What Reverse Osmosis Really Removes (And Why KW Homes Love It)

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective ways to get clean, great-tasting drinking water at home. But most people aren’t exactly sure how it works — or what it actually removes.

If you live in Waterloo Region, you’ve probably noticed the tap water can taste a bit sharp or “minerally.” That’s because our groundwater contains extremely high levels of dissolved minerals. An RO system can make a dramatic improvement.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what RO really removes — and why so many KW homeowners choose it.

1. RO Removes Sodium (After Softening Your Water)

Reverse osmosis doesn’t remove hardness minerals directly — your water softener handles that by replacing calcium and magnesium with a small amount of sodium.

The RO system then removes that sodium, leaving clean, fresh-tasting drinking water.

This combination works beautifully:

1. The softener protects the RO membrane from hardness damage

2. The RO system polishes the water and improves taste

This is why RO units are almost always installed after the softener in Waterloo Region.

2. RO Reduces Chlorine and Chloramine

Municipal water is disinfected with chlorine (and sometimes chloramine).
RO systems use activated carbon pre-filters that reduce:

• chlorine

• chlorine taste

• chlorine odour

If you dislike the “pool water” taste, the difference is immediate.

3. RO Removes Sediment and Particles

Before water reaches the RO membrane, it passes through a sediment filter that catches:

• sand

• silt

• dirt

• rust particles from old plumbing

This protects the membrane and leaves you with clearer water.

4. RO Reduces Heavy Metals

RO membranes can significantly reduce:

• lead

• mercury

• copper

• arsenic

• chromium

These contaminants are rare in Waterloo Region, but RO adds an extra layer of protection — especially in older homes.

5. RO Removes Nitrates

Nitrates are a concern in agricultural areas and rural wells.
RO reduces them extremely effectively, making it a great solution for rural properties or anyone on a private well.

6. RO Improves the Taste of Coffee, Tea, and Cooking

Clean water = better flavour.

You’ll notice:

• smoother coffee

• better tea

• cleaner ice

• improved taste in soups, pasta, and bread

If you drink a lot of tea or coffee, this upgrade is immediately noticeable.

7. RO Makes Ice Crystal-Clear

Because dissolved minerals and sodium are removed, ice freezes clean and transparent — no more cloudy cubes.

A small detail, but a nice perk. Reverse osmosis can be hooked into your fridge directly if you have a water dispensor or icemaker. 

Does RO Remove “Everything”?

Reverse osmosis reduces a wide range of impurities, including sodium, chlorine, sediment, and many dissolved solids. Because it removes minerals, RO water has a cleaner, lighter taste that many people prefer for drinking and cooking.

Final Thoughts

Reverse osmosis gives you clean, great-tasting drinking water — ideal for families, coffee lovers, and anyone sensitive to taste or chlorine. It’s a simple, reliable system that works beautifully with KW’s hard water.

If you’re looking to improve your drinking water, an RO system is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.

Have questions about water treatment in Waterloo Region? We’d be happy to help.
We install high-quality North American water softeners and reverse osmosis systems, and we’ve been serving local homes for over 30 years. CONTACT US