Clean, safe drinking water is something many of us take for granted, until the taste changes, concerns arise, or a water test reveals contaminants you weren’t expecting. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, where water quality can vary widely depending on location, source, and plumbing, reverse osmosis (RO) systems have become one of the most trusted solutions for improving drinking water quality.
At Petersheim Brothers, we’ve worked with water systems across the tri-county area since 1916, helping homeowners, farms, and businesses understand their water and install treatment systems that make sense for their needs. Reverse osmosis systems are one of the most effective tools available — when they’re properly sized, installed, and maintained.
This guide explains what reverse osmosis systems treat, how they work, where they’re commonly installed, and whether they may be right for your property in Southeastern PA.
What Is a Reverse Osmosis Water System?
A reverse osmosis system is a high-performance drinking water filtration system designed to remove a wide range of dissolved contaminants. Unlike standard filters that improve taste or remove sediment, reverse osmosis works at the molecular level to significantly reduce impurities that may affect health, taste, or water quality.
RO systems are most commonly installed as point-of-use drinking water systems, meaning they treat water at a specific location such as a kitchen sink, breakroom faucet, or food prep area.
What Does a Reverse Osmosis System Remove?
Reverse osmosis systems are known for their ability to remove or reduce many contaminants commonly found in well water and public water supplies throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Common Contaminants Treated by RO Systems
- Chlorine and chloramine
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Dissolved solids (TDS)
- Heavy metals
- Unpleasant taste and odor
- Certain chemicals and salts
Because many of these contaminants are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, professional water testing is essential to determine whether a reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Why Reverse Osmosis Is Popular in Southeastern PA
Water conditions in Southeastern Pennsylvania are influenced by a mix of geology, agriculture, and infrastructure. In our region, RO systems are commonly recommended for:
- Homes on private well water
- Homes on municipal water with chlorine taste or aging plumbing
- Properties near agricultural areas where nitrates may be present
- Older homes with concerns about lead
- Businesses that require high-quality water for operations
RO systems provide peace of mind by delivering consistently clean, great-tasting water for drinking and cooking.
How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
Reverse osmosis uses a multi-stage filtration process to treat water before it reaches your faucet.
Step-by-Step RO Process
- Pre-Filtration
Incoming water passes through sediment and carbon filters to remove particles, chlorine, and organic compounds. This step protects the RO membrane and improves efficiency. - Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane that allows clean water molecules to pass while rejecting dissolved contaminants. - Post-Filtration
A final carbon filter polishes the water, improving taste and ensuring high drinking water quality. - Storage Tank
Treated water is stored in a small tank and delivered on demand through a dedicated faucet.
This process results in clean, reliable drinking water without adding chemicals or altering water chemistry throughout the entire home.
Where Can Reverse Osmosis Systems Be Installed?
Reverse osmosis systems are extremely versatile and can be installed in a wide range of settings across Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Reverse Osmosis Systems for Homes
In residential settings, RO systems are most often installed:
- Under the kitchen sink
- At a dedicated drinking water faucet
- For refrigerators or ice makers
Benefits for homeowners:
- Improved taste and odor
- Reduced exposure to harmful contaminants
- High-quality water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula
- Reduced reliance on bottled water
RO systems are commonly paired with water softeners or whole-home filtration systems to provide comprehensive water treatment.
Reverse Osmosis Systems for Farms
Many farms in Southeastern PA rely on private wells and require dependable water quality for both household and operational use.
RO systems may be used for:
- Drinking water in farm homes
- Food processing or preparation
- Specialty agricultural applications
- Employee break areas
In agricultural areas, RO systems are often recommended when water testing identifies nitrates or dissolved solids that may impact water safety.
Reverse Osmosis Systems for Businesses
Businesses benefit from RO systems when water quality directly affects operations, customer experience, or equipment.
Common commercial applications include:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Offices and breakrooms
- Food service and food processing
- Healthcare and childcare facilities
- Light industrial and specialty operations
Clean water supports better tasting food and beverages, protects equipment, and helps businesses meet quality expectations.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Whole-Home Water Treatment
It’s important to understand that reverse osmosis systems are typically not whole-home solutions.
RO systems:
- Treat water at a single location
- Focus on drinking and cooking water
- Provide very high-level filtration
Whole-home systems:
- Treat all water entering the building
- Address hardness, iron, sediment, and odor
- Protect plumbing and appliances
In many cases, homeowners and businesses use both, with whole-home treatment handling general water quality and RO providing premium drinking water.
The Importance of Water Testing Before Installing RO
Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective — but they are not one-size-fits-all.
Professional water testing ensures:
- The right contaminants are being treated
- Pre-treatment systems are installed if needed
- The RO system is properly sized
- Long-term performance and membrane life are protected
At Petersheim Brothers, every RO recommendation is based on actual water test results, not assumptions.
Maintenance and Long-Term Performance
Like any water treatment system, reverse osmosis systems require routine maintenance.
Typical maintenance includes:
- Filter replacements
- Periodic membrane replacement
- System inspections
Proper maintenance ensures consistent water quality and system efficiency. We service and maintain RO systems to keep them operating as designed.
Why Work With Petersheim Brothers?
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems in Southeastern Pennsylvania, experience matters.
- Over 100 years of local water expertise
- Specialists in well systems, pumps, and water quality
- Professional testing before treatment
- Honest recommendations without pressure
- One company for testing, installation, and service
Fun fact: Petersheim Brothers has been drilling wells throughout the tri-county area since 1916, serving generations of families, farms, and businesses.
We help people understand their water and make confident decisions based on facts — not guesswork.
Is a Reverse Osmosis System Right for You?
You may benefit from an RO system if:
- Your water test shows contaminants like nitrates, arsenic, or lead
- You dislike the taste or odor of your drinking water
- You want higher-quality water for cooking or beverages
- You rely on bottled water for drinking
- You want peace of mind about water safety
The best place to start is with water testing.
Schedule Reverse Osmosis Water Testing & Installation in Southeastern PA
If you’re considering a reverse osmosis system for your home, farm, or business, Petersheim Brothers is here to help.
📍 Serving Berks, Chester, and surrounding counties
📞 Call 610-286-5850
🌐 Visit www.petersheimbrothers.com
From testing to installation to long-term service, we provide clear answers and dependable solutions — backed by over a century of local experience.