 | First, what is a whole house reverse osmosis? A whole home reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment process that removes impurities using a semi-permeable membrane. Simple, safe and cost-effective, it eradicates over 95%-99% of contaminants from water such as dissolved solids, organics, bacteria and pyrogens. |
Osmosis is the natural process by which a solvent (like water) moves across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high to low concentration. RO water treatment reverses this process so the water flows in the opposite direction, resulting in highly purified water.
In whole house RO systems, a pump creates pressure which forces the incoming feed water through the semi-permeable membrane against its natural flow. The water molecules pass into a purified water storage tank, while contaminants are held back and discharged through a reject stream. The reject stream can be either safely disposed of or reused in other processes.
In whole house RO systems, a pump creates pressure which forces the incoming feed water through the semi-permeable membrane against its natural flow. The water molecules pass into a purified water storage tank, while contaminants are held back and discharged through a reject stream. The reject stream can be either safely disposed of or reused in other processes.
But, just how wasteful are whole house RO systems? Some RO systems can waste anywhere from 5-7 gallons of water just to make 1 gallon of RO water. This is a lot of water being wasted down the drain.
This waste water is conventionally undrinkable. Due to the high content of total dissolved solids (TDS), the water becomes unsuitable for drinking, and is not recommending for bathing either.
This waste water is conventionally undrinkable. Due to the high content of total dissolved solids (TDS), the water becomes unsuitable for drinking, and is not recommending for bathing either.
The good news is that in some cases the waste water that a whole house RO system produces can be reused for other purposes. In fact, we have had customers route their drain water line from the RO filter to a separate storage tank and in some instances use a rain barrel to collect the waste water.
BRILLIANT WAYS YOU CAN REUSE YOUR WHOLE HOUSE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM WASTE WATER
- Water your plants and gardens - some plants can tolerate higher TDS levels
- Wash your car - this waste water is fine for washing your car. However, it wont give you that spot-free look.
- Use the waste water to flush your toilets
- Wash clothes
- Clean dishes, mop floors use as cleaning water
- Use the waste water for rinse down on sidewalks, driveways, barns or use for your pressure washer.
- Use for fire prevention - if you live in an area prone to wildfires store your waste water in large storage tanks and be prepared.
With a little planning, you may be able to reuse your whole house reverse osmosis waste water.
