What Type Of Mineral Contaminants Are Removed By R.O.?

Water EducationWater Test
Written By Kasidy Kersey

Houston’s water contains a mix of dissolved minerals… some naturally occurring, some from aging pipes, and others introduced through the municipal treatment process. While many of these minerals aren’t harmful in small amounts, they can affect taste, health concerns, and long-term water quality.

Reverse osmosis (R.O.) is the most effective way to remove dissolved minerals, also known as TDS (total dissolved solids), from drinking water. It removes what carbon filters, softeners, and whole-home systems cannot.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the mineral contaminants R.O. removes and why that matters for your home.

1. Hardness Minerals (Calcium & Magnesium)

Even though water softeners handle hardness throughout the home, R.O. removes any remaining dissolved calcium and magnesium at the drinking faucet.

Benefits include:

  • Better taste

  • Cleaner ice

  • No mineral scale in kettles or coffee machines

  • Smoother beverages and soups

  • Reduced buildup in cooking appliances

Soft water protects your plumbing. R.O. protects your drinking water.

2. Sodium and Potassium

Water softeners replace calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium.

R.O. removes these, giving you clean, low-mineral drinking water.

This is especially beneficial for:

  • Low-sodium diets

  • Blood pressure sensitivity

  • Cooking and baking (which prefer pure water)

3. Iron and Manganese (Dissolved Forms)

If your water contains dissolved iron or manganese, R.O. can remove it (with proper pre-filtration installed for well water).

R.O. removes:

  • Ferrous (clear-water) iron

  • Dissolved manganese

This improves taste and eliminates metallic flavor.

4. Fluoride

R.O. is one of the most effective methods for reducing fluoride levels.

Houston adds regulated fluoride at the municipal level, and while safe for most individuals, some homeowners prefer to lower their exposure.

R.O. removes 90–95% of dissolved fluoride.

5. Sulfates

Sulfates occur naturally in groundwater and can cause bitter or medicinal-tasting water.

R.O. eliminates dissolved sulfates, making water taste clean and neutral again.

6. Nitrates and Nitrites

These minerals come from:

  • Fertilizer runoff

  • Animal waste

  • Agriculture

  • Septic systems

They are a serious concern for infants and pregnant women.

R.O. is the EPA-recommended solution for nitrate and nitrite removal.

7. Silica

Silica is a dissolved mineral that can leave stubborn, milky-white spots on glassware and appliances.

R.O. significantly reduces silica, improving:

  • Coffee machine longevity

  • Ice clarity

  • Drinking water taste

8. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS is the sum of all dissolved minerals in water.

High TDS creates:

  • Bitter taste

  • Cloudy ice

  • Residue in appliances

  • Poor coffee and tea flavor

R.O. is the gold standard for reducing TDS to very low levels.

Why Environmental ProTech

For over 30 years, Environmental ProTech has helped Houston families get the cleanest drinking water possible.

Our approach includes:

  • Free in-home testing

  • Custom system design

  • Correct pre-filtration for city or well water

  • Professional installation and long-term support

When your water is cleaner, your whole home feels safer.

Call now to schedule your free water test and learn exactly which minerals are in your water and how an R.O. system can remove them.

Call today to have your water tested!

PS. We have over 30 years experience in bringing clean water to the Houston Homeowners. Our reviews speak for themselves! If you want clean drinking water from your faucet, contact us at 281-495-4420 to schedule your free water test today.

Sources & Further Reading

Kasidy Kersey
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