The RO membrane is the heart of the reverse osmosis system. It is the stage that separates RO from ordinary carbon filtration, but it only works well when the pre-filters, pressure, maintenance, and system design are right.
How the membrane fits
Water usually passes through pre-filters before reaching the membrane, then may pass through a post-filter before dispensing. Each stage has a job.
Sediment and carbon filters help protect the membrane from particles and chlorine exposure in many applications.
The membrane uses pressure to move water through an extremely fine barrier and reduce many dissolved substances.
A carbon post-filter may polish taste after storage, especially when water sits in a tank.
Why membranes fail or slow down
Customers often notice slow flow, bad taste, tank issues, or old filter dates before they know the membrane is part of the problem.
Clogged filters can reduce flow and stress the system.
Carbon pre-filtration helps protect many membrane types from chlorine damage.
Membrane life depends on water quality, usage, pressure, and maintenance history.
Related RO pages