If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water in Grand County, Colorado, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in our region deal with hard water, high mineral content, and even naturally occurring contaminants like nitrates and arsenic. One of the most effective ways to ensure your water is safe, clean, and great-tasting is by installing a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system.
But how exactly does reverse osmosis work? And why is it such a popular solution for homeowners in mountain communities like ours?
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage water filtration process that removes contaminants from water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane acts like a microscopic strainer, allowing only water molecules to pass through while trapping unwanted impurities.
An RO system typically includes multiple stages of filtration:
- Sediment pre-filter – removes dirt, rust, and large particles.
- Carbon filter – reduces chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- RO membrane – removes dissolved solids like fluoride, lead, arsenic, and nitrates.
- Post-filter (optional) – polishes the water for better taste and clarity.
The filtered-out contaminants are flushed down the drain, leaving you with purified water at a designated tap—often the kitchen sink—or throughout your home if you install a whole-house system.
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
Reverse osmosis is incredibly effective at filtering out a wide range of harmful substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RO systems can remove:
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Chlorine and chloramine
- Arsenic
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Nitrates and sulfates
- Pharmaceuticals
Benefits of Installing a Reverse Osmosis System in Your Grand County Home
Better-Tasting, Odor-Free Water
RO systems improve the taste, smell, and appearance of your water by removing minerals and organic matter that cause foul odors or discoloration—common issues with well water or municipal sources treated with chlorine.
Cost Savings Over Time
If you’re regularly buying bottled water or paying for water delivery, an RO system can significantly lower your costs. On average, the cost of filtered water from an RO system is less than $0.10 per gallon, compared to $1.50 or more per gallon for bottled water.
Source: Water Quality Association
Low-Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Modern RO systems are designed to be simple to maintain. Filters typically need to be replaced every 6–12 months, while membranes can last up to 2–3 years depending on usage and water quality. With few moving parts, there’s minimal risk of mechanical failure.
Ideal for Well Water and Problem Water
In Grand County, many homes rely on private wells. RO is particularly useful in removing naturally occurring contaminants like radium, iron, manganese, and nitrate—all of which are common in mountain aquifers. RO filtration also helps protect your family from seasonal runoff contaminants caused by snowmelt or wildfire ash.
Is Reverse Osmosis Right for Your Home?
While RO systems offer powerful filtration, they aren’t always the perfect fit for every home. For example, they do produce wastewater as part of the filtration process, and some systems filter water more slowly than others.
If you’re concerned about water pressure, system size, or water waste, we can help you evaluate your options. For many households, pairing an RO system with a whole-house sediment filter or water softener provides the best balance of purity, performance, and convenience.
Get Expert Help From Grand County’s Water Quality Pros
At Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating, we’ve been helping Grand County homeowners solve water quality issues for decades. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, sulfur smells, or high mineral content, we can recommend and install a custom-tailored reverse osmosis system that fits your family’s needs.
If you’re concerned about you home’s water quality, Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating can test your water and, if contamination is found, recommend the right filtration setup for your home.
