Keep viruses and bacteria out of drinking water with reverse osmosis

With the growing awareness of the health risks posed by bacteria and viruses, customers are seeking information on how to keep their drinking water safe from waterborne pathogens. An optimal method for doing this in household water purification is by using reverse osmosis technology.

While there is no evidence of COVID-19 infection through drinking water and the risk of COVID-19 transmission through water is considered to be low, it is only natural for consumers to want to keep waterborne bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms out of their drinking water. Fortunately, health authorities provide comprehensive guidance on how to do this.

In a comparison of drinking water treatment technologies for household use, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluates different methods for pathogen removal. The CDC ranks reverse osmosis as having the highest efficiency for the reduction of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. In addition, reverse osmosis also reduces common chemical contaminants, such as pesticides sodium, chloride, copper, and lead.

It is all a matter of size

Reverse osmosis is the process of using pressure to push water through semipermeable membranes to separate unwanted contaminants.

The pore size of the membranes used for reverse osmosis are less than one nanometer. In comparison, the dimensions of the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 are between 65 and 100 nanometers, while other viruses are around 20 nanometers and common bacteria are larger than 200 nanometers.

Reverse osmosis under the kitchen sink

While reverse osmosis water filtration might sound extremely complicated, the technology is readily available to consumers. A good option is A2O Pure, a stylish and compact water purification system that fits under the sink in most kitchens and bathrooms. It can also be used in hotel rooms, offices, or holiday homes.

A2O Pure’s multistage filtration process uses reverse osmosis and Aquaporin Inside® membrane technology to purify water. The membranes contain aquaporins, the proteins responsible for transporting and purifying water in all living cells.

By incorporating reverse osmosis technology, A2O Pure allows consumers to protect their household against waterborne bacteria and viruses from the tap water at home. They can be confident that their tap water is clean and great tasting.