Have you been debating the idea of getting a water filtration system? If so, then reverse osmosis is the ideal solution. With a range of countertop solutions to choose from, a reverse osmosis water system can change your hydration game for the better.

But how does it actually work and why should you invest in one? We’ll discuss that and more below. Keep reading as we take a deep dive into the process of reverse osmosis and the benefits of having a reverse osmosis water countertop system at your disposal.

Reverse Osmosis: What is it?

So, before we discuss anything else, what actually is reverse osmosis? Often abbreviated to RO, reverse osmosis refers to the process of purifying water, which it does by using a semi-permeable membrane.

Osmosis occurs when water migrates through this membrane from a weak solution to a stronger solution. To reverse this, pressure is required.

The use of pressure allows water to instead migrate through this membrane from the stronger solution to the weaker solution. Essentially, this pressure forces the pure water through the membrane, whilst the membrane stops any contaminants within the water from passing through with it. In simple terms, this process separates dissolved salts, minerals and any other contaminants from the water, leaving filtered water as a result.

This process is considered highly effective, often achieving up to a 98% removal of dissolved contaminants from the water - hence why it’s so popularly incorporated into domestic water filtration systems.

Many have argued that as effective as this is, it means that healthy, essential minerals are also removed from the water. In order to combat that, multiple filters are often used, ensuring that these essential minerals are added back into the water, so that it’s not only filtered but as healthy to drink as possible. However, we always encourage the consumption of minerals from our diet rather than water.

Compacting Reverse Osmosis into a Countertop Device

You may be wondering, how this impressive process fits into such a small system - at least one that’s small enough to fit on a countertop.

Whilst this is a complex process, it doesn’t actually require that much space! RO countertop systems are typically fitted with two narrow cylindrical filters, often a pre-filter and a post-filter, that can handle the filtration process previously described.

Thanks to the innovative design of these systems, these filters fit into the device well so that it doesn’t take up too much space, all whilst being easy to access for when filter replacements are required.

Some devices that are on the larger side and offer multiple features will also tend to include additional filters and parts, such as a UV steriliser, to further enhance the quality of your filtered water.

What Minerals Can Reverse Osmosis Remove from Tap Water?

As we’ve mentioned already, reverse osmosis is able to remove up to 98% of contaminants from tap water, but let’s take a closer look at what these actually are.

Firstly, these systems will remove any traces of hard metals from the water. Certain metals, such as lead and mercury, are often present in tap water, all of which can be a cause of concern for human health if regularly ingested over time.

Tap water also contains various dissolved minerals. If you live in an area where there is hard water, then you’re likely to have even more of these contaminants in your tap water than those living in areas with soft water. The minerals in question include:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Fluoride (typically municipality added)
• Potassium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Arsenic

It is often these minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, that cause limescale to build up on your taps or in your kettle.

RO filters are able to remove all of these minerals from tap water, although many view this as a negative, since many of said minerals (with the exception of arsenic) are essential for health. We can consume a lot more of these minerals from the food we eat rather than the water we drink. For example, to obtain the same amount of magnesium from an avocado (typically 58mg), you would need to consume almost 11 litres of tap water (UK tap water typically has 10mg per litre), alongside all the contaminants our products filter out.

Benefits of Choosing a Direct Flow Reverse Osmosis System

Sleek Countertop Design

One of the key selling points of countertop systems is their compact design and sleek appearance.

Unlike under-the-sink systems, which are rather bulky and take up a lot of space, countertop systems are much more compact. This makes them a great solution for those looking to effectively filter their water but are limited on, or simply wish to use less space.

In terms of their aesthetic, these systems don’t look too different from a domestic coffee machine, so you don’t have to worry about them appearing ill-fitting within your kitchen space, either; nowadays, you’ll find that many even come with a modern, sleek design - further adding to their aesthetic value. In addition to their sleek design, most of our countertop RO systems have the technology to provide hot (approx. 85-90ºC), chilled (approx 7-8ºC), and room temperature water.

Filtered Drinking Water

Of course, the reason why many people invest in one of these systems in the first place is so that they can have filtered drinking water! But what actually is the benefit of filtered water?

Whilst drinking tap water in the UK won’t kill you, as it’s heavily regulated to ensure that it’s safe for consumption, there are still some health benefits of filtering it. Firstly, filtered water removes any chlorine that is otherwise present, as well as various harmful minerals, which research suggests can reduce your chances of developing kidney stones or various diseases, as well as boost your immune system.

Whilst incredibly rare in the UK, due to how heavily regulated our water systems are, there is always a chance of a drinking water breach occurring. In fact, very recently, in 2022, there were 34 E. coli and Enterococci breaches that took place in England and Wales.

So, whilst it’s rare, it isn’t impossible. As such, to ensure your drinking water is safe and completely reduce such risks, drinking filtered water is the way forward. Not to mention, it simply tastes better, too!

Easy Installation

Countertop RO filtration systems are very easy to install, considering that they are simply fitted directly to your flexi hose tap connection via a Tee connection, which connects the tube that diverts water to the filter, in place of the aerator that’s normally attached to the faucet. The second connection will be directly connected to your waste pipe by using a drain saddle clamp. This also makes them highly adaptable, as you can choose to place them wherever suits you best on your countertop.

Our zero-installation countertop RO system requires no installation and only to fill the tank with tap water, this makes them especially useful for renters, those in temporary living situations or those who frequently relocate, as there is no change required to the existing plumbing when using this system. Not only that, but they’re easy to uninstall and reinstall should you move to a new home.

This is unlike under-the-sink systems, which must be connected directly to the plumbing and involve the installation of a reverse osmosis water storage tank.

Convenient to Use

Not only are these systems convenient to install, but they’re also highly convenient to use. Because they have a continuous water supply, unlike water filter pitchers, there is no need to constantly refill the filter system. Instead, access to healthy, filtered water is instant as the tank is refilled as soon as the water is dispensed.

In addition to this, any modern systems, such as the high-end systems we offer here at Hommix, come with various settings - allowing you to choose the type of water dispensed by your countertop system.

For example, our Hommix spaRO 5-in1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filtration System + UV offers you the option to have your filtered water in one of five ways - ambient, cold, hot, ice or sparkling - all within the same system and at the touch of a button!

Shop Water Purification Systems

Now that you know all the ins and outs of a countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system and its benefits, is it suited to you? Well, if you’re looking for quality filtered water, an easy-to-install system and quick, easy usage, then we’re confident you’d find one of our countertop systems ideal.

We have a large range available to buy, from simple countertop water purifiers to 3-in-1 and even 5-in-1 systems, we have a system to suit everyone.

Looking for a more permanent and powerful solution? One of our under-the-sink systems may be better suited to your requirements. We also offer booster pumps for reverse osmosis, helping to make your systems that extra bit efficient.

Got a question about our products? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.