Solution for Bacteria and Virus Free Drinking Water

Common Customer Questions

Does it really matter what type of material the RO membrane is made out of?

Yes! Purity of the water is largely dependent on the type of RO membrane and the material it is made of. There are two common membrane materials on the market. Most RO membranes are either CTA or TFC. The differences are significant. CTA is a less expensive material that rejects about 92 - 95% of contaminants in the water. TFC, which is what is used in the BioMaster RO System, is a newer technology that rejects higher levels, up to nearly 98 - 99% of contaminants. TFC is also less susceptible to bacteria attack due to the composition of the membrane. There is also a new membrane material just entering the market place that we like. It’s called “polyamide”. This material is similar in performance to TFC, but can operate at lower water pressures.

Is there a certain order for filters, RO and UV-C stages of a system?

It is very important that the product water flows through the post filters after leaving the RO tank, not prior to going into the holding tank. This provides the drinking water a final carbon polish just before drinking. If your system has an optional Ultraviolet (UV-C) sterilizer, the Ultraviolet (UV-C) sterilizer should always be the final stage after the post filter. The reason is that bacteria can often find its way into neglected holding tanks, and RO membranes, and carbon. Even on chlorinated water supplies, it can work its way backwards into the system or up from the RO drain. If the UV is before the RO tank, or the post filters or the membrane , there is no protection for the user. As a rule of thumb in all water treatment systems, UV-C sterilizers should be installed as a very final stage; after the RO membrane, after the holding tank, and after all the cartridges, and as close to the faucet as possible.

The BioMaster stages in order are: 1) 5 Micron Sediment, 2) 1 Micron Carbon Block, 3) RO Membrane, 4) RO Tank, 5) 10 Micron Carbon Block, 6) UV-C Sterilization, and finally 7) to the faucet.

Does a Reverse Osmosis without a UV-C system guard against Bacteria or viruses?

No! It is true that the pores in a RO membrane are too small for bacteria to pass through, but they are not to small for them to grow through. Also bacteria contamination can occur elsewhere in the system (holding tanks, filter housings) after the membrane. It is a fact of life that bacteria is everywhere. 99% of it is harmless, and even most of the harmful stuff is harmless if you are healthy. The best way to protect yourself, if bacteria is what you fear, is with Ultraviolet (UV-C) sterilization. (As a side note, never buy a Ultraviolet System, or a Reverse Osmosis system with Ultraviolet Sterilization if the Ultraviolet unit is made from plastic. Ultraviolet light will break down plastics and leach harmful compounds into the water. All UV’s need to be made from stainless steel). BioMaster UV is Stainless Steel.

What does GPD stand for?

Gallon Per Day Most RO systems are rated in Gallons Per Day of water production. The higher the GPD number, the faster Reverse Osmosis quality water is produced. Most people only use 2 to 3 gallons per day, but it is very important that the RO water holding tank refills in an adequate time after use, and it takes a long time to produce RO water. The higher the rating on the membrane the quicker the tank refills. RO system GPD ratings are only general guidelines, much like MPG is to a car. Actual RO system performance can vary greatly depending on water temperature, household water pressure, and quality of the water going into the system. As a minimum, 24 GPD is the output for a typical home Reverse Osmosis System. The BioMaster System is 36 GPD.

When do I know it’s time to service my Reverse Osmosis System?

The only 100% accurate way to know is to have your water tested periodically. In real life, however, on a consumer level, this seldom happens. The most practical way, is to follow a regular maintenance program. We recommend periodic water testing, Short of that however, we recommend the sediment prefilter be changed at least every 6 months, and the carbon blocks should be changed at least annually, (sooner, if you desire.) The RO membrane will clog eventually, and we recommend a new membrane every three years. Although, we have seen membranes in service as long as 5 or 8 years that are still working well. If everyone had the same raw water supply we could have a better answer for you. But the truth is everyone's water quality is different, some homes have worse quality water than others. The worse the water quality, the more often filters will clog or use their