Reverse osmosis membranes require maintenance when signs such as low water pressure, changes in water taste or odor, or continuous system operation appear. Low pressure may indicate clogged filters, while unpleasant tastes or odors (such as chlorine, metals, or rotten eggs) suggest membrane damage or bacterial buildup. Continuous operation of the system points to a malfunction in its components and requires immediate attention. To ensure optimal system performance, it is recommended to replace the filters every 6–12 months, clean the system regularly, and inspect the membrane frequently — especially if the feed water quality is poor.

The RO system removes about 99% of impurities, making it ideal for providing safe and healthy water in homes, factories, and even hospitals. It also improves taste by eliminating unwanted odors such as chlorine or sulfur. To maintain its efficiency, it is recommended to replace the filters and clean the system regularly. Its components can last between 2 to 5 years, depending on water quality and usage. This system is the perfect solution for areas suffering from hard or contaminated water.

The water treatment process involves several integrated steps to ensure the removal of impurities and improve its quality, making it suitable for drinking and other uses. The most prominent of these steps are:

Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to bind small particles like dust and impurities together into larger clumps that are easier to remove.

Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to bind small particles like dust and impurities together into larger clumps that are easier to remove.

Filtration: Water is passed through sand or activated carbon filters to remove residual fine particles.

At this stage, a semi-permeable membrane is used to remove dissolved salts and heavy metals such as lead and mercury, as well as microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The RO system is considered one of the most efficient methods for purifying water and producing clean, healthy water.

To sterilize the water and ensure it is free from harmful microorganisms, substances such as chlorine or technologies like ultraviolet (UV) light or ozone are used.

After completing these steps, the treated water is stored and pumped into distribution networks to reach consumers. Regular maintenance of RO systems and filters is recommended to ensure the efficiency of the process and the quality of the produced water.

There are several factors that influence the cost of building a water treatment plant, including the plant's production capacity, the purity level of the water, and its salinity level. The components used in the construction of the plant also play a major role in determining the total cost — the higher the quality and efficiency of these components, the higher the cost. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a chemical analysis of the water to be treated or desalinated in order to determine the appropriate design and configuration for the plant. For example: * If the groundwater to be desalinated has low salinity, the plant cost might range from 100,000 to 500,000. * If the salinity is moderate, the cost could range from 100,000 to 1,000,000. * If the salinity is high, the cost may range from 1 million to 5 million. As mentioned, salinity is not the only factor — the plant’s capacity, the technologies used, and the costs of operation and maintenance are all key elements that affect the overall cost of establishing the plant.

1. Drinking water treatment plants

Purpose: To purify water to make it potable.
Main stages:
o Turbidity removal: through sedimentation and filtration.

o Sterilization: using chlorine or ultraviolet rays.

o Removal of pollutants: such as iron, manganese, and nitrates.

2. Wastewater treatment plants

Purpose: To purify water produced from domestic or industrial uses to make it environmentally safe or reusable.
Its types:
o Pre-treatment: to remove large solids.

o Secondary treatment: to remove organic matter using microorganisms.

o Triple treatment: to remove micro-pollutants and heavy metals.

Industrial water treatment plants
Purpose: To treat water used in industrial processes to meet specific requirements or to recycle it.
Examples of processing:
o Remove oils and grease.

o Eliminate heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

o Reducing the concentration of organic matter.

Water desalination plants
Purpose: To remove salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for drinking or industrial use.
Technologies used:
o Reverse osmosis (RO).

o Thermal distillation.

o Electrolysis.

well water treatment plants
Purpose: To purify well water from contaminants such as iron, manganese, sulfates, and dissolved gases.
Main stages:
o Sand or carbon filtration.

o Sterilization.

o Remove salts if their concentration increases.

The importance of choosing the right type of station

The choice of station type depends on:

Water source (surface, groundwater, or marine water).
Purpose of treatment (drinking, industrial, or agricultural).
Degree of contamination and treatment needs.
In short, each type of water treatment plant plays a vital role in providing water of adequate quality to meet human or environmental needs.

The Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is an advanced water purification technology that removes salts, heavy metals, and dissolved contaminants such as bacteria and impurities. The process begins with a pre-filtration stage where large particles and chlorine are removed to protect the delicate membrane used in the system. Next, water is forced at high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only water molecules to pass while blocking harmful contaminants. Finally, the water passes through an additional filter to enhance taste and odor before being stored in a dedicated tank for use.

The RO system removes about 99% of impurities, making it ideal for providing safe and healthy water in homes, factories, and even hospitals. It also improves taste by eliminating unwanted odors such as chlorine or sulfur. To maintain its efficiency, it is recommended to replace the filters and clean the system regularly. Its components can last between 2 to 5 years, depending on water quality and usage. This system is the perfect solution for areas suffering from hard or contaminated water.