The Top 7 Contaminants Reverse Osmosis Systems Remove (Most People Have No Idea!)

If you think your tap water is “clean,” you might be shocked by what’s actually in it. Even treated city water can contain trace chemicals, metals, and impurities that affect taste, health, and overall water quality.

That’s where Reverse Osmosis (RO) shines.

RO systems remove up to 95–99% of contaminants, giving you some of the cleanest drinking water possible. But what exactly do they remove—and why does it matter?

Here are the Top 7 Contaminants that Reverse Osmosis systems Removes (and why your home will benefit from it).

1️⃣ Lead

Lead is one of the most dangerous contaminants found in older plumbing systems. It’s linked to:

• developmental issues in children

• neurological problems

• organ damage

• long-term health complications

It has no safe level, and boiling your water doesn’t remove it.

RO is one of the most effective ways to remove lead from drinking water.

2️⃣ Chlorine & Chloramines

Municipal water systems use chlorine or chloramines to disinfect water. The problem?

They cause:

• bad taste

• chemical odours

• dry skin

• dry hair

• irritation for sensitive individuals

RO systems remove these chemicals, leaving your water smooth, clean, and scent-free.

3️⃣ Fluoride

Many city water systems add fluoride. Some homeowners prefer to remove it for taste or health preferences.

Reverse osmosis is one of the only filtration methods capable of significantly reducing fluoride levels.

4️⃣ Pesticides & Herbicides

Agricultural runoff introduces chemicals into groundwater—especially in rural areas surrounding KW, Cambridge, Guelph, and Waterloo Region.

RO filters out:

• pesticides

• herbicides

• insecticides

• chemical byproducts

These contaminants can cause long-term health effects, even at low levels.

5️⃣ Nitrates & Nitrites

Common in rural wells and agricultural areas, nitrates can come from:

• fertilizers

• septic systems

• manure

• runoff

High levels can be dangerous—especially for infants (“blue baby syndrome”).RO is considered one of the best solutions for nitrate removal.

6️⃣ Dissolved Salts & Sodium

Soft water contains sodium (from the softening process).While safe, some homeowners prefer low-sodium drinking water—especially for:

✔ high blood pressure✔ low-sodium diets✔ babies✔ pets

RO removes sodium and other dissolved solids for crisp, clean drinking water.

7️⃣ Microplastics & Microscopic Particles

As plastic breaks down, tiny particles enter our water supply. Studies now show microplastics in:

• tap water

• bottled water

• rainwater

• oceans

• lakes

RO membranes capture particles far smaller than what most filters can catch.

💧 Bonus: RO Also Removes…

• Pharmaceuticals

• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

• Arsenic

• Iron (clear-water iron)

• PFAS (forever chemicals)

• Sediment

• Rust

• Bad tastes

• Odours

This is why RO is considered the gold standard for household drinking water purification.

💙 Why This All Matters

These contaminants do make their way into tap water—even treated water, and while they’re often at safe levels, long-term exposure still raises concerns for:

• kids

• pets

• immunocompromised family members

• pregnant women

• anyone focused on health and wellness

RO gives your home the cleanest, safest drinking water possible.

🏠 Final Thoughts: RO = Peace of Mind

A water softener protects your home. A reverse osmosis system protects your family.

If you want water that’s free from chemicals, metals, microplastics, and microscopic contaminants, an RO system is the most effective option available.

Clean, pure, delicious water — right from your tap.