What Causes Decreased Water Production in RO Systems and How to Fix...

What Causes Decreased Water Production in RO Systems and How to Fix It?

Posted 2026-01-14 08:22:47

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Decreased water production is a top concern for RO system operators, and its causes often boil down to four factors: membrane fouling, insufficient feed water pressure, low water temperature, and membrane aging. Membrane fouling—from suspended particles or organic deposits—is the most common issue; visible deposits on the membrane surface or a pressure difference spike signal this problem. Insufficient feed water pressure (below manufacturer standards) reduces water penetration, while temperatures below 25°C can lower production by 2-3% per degree drop.

To resolve it, start with physical cleaning: low-pressure flushing (20-30% of normal pressure for 10-15 minutes) removes loose contaminants. For stubborn fouling, use chemical cleaning—citric acid for inorganic scale or sodium hydroxide for organics. Adjusting parameters is also critical: boost feed water pressure to recommended levels and heat water to 25-35°C. If production remains 20% below baseline after cleaning, replace aging membrane elements. Molewater’s pretreatment systems (like PP cotton filters) also prevent fouling, keeping production consistent long-term. Click here to know more.