Why Reverse Osmosis Is the Gold Standard for Drinking Water
Columbus water is treated and safe. But treatment leaves behind chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and trace contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes 99% of what's left.
What's actually in Columbus tap water?
Columbus Water Works delivers water that meets all EPA safety standards. That's genuinely good news. But 'meets standards' means contaminants are present at levels regulators consider acceptable — not that they're absent.
Columbus uses chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) to disinfect the water supply. Chloramine is effective at killing bacteria but creates disinfection byproducts, leaves a chemical taste and smell, and is harder to remove than free chlorine. Standard carbon filters slow it down — reverse osmosis eliminates it.
The 2024 Columbus Water Quality Report also shows detectable levels of trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and trace amounts of PFAS compounds. All within legal limits. All removed by a quality RO system.
Signs you'd benefit from an RO system
Your water tastes or smells like chlorine
Columbus uses chloramine disinfection. The taste and smell are harmless but unpleasant — and a sign of what else may be present.
You buy bottled water regularly
If you're spending $30–$100/month on bottled water to avoid tap taste, an RO system pays for itself in 1–2 years.
You have a new baby or are pregnant
Nitrates and other contaminants are a greater concern for infants. RO removes nitrates that boiling does not.
You have a compromised immune system
RO provides an additional layer of protection beyond municipal treatment for immunocompromised household members.
Your coffee or tea tastes off
Water is 98% of your cup. Chloramine and dissolved minerals directly affect flavor extraction and final taste.
You're concerned about PFAS or lead
Columbus water meets legal limits, but RO removes PFAS compounds and lead to near-zero levels — well below any regulatory threshold.
How reverse osmosis works
Stage 1
Sediment pre-filter
Removes particles, rust, and sediment that would clog the RO membrane. Protects the system and extends membrane life.
Stage 2
Carbon block pre-filter
Removes chloramine, chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and taste/odor compounds before water reaches the membrane.
Stage 3
RO membrane
The core of the system. A semi-permeable membrane with pores 0.0001 microns wide — small enough to block dissolved salts, heavy metals, PFAS, nitrates, and most other contaminants.
Stage 4
Remineralization filter
Adds back beneficial calcium and magnesium minerals that were removed with contaminants. Improves taste and raises pH naturally.
Stage 5
Alkaline post-filter
Raises pH to 8.0–9.5 for a clean, slightly alkaline taste. Many people find alkaline water noticeably smoother and more refreshing.
What reverse osmosis removes
Disinfection chemicals
- Chloramine
- Chlorine
- Chlorine byproducts
Heavy metals
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Cadmium
Emerging contaminants
- PFAS / PFOA / PFOS
- Pharmaceuticals
- Microplastics
Agricultural runoff
- Nitrates
- Nitrites
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
Dissolved solids
- Fluoride
- Sodium
- Sulfates
- Total dissolved solids
Frequently asked questions
Does reverse osmosis remove fluoride?
Is RO water safe to drink every day?
How much water does an RO system waste?
How often do filters need to be replaced?
Can I install an RO system myself?
More from the Drinking Water Center
See what's in your water before you decide
A free in-home water test measures your TDS, pH, chlorine, and hardness. We'll show you exactly what an RO system would remove from your specific water supply.
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