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Reverse osmosis systems usually have a sediment pre-filter and a carbon pre-filter followed by the special reverse osmosis membrane, a storage tank, and a final polishing filter. Click here to see a diagram of the components. Pre-filters protect the membrane by removing any dirt or sediment and also remove chlorine from the incoming water. Purified water seeps slowly through the membrane and is accumulated in the storage tank to ensure an adequate supply. Impurities removed are flushed to the drain. Purified water from the storage tank is drawn through a final carbon filter to ensure the best tasting water from the faucet. Reverse osmosis systems remove chemical impurities, parasites (giardia and cryptosporidium), unpleasant taste or odours, and chlorine from drinking water. Reverse osmosis systems must be installed on water that is microbiologically safe.