How long must the RO run prior to testing water?

Running the reverse osmosis (RO) system for 15 minutes prior to testing the water is important for several reasons. First, this duration allows the system to flush out any stagnant water that may have been sitting in the lines, thereby ensuring that the water being tested is representative of the water that will actually be utilized. This is crucial in ensuring the accuracy of the results, as stagnant water can vary in quality compared to freshly processed water.

Additionally, flushing for this amount of time helps to equilibrate the system, allowing for a steady-state flow that reflects normal operating conditions. This is particularly vital in assessing the performance of the RO unit, as initial readings taken immediately after start-up might not accurately represent the efficiency or rejection rates of the membrane due to factors like pressure and flow variances.

Choosing a shorter duration might not sufficiently prepare the system for accurate testing, while a longer flushing time could be unnecessary and result in wasted resources. Thus, 15 minutes strikes a balance, providing adequate preparation for reliable test results.