If you are in the market for the best home water filters and filtration systems, you are probably researching each type for features and specifications. One type of system in particular has become a household buzzword: reverse osmosis. If you want to know more, read on.

What Is "Reverse Osmosis"?

Though it sounds like an overly scientific and complicated process, the basic explanation is this:

• Water is not exactly filtered, but instead pushed at a high velocity through a semi-permeable filter. Some systems have more than one filter membrane in use, therefore doubling, tripling or even quadrupling the water cleaning process.
• The water's molecules are small enough to fit through the very tiny holes of the membrane, while other molecules from heavy metals, such as rust and sulphur, cannot push their way through. 
• The water that enters your house through city or well plumbing is pulled at a high velocity through the reverse osmosis chambers. It moves from a very fast place to a slower place.
• Only the water you need and currently use with an open tap circulates through. There is no reservoir or storage tank for the water get stale or settle into a stagnant position.
• The system uses ultraviolet technology to kill unhealthy microbes and sterilize your drinking water.

Although this makes sense to you now, you are still wondering if this type of system can handle high volumes of water. It most definitely can.

Voluminous Water Consumption Is Not A Problem

Because reverse osmosis is a "water on demand" system, whatever amount you need, it can manage. The speed at which the water moves from well or city pipes into the osmosis chambers and then into your pipes means that you can use more than one tap or water source at a time and still get adequate pressure and water volume. Other homeowners like the fact that this system is so economical, and that it takes multiple steps to ensure the purest drinking, cooking, washing and bathing water possible. It needs very little space and installs quickly.

Energy Efficiency, Clean Water and Space Saver All in One

Some manufacturers have managed to create a reverse osmosis system that is even more energy efficient, a plus for you if you are looking to keep your utility bills low. You can choose from a complete home system, installed on your main line, or just install smaller units under whichever sinks in your home you want clean water to come from. Most reverse osmosis units for a single sink are less than a foot in length and height, and only slightly larger for whole house units. Your installation expert will schedule filter membrane replacements per the manufacturer's suggestions and that is it.