Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis requires a semi-permeable membrane where pressurized water is forced.  Membrane filters vary in pore size and limit particles bigger than they from entering.  The membrane allows pure water to flow through, while blocking contaminants such as salt found in produced water.  Reverse osmosis is ideal at removing minerals such as salt, lead, manganese, iron, and calcium.  Where reverse osmosis fails is it can't filter municipal water.  Municipal water consists of volatile organic chemicals and contaminants such as chlorine.  These substances are small enough to pass through the membrane. If the water is too contaminated after RO the operator must get a permit to dispose of it into a contained well.