Reverse Osmosis Water ⚬ What is it? ⚬ How do you set it up? ⚬ Is it worth it? 

How does it work? Osmosis is the spontaneous net movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration, in the direction that tends to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides. Water doesn’t get ‘cleaner’ on its own. Semi-permeable membrane 

Reverse Osmosis 

Reverse Osmosis 

Reverse Osmosis - Stages 1. Pre-filter ○ Removes larger (dirt, dust, rust etc) particles 2. Carbon filter ○ Removes chlorine and volatile organic chemicals 3. Membrane filter ○ Removes salts, contaminants and other small particles 4. Activated carbon block ○ Improves taste, ‘polishes’ water 5. Remineralising filter ○ Adds back carbonates and salts, increases pH 

● Number of stages ● Replacement cost of cartridges ● Location ● Storage Choosing and installing 

Does it make a difference? ● Side-by-side comparison ○ Cold brew coffee ■ RO - Smoother, fruitier, delicate ■ Tap - Stronger, full bodied, rougher ○ Tea ○ Beer 

Is it worth it? ● No silver bullet ● Part of water-chemistry approach - hard water ○ ‘Blank slate’ ○ vs Modified tapwater ○ vs Bottled water ● ‘Edge case’ of an edge case ● Non-brewing utility ● Waste water 

Conclusion Definitely worth considering if your water is very hard and you don’t have a convenient source of good brewing water.