Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis is a process in which a semi-permeable membrane is used to separate larger undesirable molecules from water. Semi-permeable refers to the pores in the membrane being large enough to allow the H2O molecules to pass through and small enough to reject larger molecules like salts and other impurities such as microorganisms. Pressure is applied to one side of the membrane to push the water molecules through to the other side. This process aims to remove impurities for a purer quality of water. Ozonation (O3): Ozone is used for disinfection, oxidation, and chemical removal in drinking water. Because oxygen's natural form is comprised of 2 atoms, and ozone contains 3, the ozone gas readily gives up its third atom in water and forms a free radical, which is highly reactive and short lived. This leaves behind oxygen in its natural form, thus enriching the water. Activated Carbon Filters: Activated carbon filters work through the adsorption and chemical bonding method of impurity removal. Adsorption allows binding of impurities without the use of harmful chemicals. Impurities that are carbon-based are attracted to the carbon filter itself, allowing them to bond on a chemical level and adhere to the surface of the filter. Carbon filters, much like skin, contain pores. These pores are the site at which this bonding process takes place. Chlorine is the major chemical that causes undesirable taste in drinking water. It is also one of many harmful chemicals that are successfully removed through the adsorption and bonding process. This makes activated carbon a great material for removing toxins from water to improve overall quality. Why does this matter? Natural organic matter (NOM) are essentially compounds that come from decaying plant and animal matter and can be found in all sources of water, directly impacting its taste, odour and overall quality. Chlorine is the most common disinfectant used in industrial water treatment to combat NOM. In Ontario, water leaving a facility can legally contain up to 5.0 mg/L in the distribution system, impacting taste and odour. This means the chlorine levels coming out of the tap may also be this high. Even though industrial water treatment processes may lower and potentially eliminate NOM, water coming from a facility still contains chemicals that are harmful to your body’s filtration system when consumed over a period of time. Carbon filtration combined with ozonation, reverse osmosis, and UV light disinfection ensures the removal of harmful organic and inorganic materials. Not only does this process serve pure, clean and safe drinking water for every consumer, the water is enriched with oxygen through ozonation. As we know, oxygen is an essential part of what makes our bodies work. The benefits of drinking ozonated water include: Aiding in exercise recovery Oxygen delivery in the body Inactivates microorganisms Improve brain function Flushing toxins from the body Alcohol clearance Metabolism improvement |