Why Choose Reverse Osmosis (RO) for Your Drinking Water in New Jersey?

People in New Jersey deal with PFAS, lead, heavy metals, chlorine, a strange smell, and a strange taste in their water every year. 

Let’s start by showing you some data from research published on PubMed Central. Just so you understand the health risk factors,

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg/L.

[Source: PubMed Central | Reverse Osmosis Filter Use and High Arsenic Levels in Private Well Water] 

There is no alternative option for water. You need clean water!

Thanks to technology, now we have a simple solution to clean New Jersey's water and make it safe to drink: reverse osmosis systems.

Let’s give you more reasons why the reverse osmosis system is an obvious choice for your health and wellness.

Why is Reverse Osmosis the Best Option for Water Quality in New Jersey? - A Solid Comparison Between The Options

Features	Reverse Osmosis	Carbon Filter	Water Softener	UV Filter
Contaminant Removal	Dissolved solids Heavy metals Bacteria and viruses Organic compounds	Chlorine Organic compounds	Hardness Minerals	Bacteria Viruses
Water Taste and Odor	Improves significantly	Improves	No significant impact	No significant impact
Appliance Protection	Effective	Limited	Effective	Limited
Environmental Impact	Moderate (Water waste)	Low	Moderate	Low
Cost	Higher upfront Lower long-term	Low	Moderate	Moderate

Understanding New Jersey’s Water Quality Challenges: How Bad Is It?

If you look at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), you'll find tons of reports about the water quality in New Jersey.  

A report found that between 2019 and 2021, 63% of the water tested by NJDEP contained PFAS, a major contaminant. [Source: Communities in New Jersey, 2019–2021 | Environmental Health Perspectives]

The question remains: Why is the water condition in New Jersey like that? What are the causes?

Common Water Quality Issues in NJ

E. coli

E. coli is pretty common in New Jersey’s water. 

It usually gets there because of things like stormwater runoff, broken septic systems, illegal sewer connections, livestock, manure storage, and farms that use manure. 

Wildlife, especially geese and sediments, can also contribute to the problem.

Check out the following news:

Arsenic

Arsenic is the second most problematic factor for water quality.

About 97% of the impaired AUs are affected by arsenic. Water gets contaminated with arsenic mainly due to natural sources or human activities. 

For instance, around 90% of industries in the U.S. use arsenic for preservation. Plus, mining, farming, and smelting all add to the arsenic levels in water, too.

[Source: NJ Integrated Water Quality Assessment Report 2022 – Statewide Water Quality]

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

You will be shocked to learn that New Jersey is one of the top two states in the US for polluting drinking water with PFAS. 

This chemical is mainly found in makeup, medical supplies, and pizza boxes. The scary part is that drinking PFAS water can cause severe health risks, including reproductive issues and cancers. 

Lead

Lead in drinking water is a major issue, especially in older houses with lead pipes or faucets. Exposure to lead can harm health, particularly for children. 

Even now, lower-income communities with older housing are more at risk of being poisoned by lead.

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Look at The Scary Data From New Jersey Water Reports!

Over 43% of U.S. zip codes have seen PFAS in their water sources in the past 20 years. [Source: ABC7 New York] About 6% of residents from New Jersey use/drinking polluted water. [Source: Governing] New Jersey was the first state in the U.S. to require municipalities to keep an eye on PFAS in their drinking water. [Source: ABC7 New York] Around 1,350 kids in New Jersey tested high for lead out of 83,463 checked from July 2021 to June 2022. [Source: northjersey.com] Thirty-four community and forty non-community systems provide drinking water with high levels of PFAS contaminants. [Source: Governing] 13%of people in New Jersey drink water from private wells without any arsenic test. [Source: NJSHAD]

The impact of contaminants on health and daily life

Water contamination has a serious effect on human health and daily life. It can lead you to immediate and long-term health issues in no time. 

• Excessive exposure to water lead can develop neurological issues.
• Chemicals spilled in water may distress your respiratory system or cause skin irritation.
• High PFAS levels in water bring health conditions like kidney cancer and thyroid disease.
• High levels of chlorine in water irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
• Adults may experience high blood pressure, kidney problems, and reproductive issues because of lead exposure.
• Dealing with water contamination for too long can really affect one's quality of life. It can make everyday activities tough, as one may miss work and experience stress.

What is Reverse Osmosis and How Does It Work?

Time to remove all the dirt and pollution from your water. 

What are we going to do? 

The answer is reverse osmosis, which people often just call RO.

Reverse osmosis or RO is a water purification process. It will purify your water quality from dirt and pollution so that you can have clean water. This process uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. 

The membrane we are talking about works like a strainer, allowing water molecules to pass through while eliminating the larger ones. These larger molecules can be dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, and pyrogens.

The Reverse Osmosis Process [Step-by-Step Process]

[Source: Reverse osmosis water purification system. The reverse osmosis system]

Step 01: The RO process begins with water coming from the main cold water supply. 
Step 02: Contaminated water undergoes pre-filtration steps before entering reverse osmosis, which removes sediment, chlorine, taste, and odor.
Step 03: Sediment filters out the large particles like sand, dirt, and rust. Next, the carbon filter blocks chlorine, organic compounds, and other impurities. 
Step 04: A high-pressure pump overcomes the natural osmotic pressure to allow water to flow into the membrane housing.
Step 05: After the pre-filtration, water passes through the semipermeable membrane. The membrane's tiny holes let water molecules pass through while rejecting larger molecules and ions.
Step 06: The purified water then passes through another carbon post-filter to remove any remaining traces of taste or odor.
Step 07: The purified water is stored in a reverse storage tank for later use.

Components of an RO System

• A sediment filter and carbon filter are used for the pre-filtration system.
• A high-pressure pump increases water pressure so that it flows right into the RO membrane.
• RO membrane separates water molecules from contaminants.
• Carbon filter to improve taste and odor.
• Storage Tank to hold purified water.

5 Major Benefits of RO Technology for Households

1. Improves Water Taste: Since the RO system removes most of the contaminants that create a foul smell, you are more likely to have a better taste of your drinking water.
2. Eliminates a Wide Range of Contaminants: This system will remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances from your water.
3. Health Benefits: Drinking clean water has health benefits, especially for those who are sensitive to specific contaminants.
4. Protects Appliances: The RO system can protect your appliances against hard water or scale buildup.
5. Cost-effective: Although it might seem like a bigger expense initially, you'll soon notice the perks of skipping bottled water and avoiding pricey appliance fixes.

Why is Reverse Osmosis the Best Solution for New Jersey Residents?

Several reports highlight the severe water pollution issues in New Jersey, and at this point, residents should think of a reverse osmosis system. This is the only way the state can fight against lead, heavy metals, chemicals, and hazardous materials such as PFAS.

Removes Contaminants Specific to NJ Water

1. Lead Removal: The RO system is 99% effective at removing lead from water. It lowers lead concentration in water by filtering out total dissolved solids (TDS).
2. PFAS Removal: Reverse osmosis is a solid way to tackle PFAS problems. It acts like a barrier to help keep you healthy. If you've got water filtration that handles PFAS, you can feel safe from contamination.
3. Heavy Metal Filtration: The RO system does a great job of filtering out heavy metals from drinking water. Whether it’s lead, mercury, arsenic, or anything else that might be getting in through old pipes, reverse osmosis can remove it.

Improves Taste and Odor

Reverse osmosis will give you clean, crisp drinking water by:

1. Reducing chlorine levels: When the RO process continues, it filters out the chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals. These are contaminants that give out that foul smell and chemical taste.
2. Filtering out organic compounds: The RO membrane can also trap organic contaminants, which cause weird flavors and odors. 
3. Dissolved salts and heavy metals: This system reduces the excessive salty and metallic taste caused by the high TDS level. RO dissolves these compounds, giving the water a more refreshing taste.

Cost-Efficient and Eco-Friendly

1. Compared to bottled water: The RO system is a compelling long-term solution. Unlike costly bottled water, it is also better for the environment because it reduces plastic bottle waste.
2. Lower long-term costs: You will see yourself spending less on appliance repairs caused by hard water buildup. Plus, you and your family can drink water without worrying about their health. 

Ensures Healthier Drinking Water for Families

1. Protects children: Lead in the water puts children in New Jersey at a high health risk. An RO system can help reduce their exposure to lead and other harmful substances.
2. Safe for pets: You can now provide clean and safe drinking water or useable water for your furry friends and even your fish.
3. Benefits for the elderly: Elderly people can enjoy clean water without stressing about any bad reactions or putting their health on the line.

Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Methods

Reverse osmosis isn’t the only water purification option. There are other solutions in the market, too. However, there is a reason why reverse osmosis stands out as the most comprehensive solution. To find out what makes reverse osmosis a better warrior to fight against water quality challenges in New Jersey, let's take a look at some comparisons.

RO vs. Carbon Filters

	Pros	Cons
Reverse Osmosis	High contaminant removal rates Remove bacteria and viruses Long term savings	Removers beneficial minerals Higher initial investment
Carbon Filters	Effective against chlorine and organic compounds Enhance the water taste  Lower upfront cost	It can’t effectively filter out heavy metals or dissolve solids or pathogens. Frequent replacement costs

Why is RO Superior for NJ Water?

• Effectively addresses the multiple contaminants in NJ water
• Able to remove lead, chlorine, and other harmful contaminants
• RO system provides superior water quality
• Long-term cost savings by protecting appliance

	Pros	Cons
Reverse Osmosis	High contaminant removal Improved taste and odor Reduces the risk of waterborne diseases Eliminate the need for bottled water Minimize plastic waste	Water waste Mineral removal Higher initial cost Maintenance requirement
Water Softeners	Prevention of scale buildup Easier cleaning Healthier for skin and hair Cost savings Versatile applications	Adds sodium to the water It discharges brine into the freshwater Regular maintenance needed Potential corrosion

Why RO is Superior for NJ Water:

• RO softens the water
• Removes a wide range of other contaminants
• Improves overall water quality
• Promote better health

	Pros	Cons
Reverse Osmosis	Eliminate up to 99% of various impurities Water tastes better and smells fresher Convenient access to purified water Reduce reliance on plastic bottle	Significant water waste Removes beneficial minerals  Initial and maintenance costs Reduction in water pressure
UV Filters	Effective microbial disinfection Chemical free process Energy savings and low maintenance Fast and convenient	Limited contaminated removal Dependency on electricity Reduced effectiveness in cloudy and turbid water

Why RO is Superior for NJ Water:

• RO system kills most of the bacteria and viruses
• Provide a more comprehensive level of water purification
• Reverse osmosis is a more sustainable and long-lasting solution than UV filters

Choosing the Right Reverse Osmosis System in NJ

If you finally decide to install reverse osmosis in your New Jersey home, here are a few things to consider before purchasing.

Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems

Under-Sink Systems

Things you will get:

• Compact and discreet
• Installed beneath the kitchen sink
• Perfect for smaller household 
• Ideal for moderate water usage
• Comes with a tap for dispensing purified water

Countertop Systems

Things you will get:

• Portable and easy to install
• Suitable for smaller household
• Perfect for those who want the flexible option
• It has a smaller storage tank compared to an under-sink system

Whole-House Systems

Things you will get:

• Provide purified water throughout the entire house
• Ideal for larger household
• It can fulfill high water demands
• Expensive to install and maintain

Installation and Maintenance of RO Systems

We won’t recommend installing a reverse osmosis system yourself since it requires some basic plumbing skills and tools. An under-sink RO system is easier to set up, while a whole-house system usually requires a professional. We’ll explore how to install the under-sink RO system because it’s the go-to choice and easy to set up.

Tools and Materials Needed

• RO system kit
• Adjustable wrench
• Channel-lock pillars
• Drill and drill bits
• Bucket and bowl
• Tefnol tape

Installation Steps

Step 01: Ensure the installation site has access to a cold water line, drainage for wastewater, and space under the sink for the RO unit and storage tank.
Step 02: Turn off the cold water supply valve under the sink and open the tap to release any pressure.
Step 03: Drill a hole in the sink or countertop for the new faucet if there is any dedicated faucet.
Step 04: Connect the water line and install the supplied adapter fitting. 
Step 05: Connect the feed water line from the RO unit to the adapter.
Step 06: Attach the waste line from the RO system to the sink’s drain. Check for leaks.
Step 07: Find a stable place to install the RO unit.
Step 08: Connect all the lines from the feed, waste, and storage tank to their ports on the RO unit.
Step 09: Attach the tubing from the RO unit to the storage tank.
Step 10: After installation, flush the RO membrane as written in the manufacturer’s guidelines.

How to Start the System?

• Turn on the RO system
• Activate the water supply
• Open the new tap and let the water run until it flows smoothly
• Give several minutes to clear out carbon fines or any trapped air in the lines
• Look for any leakage in the system
• Monitor the system during the initial operation

Maintenance Requirements

Now that you’ve installed the RO system, it’s time to keep it in tip-top shape so it stays like new! In addition to regular check-ups, changing filters, sanitizing, and fixing leaks are all part of keeping your water purifier running perfectly.

Get Started with the Best Reverse Osmosis System in New Jersey

1. Request a Free Water Analysis: The first thing you will need to do is know about what type of contaminated substance is in your water. Contact a reputable water treatment company in NJ and request a free water analysis.
2. Review the Water Analysis Report: Do a water analysis from your home and test it.  After finishing the test, analyze the repost and identify the specific contaminants in your water and their levels. 
3. Consult with a Water Treatment Professional: Talk to the professional about your water analysis report and share your concerns. He will tell you which RO system is right for your home.
4. Choose the Right RO System: Based on the recommendations, select an RO system that can solve your water problems.

Book Your Free Water Quality Test Today!

You can book a free consultation with NJ Water Systems, which will provide you with the best reverse osmosis system for your NJ home. Then, you and your family can enjoy the benefits of clean, healthy, and great-tasting water.

Stop by Our Location or Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is reverse osmosis, and how does it purify water?

RO is a water purification process that uses pressurized water through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane filters out larger water molecules and contaminants as they pass through the water.

Why is reverse osmosis beneficial for New Jersey residents?

It will remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, and hardness from the water to improve taste and water quality for New Jersey residents.

How does reverse osmosis compare to other water filtration methods?

RO beat carbon filters, water softeners, and UV filters by removing way more water contaminants effectively.

What contaminants can reverse osmosis be removed from water?

1. Lead
2. Heavy metal
3. Bacteria
4. Viruses
5. Dissolved solids

How often do reverse osmosis systems need maintenance?

1. Sediment filter: 3-6 months (Replacement)
2. Carbon filter: 12-28months (Replacement)
3. Membrane: 2-3 years (Replacement)
4. Periodic flushing

Is a reverse osmosis system expensive to install in NJ homes?

Although the initial cost of installing an RO system is high in NJ, it offers long-term savings by reducing bottled water purchases and preventing appliance damage.