A reverse osmosis water filter is not the right choice, if you are hoping to improve the quality and taste of your tap water. The water from your tap has probably already passed through a reverse osmosis filter, but that does not mean it's completely safe or good to drink. The reverse osmosis water filter was designed to remove salt, minerals and larger molecular particles from public drinking water. The portable devices were designed for people travelling or living in areas where public water is not available. The reverse osmosis filter that companies are promoting for in home use is basically a sales pitch gone wrong. Most of us need to filter our tap water because of the chemicals that the water treatment facilities add to disinfect it, namely chlorine.
In addition, news reporters have let us know that some of our water contains drugs and hormones. Stuff that we do not want our kids to drink. A reverse osmosis water filter will not remove chemicals or the pharmaceuticals. One of the reasons that the treatment facilities add chlorine is to protect the membrane in the reverse osmosis filter from rotting. If it protects the membrane, then obviously chlorine and other chemicals with a similar molecular size will pass right through. Not to mention the fact that a reverse osmosis water filter removes the trace minerals in the water that are actually good for us. That's why fancy car washes use them. The low mineral content keeps the cars from spotting and speeds the drying process.