Where RO fits
Most homes use RO under the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking. Whole-house RO is a different, more complex project that needs storage, repressurization, pretreatment and careful design.
St. Petersburg homeowner guide
Reverse Osmosis for Drinking Water
Reverse osmosis (RO) is usually a point-of-use drinking-water treatment that reduces many dissolved substances through a membrane. Choose a system based on verified test results, applicable NSF/ANSI certifications, daily output, waste ratio and replacement costs.
What to compare
Review certified reduction claims, membrane production rate, storage-tank size, reject-water ratio, replacement schedule and whether the faucet and tubing fit the space.
Maintenance protects performance
Prefilters protect the membrane; postfilters polish taste. Replace components on schedule and sanitize the system as instructed. A total-dissolved-solids reading can help track membrane performance but is not a complete safety test.
At a glance
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sediment/carbon prefilters | Protect the membrane and address particles/disinfectants |
| RO membrane | Separates many dissolved substances |
| Storage tank | Supplies water faster than the membrane produces it |
| Postfilter | Polishes taste before the faucet |
Questions homeowners ask
Frequently asked questions
Does RO remove hardness?
It can reduce dissolved hardness at the drinking tap, but an under-sink RO does not protect the rest of the home from scale.
Does RO waste water?
RO produces a concentrate stream. Efficiency varies widely, so compare certified recovery or waste ratios.
Is remineralization required?
No universal rule says it is required. Some people choose it for taste; evaluate claims and maintenance needs.
A practical next step
Make the decision from your water—not a generic sales script.
Share the property basics and the result you want. An assessment request is not a contract or guaranteed appointment.