Andre J. Sylvester asked:

GE reverse osmosis water filters use reverse osmosis technology to filter water for drinking. These filters require a semi-permeable membrane to catch any organisms that would otherwise come out of your tap. The filter can only catch substances that are large enough to be caught in the membrane, and smaller particles will still make it through.

GE reverse osmosis filters can filter up to 15 gallons per day. Unfortunately it takes many more gallons to make that filtered water, with up to 10 unfiltered gallons per filtered gallon! This results in an incredible waste of water but is not confined just to the GE models, but all reverse osmosis filters.

GE quotes their filters as lasting up to six months or after 900 gallons. This means that you will be replacing the filter at least twice per year which can become costly. There is an electric monitor that tells you when the filters or membrane needs replacing.

An alternative approach involves water filters which take advantage of multiple filtering technologies to provide a much deeper level of filtration. Candidate techniques in use today include ion exchange technology and other filter methods. The result is a much more thorough filter that works more efficiently without the water wastage.

It is very likely that GE and other reverse osmosis filters do not remove some of the more harmful microorganisms such as Giardia and cryptosporidium cysts. Very fine filters are required to move all organisms.

On the other hand multistage systems can provide protection against this threat. Use of activated carbon will remove the chlorine that the water treatment facilities add to water. Ion exchange systems then remove toxic material while keeping a mineral content balance. This multi stage system can be much more effective.

Reverse osmosis systems generally need to be installed by a plumber which can add to the initial cost significantly. They cost around the same, sometimes more, than multi stage filter systems and require regular filter changes. The filters also consume excess electricity which must be factored into the ongoing cost.

Unfortunately the excess water wastage makes this approach a burden upon your water bill and the environment. GE has done their best to make a quality water filter but until they move to alternative filtering methods will be held back by reverse osmosis.

In conclusion, GE reverse osmosis filters are only one example of a water filtration system. There are better systems available in the marketplace today. Take action on this information. There are some excellent water filter systems out there, find the one that works best for you!

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