Reverse osmosis is an excellent choice for almost all home water purification needs.
It is the most recommended solution for individuals on a pre-treated municipal water system.
While reverse osmosis can be very effective in removing bacteria and viruses, it is not recommended that reverse osmosis be the only level of purification for water that contains or may contain biological contaminants (untreated well or lake water, for instance). For these applications consider a combined reverse osmosis / ultraviolet system or the addition of a complementary whole-house ultraviolet system for maximum effectiveness and protection against bacteria and viruses.
Since membranes are subject to degrading by chlorine, iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, and to bacterial attack, a sediment pre-filter and an activated carbon pre-filter and/or post-filter should be included with your reverse osmosis system.
Water softeners can be used in advance of the RO system when household water is excessively hard to prevent pre-filter and membrane fouling.
RO systems are generally the best choice for water contaminated with high nitrite levels as might be found in agricultural areas.