Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride?

Improve your water supply with a filtration system from Babe Plumbing. Call (507) 481-1094 to schedule a consultation!

Whole-house water filtration systems use reverse osmosis to get hard metals and contaminants out of your water supply. But does reverse osmosis remove fluoride? This guide will go in-depth into what reverse osmosis is, how it makes your drinking water safer, and whether it can remove fluoride from your local water source. 

If you think this type of filtration system is right for you, reach out to the experts at Babe Plumbing. We are your go-to source for installing a reverse osmosis system in MN.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Before we answer, "Does reverse osmosis remove fluoride?" it's important to understand how this process works. Water filtration systems use a variety of techniques to remove contaminants from your water supply. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration processes available.

When you have a reverse osmosis system, water passes through several membranes, which filter out unwanted contaminants like sediment and dirt. These membranes successfully trap different particles from flowing through your plumbing fixtures. Each membrane consists of tiny holes that only allow water molecules to pass through. 

Larger molecules like fluoride and calcium are not able to complete the process since they can't sneak through the filter. After several steps of this process, your water supply will be free of nearly all harmful elements and particles. When you turn your faucet, you'll have pure water coming out of it instead of high levels of contaminants. 

Dangers of Drinking High Levels of Fluoride

Groundwater supplies naturally have traces of fluoride that will also be in your home's water supply. Drinking fluoridated water is a great way to strengthen teeth and drastically reduces the chance of children getting dental cavities. Since fluoride has no odor or taste and dissolves in water, you can't even tell that you're consuming it. 

The U.S. government allows local municipalities to add fluoride to their water supply as long as it doesn't exceed more than 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. Consuming too much fluoride can lead to a condition called skeletal fluorosis. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue and trouble sleeping
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced flexibility

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride?

Homeowners and water suppliers alike count on reverse osmosis systems to remove high levels of fluoride from water. The semi-permeable membranes that these systems use are highly effective at filtering between 80% and 90% of all the fluoride in your water. In addition to fluoride, reverse osmosis filtration systems are excellent at removing the following elements from water:

• Lead
• Iron
• Uranium
• Arsenic
• Mercury

An RO system can also remove asbestos particles and pesticides like endrin, lindane, and heptachlor. However, not every harmful chemical is taken out of your water supply through reverse osmosis. Studies find that chlorine and radon remain in your water unless you supplement your reverse osmosis system with a carbon-activated filter. 

Benefits of a Reverse Osmosis System

Now that you have an answer to the question, "Does reverse osmosis remove fluoride and other contaminants?" let's explain all the ways that this system can benefit you. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are among the best in the industry if you want to improve your water quality. You'll enjoy the following benefits:

• Better tasting water
• Fewer contaminants and hard minerals
• Healthier skin and hair
• Cleaner clothes and dishes

Along with fluoride removal, the filtration process eliminates all traces of metal and minerals from your water supply. You can bathe and wash your clothes and dishes in safer water that won't leave any residue behind. 

How Reverse Osmosis Systems Compare To Other Water Filters

If you're wondering which type of water filtration system is right for you, there are several benefits that only a reverse osmosis system offers. You'll enjoy pure, clean water that is entirely safe to drink and use. On the other hand, there are some drawbacks that may impact your decision. 

RO systems use three to four types of filters to force contaminants out of the water. Each of these filters has different lifespans, and maintaining each one can be a lot to juggle for busy homeowners. Other systems require less maintenance, which you may find more suitable. 

Not only does reverse osmosis remove fluoride, but it also filters out healthy minerals and elements we need. You'll keep important elements like calcium, potassium, and magnesium out of your drinking water, which can impact your overall health. If you are prone to tooth decay, drinking healthy amounts of fluoridated water without a reverse osmosis system will strengthen your dental health. 

All water filtration systems produce some wastewater, but the reverse osmosis design tends to have the biggest output. A faucet-mounted filter likely won't remove fluoride. However, it will be a more environmentally friendly option if you don't want to waste excessive amounts of water in the filtration process. 

How Much Does a Reverse Osmosis System Cost?

Most homeowners assume that a water filtration system is too expensive to install and don't reap its benefits. However, an RO system is affordable and versatile. You won't have to stretch your wallet too thin by installing a reverse osmosis system on your kitchen sink. Your drinking water will be free of fluoride and other elements at a low installation cost.

That said, if you prefer a whole-house filtration system, rather than a system for one sink, opting for an RO system will cost more than others because of its maintenance requirements. However, the system's advantages may be well worth the cost. 

Let Babe Plumbing Improve Your Water Supply

Not only does reverse osmosis remove fluoride, but it also clears your water supply of dangerous contaminants like metals, hard minerals, and sediment. With a filtration system in your home, you won't have to worry about discolored water flowing through your sinks. Drink safe, uncontaminated water by installing this top-notch filtration system in your home. 

Call Babe Plumbing today at (507) 481-1094 to speak with a specialist about reverse osmosis filtration systems.