Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange and Other Processes for Point-of-Use (Post)Treatment of Drinking Water – an Opinion from the Czech Republic

Utilization of apparatuses for point-of-use (e.g. chemical sorption, ion exchange and reverse osmosis) is discussed. Simple rules for (potential) consumers to use in selecting and maintaining the apparatuses are outlined. Such devices should be utilized very carefully, since although they can improve drinking water quality, they may deteriorate water quality for some other parameters. Moreover, drinking water quality from public drinking water networks is good and usually does not need to be improved. Therefore, utilization of an apparatus for drinking water quality improvement is suggested for individual water sources when specific contaminants of concern exist and should be removed.