Canadian Drinking Water Safety Article

Will Reverse Osmosis Remove Sodium and Salts from Water?

Yes. Reverse osmosis was originally developed to make drinking water from seawater. Your system is equipped with a membrane that will be very effective in reducing sodium levels normally found in ground water or softened water. This is particularly important for those with restricted sodium diets. Our Reverse-Osmosis systems are not designed for use on seawater.

Reverse osmosis membranes will virtually eliminate most chemicals, bacteria, viruses and parasites such as Cryptosporidium from the water. Where these conditions exist, pre-filters and other system components located before the membrane will become contaminated from exposure to them. Cross contamination of the entire system may occur when the membrane or filters are changed or disturbed. Our Reverse-Osmosis models have the ability to flood the RO system, right up to the kitchen sink faucet, with chlorinated water to allow a periodic disinfection of the unit, usually at the time that the cartridges are changed.

How much sodium does a Water Softener add to my water?

For every grain of hardness in your water, 7.5 mg of Sodium will be added to each litre of water by the ion-exchange method. For example, if you have water that is 10 grains per gallon hard; you will add 75.0 mg of Sodium per quart of water softened by ion exchange. To put that in perspective, one 8 oz glass of milk contains 120 mg of Sodium, one slice of white bread contains 114 mg of Sodium.

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