Hydroviv Vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which One Should You Choose?
Clean and safe drinking water is an indispensable requirement for human health and wellbeing, yet many households in the United States still rely on tap water that is contaminated with harmful pollutants. A simple solution to this problem is installing a water filtration system in your home. Not only does it provide you with clean and safe drinking water, but it also has numerous health benefits, cost savings, and environmental advantages. But what kind of water filter should you get?
When it comes to choosing a water filtration system for your home, you may be faced with a tough decision between a Hydroviv and a reverse osmosis system. Both options have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, making it important to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both systems and help you determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs and budget. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Hydroviv vs. reverse osmosis water filtration systems.
Hydroviv And Reverse Osmosis
Before we compare Hydroviv and Reverse Osmosis, here is a quick introduction to the two:
Hydroviv
Hydroviv is a company that was founded with a mission to help others. In 2015, Hydroviv’s FiltersForFlint program was recognized by The Chicago Tribune for providing high-capacity water filters to the residents of Flint long before the issue received national attention.
Today, Hydroviv has evolved into one of the leading suppliers of water filtration systems. Hydroviv created and installed custom water filters for each customer based on the water quality. So, every client’s Hydroviv water system is optimized for their water supply.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is often used in water treatment plants and in homes to purify drinking water. It is also used in industrial processes to purify water for use in manufacturing and other applications. The system can be designed as a single unit or a series of units to remove various contaminants.
RO is widely considered to be the most effective and convenient method for purifying drinking water. It eliminates up to 99% of common impurities and dangerous contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, metals, dirt, and other organic compounds at the molecular level.
So, reverse osmosis (RO) is not a brand itself, but it is a popular water purification technique. Many mainstream water filter brands use RO as the main purification step in their water filtration systems.
How Hydroviv and Reverse Osmosis Systems Work
Now, let’s take a look at how the two water filtration systems work:
How does Hydroviv work?
Hydroviv is a company that designs and sells water filtration systems for residential and commercial use. The effectiveness of their systems will depend on the specific contaminants present in the water supply and the type of filtration system used.
According to the company’s website, its systems are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including lead, pesticides, chlorine, and other chemicals that can be found in tap water. Additionally, they also claim to remove bacteria and viruses, which can be particularly important for people with weakened immune systems or other health concerns.
It is important to note that Hydroviv runs multiple water quality tests before designing a water filtration system for your water. This ensures that their water filter will effectively remove the specific contaminants present in your water supply.
How Reverse Osmosis Works?
RO, short for reverse osmosis, is a technique that employs a semi-permeable membrane to purify water by eliminating impurities. It operates by exerting pressure on water molecules from one side of the membrane, compelling them to traverse the membrane, while preventing any larger contaminants from passing through.
The contaminants that can be removed by reverse osmosis include dissolved salts, bacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses. It also removes dissolved inorganic and organic compounds such as lead, fluoride, arsenic, and pesticides. Reverse osmosis can also remove particles such as dirt, sediment, and rust. It can remove up to 99% of dissolved salts and impurities, making it a very effective water purification method.
Comparison of Hydroviv and Reverse Osmosis Systems
Now in this comparison of Hydroviv and Reverse Osmosis systems, we will discuss the similarities and differences between these two types of water filtration systems. We will examine the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each so that you can make an informed decision about which system is best for you and your household.
Purification Process
Hydroviv water filter system has five general stages to ensure that your water is as pure and safe as possible. These stages are:
- The first stage uses a 0.1-micron carbon block to remove sediment and impurities such as chlorine.
- The second stage has a KDF55 media to remove heavy metals like lead, mercury, and copper.
- The third stage uses an oxidized silver core to eliminate odors and tastes from the water.
- The fourth stage uses activated carbon to remove volatile organic compounds such as pesticides and herbicides.
- Finally, the fifth stage uses a UV lamp to kill any bacteria and viruses in the water.
Remember that Hydroviv is customized for each customer. So, there may be changes in the process depending on the customer’s water quality. Over, every Hydroviv water filter is optimized to perform at its best. As a result, you get super clean and crisp drinking water.
On the other hand, reverse osmosis water filters use a multi-stage process that involves the following:
- Pretreatment: This involves removing sand, sediment and other large particles from the water. This step takes place before the water enters the reverse osmosis system.
- Filtration: The water goes through a series of filters that remove smaller particles and impurities. This can include carbon filters and sediment filters.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: This thin, semi-permeable membrane separates the impurities in the water from the clean water.
- Post-treatment: After the reverse osmosis membrane has purified the water, it goes through a final post-treatment stage. This can include adding back essential minerals that were removed during the process or adjusting the pH of the water to make it more alkaline.
- Storage: The last stage is storage, where the purified water is collected and stored for use. It can be used for drinking, cooking, or other household needs.
Each stage plays an important role in purifying the water and making it safe to consume. Note that the exact stages of an RO filter depend upon the manufacturer and the make and model.
Effectiveness
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective method for purifying water. It filters out impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and dissolved minerals. RO removes up to 99% of dissolved minerals, including lead, arsenic, fluoride, and chlorine. It also removes pollutants that are not visible, such as pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
According to Hydroviv, their water filters are effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, bacteria, and viruses. Additionally, Hydroviv claims that its filters can remove over 99% of chemicals commonly found in tap water. This includes lead, arsenic, chromium 6, chlorine, chloramines, mercury, MTBE, VOCs, petroleum-based chemicals, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, and much more.
Water Quality and Taste
Both Hydroviv and Reverse Osmosis water filters give good-tasting water without any odor. However, the overall water quality is better with Hydroviv because it uses UV sterilization for extra purification. Moreover, Hydroviv is custom designed for each client’s water supply. So, it removes all contaminants from the water that an RO filter may miss.
Moreover, RO removes harmful contaminants and healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate. It also lowers pH of the treated water which makes it more acidic. This is safe for human but it can be damaging to plumbing systems. Acidic water causes corrosion and strips lead and copper from pipes, potentially contaminating the water with these toxic metals.
Since Hydroviv is customized, it only removes harmful minerals. It does not strip the water of healthy minerals and gives alkaline water with an 8+ pH level. This gives your water a natural taste and makes it much healthier and safer.
Cost And Maintenance
Reverse osmosis filtration systems, while highly effective in purifying water, can come with a high price tag of $1000 or more. Installation can be a significant undertaking for homeowners, as the system must be completely installed into the house. It is possible to do it yourself but it can be a challenging.
Additionally, once a reverse osmosis system is installed, regular maintenance is expensive and requires professional assistance, which costs around $200 on average. You also have to change the filters regularly, which again adds to the overall cost. Plus, you will likely have a higher water bill due to water wastage from reverse osmosis.
Hydroviv is not only cheaper than an RO filter but also does not require frequent maintenance. Hydroviv costs $100, and a replacement filter is $115. A Hydroviv filter can easily last up to 6 months under normal usage, which brings the yearly maintenance cost to $200 to $250. Moreover, you can install it within 15 to 20 minutes without hassle.
Water Waste
One of the biggest concerns is the amount of water that is wasted during the filtration process. According to research, different reverse osmosis systems typically waste up to 20 times as much water as produced. This can be problematic for both environmental and financial reasons. If a reverse osmosis system wastes a significant amount of water, it can mean higher water bills for homeowners.
Hydroviv water filters filter water on demand without the need for a storage tank or a connection to a drain. This means that there is no water waste, as every drop of water that goes into the filter comes out as clean, usable water. Moreover, it significantly reduces your carbon footprint as you won’t need bottled water. So, Hydroviv is environmentally safe as it reduces water and plastic waste.
Pros and Cons
| Water Filtration System | Pros | Cons |
Hydroviv | NSF Certified Water Filters | Does not remove fluoride |
| Customized filter | Filter replacement every 6 months | |
| Compact size | ||
| Easy installation | ||
| Cost-effective | ||
| No water waste | ||
| Excellent customer service | ||
| Backed by science | ||
| Available for all indoor water | ||
| Eco Friendly | ||
Reverse Osmosis | FDA Approved | Requires a higher water pressure |
| Energy Efficient | Expensive purchase and maintenance | |
| Removes all contaminants | Water wastage | |
| Available by different brands | Removes beneficial mineral | |
| Takes up a lot of space |
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System
Every household needs a water system designed for its specific needs. So, to choose between a Hydroviv and a RO (reverse osmosis) system, there are a few key factors to consider. These include the quality of your water, the specific contaminants you’re trying to remove, your personal preferences, and a few others.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:
Water Quality
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the quality of your water. If your water is from a municipal source and is already treated, a Hydroviv system may be better for you. Hydroviv systems use a unique filtration process that targets specific contaminants found in your water rather than removing everything as a RO system does. This means that the water coming out of your tap will still have essential minerals and nutrients that are beneficial to your health.
On the other hand, if your water is from a private well or has a high level of contaminants, a RO system may be a better choice. RO systems use a multi-stage filtration process that removes a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. However, it should be noted that RO systems also remove essential minerals and can leave water tasting “flat” or “bland” in comparison to Hydroviv systems.
Contaminants
Another important factor to consider is the specific contaminants you’re trying to remove. Suppose you’re looking to remove specific contaminants such as lead, arsenic, or pesticides. In that case, a Hydroviv system may be a better fit as they offer custom filters that target those specific contaminants. However, a RO system may be a better choice if you’re looking to remove a wide range of contaminants.
- Personal Preference
It is also important to consider your personal preferences. Some people may prefer the taste of water from a Hydroviv system, while others may prefer the peace of mind that comes with a RO system’s ability to remove a wide range of contaminants. So, weigh the pros and cons of the water systems and pick the one that best suits your needs.
- Cost
It would be best if you also considered the cost of the system, including the initial purchase price and the ongoing cost of replacement filters. RO systems can be more expensive than Hydroviv, so it’s important to factor in the cost over time to ensure that you’re getting the best value.
- Maintenance
Consider the maintenance requirements of the system. Hydroviv filters are relatively low-maintenance and only require occasional filter changes, while reverse osmosis systems require more frequent maintenance and attention. Make sure you choose a system that fits your lifestyle and your ability to keep up with regular maintenance.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research the manufacturer’s reputation and the product’s certifications play an important role. This can give you an idea of the quality of the product and the trustworthiness of the brand. Hydroviv is backed by water experts and scientists. It is also NSF certified. Moreover, you can find countless positive reviews by Hydroviv customers. At the same time, RO filters have received mixed feedback because some brands are good while others aren’t.
- Customization
In the US, public water supplies are closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act. This means that water leaving a public water treatment plant must meet specific standards for quality. However, not all potential contaminants are regulated, and some can even enter the water supply. It’s important to note that even if the water meets standards at the plant, there’s still a risk of downstream contamination. The only way to know for sure what’s in your home’s water is to have it tested by a local water quality lab.
Fortunately, Hydroviv does this work for you. Hydroviv runs multiple tests and quality control measures to assess your water quality. Based on the results and your specific concerns, Hydroviv then designs a custom filter for your household. Unfortunately, the same is not possible with an RO filter.
- Installation
While RO water filtration systems offer many benefits, it’s important to understand that they also have some limitations. Before installing an RO system in your home, it’s important to understand how they work and where the best location for them would be to ensure compatibility and optimal efficiency. RO filters are also complicated to install.
However, Hydroviv filters can be self-installed anywhere in the house without making any changes to the original plumbing. If you are a renter, it is best to get Hydroviv, as you can install it and remove it anytime without any hassle.
V. Conclusion
Hydroviv and RO systems are two popular options for home water filtration in the US. While both systems can effectively remove impurities from your water, there are key differences to consider when making a decision.
Hydroviv systems are customized to your specific water source and use a combination of filtration methods to remove contaminants. RO systems, on the other hand, rely solely on reverse osmosis technology to filter impurities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific water needs and budget.
Remember, clean and safe drinking water is essential for good health, so don’t skimp on your water filtration system. And, after all, investing in a good water filtration system is like investing in your own health and well-being. So, do your research, and choose the right system for you and your family.
Happy drinking!
