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How To Remove E-Coli by Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is the highest level of filtering currently used in municipal-level water-supply systems. To achieve a reverse-osmosis rating, the filtering system must stop all particles larger than (10 to the minus-3rd) microns in size. Reverse osmosis (RO) will filter out the most common health concerns for drinking water (giardia and cryptosporidium), but also filters out bacteria, viruses, most colloidal metals and dissolved organics.

Things You'll Need

  • Reverse-osmosis filter with housing and 3/8-inch barb fittings
  • Water pump (0 to 20 psi) with pressure regulator and 3/8-inch barb fittings
  • Differential pressure guage (0 to 20 psi) with 3/8-inch barb fittings
  • Clear, flexible plastic hose, 3/8-inch inner diameter, at least four feet long
  • Two barb-type 3/8-inch "Tee" fittings
  • Utility knife
  • Clean collection vessel (bucket, jug, etc.)
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Instructions

  1. How to Remove E-Coli by Reverse Osmosis

    • 1

      Cut the clear plastic hose into two one-foot lengths and four six-inch lengths.

    • 2

      Slide a six-inch length of hose onto each of the barb ends of the differential pressure guage. Slide a six-inch length of hose onto the input and output barb ends of the reverse-osmosis (RO) filter housing.

    • 3

      Connect the center leg of the barbed tee to the open end of the hose sections attached to the differential gauge.

    • 4

      Connect either open end of the tee that is connected to the input or high side of the differential pressure gauge to the open end of the hose section attached to the input side of the RO filter housing. Connect the other tee to the output hose section of the RO filter housing.

    • 5

      Slide a one-foot length of hose onto the barb ends to connect the output of the pump to the remaining open tee barb on the input side of the RO filter housing.

    • 6

      Connect the remaining hose length to the open barb end of the tee connected to the filter output. Put the open end of the hose near but not into your collection vessel.

    • 7

      Follow the installation instructions for your RO filter and install the filter into its housing.

    • 8

      With the pump connected to your water source (lake water, tap water, etc.), turn on the pump. Set the pump pressure so as not to exceed the pressure rating for the RO filter. Note the differential gauge so you know what the pressure is across the new filter.

    • 9

      Let the first gallon or more of your processed water go to a drain before putting the output hose into your collection vessel. This will allow debris or contamination in the fittings to be flushed out.

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