%

- Magnesium Cloride >99%

- Manganese >98%

- Mercury II >85%

- Methoxychlor >98%

- Nickel >98

- Nickel Sulphate NiSO4 >99%

- Nitrate >90%

- PCB >98%

- Pesticides >98%

- Perchlorethylene >98%

 - Potassium >95%

 - Phosphate >95%

- Selenium IV >95%

- Silicate >95%

- Silica SiO2 >98%

- Silver >98%

- Salmonella typhi >99.9%

- Sodium >95%

- Sodium Chloride NaCl >99%

- Sodium Fluoride >99%

- Sodium Nitrate NaNO3 >97%

- Strontium >98%

- Sulphate >98%

- Tannic Acids >98%

- Toluane 99.9%

- Toxaphene >98%

- Trichloroethylene >98%

- Trihalomethanes >98%

- Total Dissolved Solids >95%

- Vibrio choleriae >99.8

- V.O.C.'s >98%

- Zinc >98%-

- Phenol >98%