Every drop of water we consume plays a crucial role in maintaining our health and wellbeing. Yet, many of us are unaware of what’s really in the water we drink daily. With various filtration systems available, one that often comes up for discussion is reverse osmosis (RO). But is reverse osmosis water good for you?
Drinking reverse osmosis water is typically safe, as the reverse osmosis filters in your reverse osmosis filtration system should remove the vast majority of contaminants, meaning that only safe to drink water is left; however, you need to understand how reverse osmosis water is made and why it could be beneficial for your health.
Take a look at a few important points below, and reach out to our team for help finding the right filtration option to meet your needs.
What Is Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse osmosis is a method we can use to purify water. It can remove contaminants and certain molecules from your drinking water. This technique is used in various industries, from desalinating seawater to producing potable water from otherwise unfit sources. The resulting product is called reverse osmosis water.
The process involves forcing water through a membrane under pressure. The smaller water molecules pass through, leaving the larger, more harmful contaminants behind. Therefore, RO water is a cleaner, more refined version of the water that originally passed through the system. With the majority of impurities removed, RO water is often used as drinking water. You might even have reverse osmosis water in your workplace, as there are numerous popular industrial applications of RO systems.
What Does Reverse Osmosis Remove From Your Water?
An RO system can effectively remove a multitude of harmful substances from water. Some of the most common include lead, chlorine, fluoride, detergents, PFAS, pesticides, and nitrates. These contaminants can pose serious health risks, such as lead, which can cause damage to the nervous system and brain function if ingested over time.
In addition to removing harmful substances, RO systems also filter out bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could potentially cause illness. This added layer of safety can be particularly beneficial in areas where water sources may be contaminated.
However, while reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing impurities, they also remove some minerals beneficial for health. We’ll delve into this topic further in a section below.
Advantages of RO Water
RO water comes with numerous advantages. It’s safe, affordable, and can significantly improve the taste of your water. But let’s look at these benefits in detail.
Safe To Drink
When you choose RO water, you’re choosing a healthier, safer alternative to tap water. By removing harmful contaminants, reverse osmosis water reduces the risk of waterborne diseases. It’s a particularly beneficial choice for those living in areas with poor water quality or contaminated water sources.
Moreover, the use of RO water can lead to overall improvements in health and well-being. By drinking cleaner water, you’re less likely to ingest harmful substances that can impact your health over time.
Cheaper Than Bottled Water
In the long run, having a reverse osmosis system can be much cheaper than regularly buying bottled water. The cost of installing and maintaining an RO system can be offset by the savings from not purchasing bottled water. This is especially true for households that consume a significant amount of water daily.
Furthermore, using an RO system at home reduces the reliance on plastic bottles, contributing to environmental sustainability. By investing in an RO system, you’re not only saving money but also helping protect our planet.
Reduces Sodium From Water Passed Through a Water Softener
RO systems can also be beneficial for households using water softeners. These devices replace hard minerals like calcium and magnesium with sodium ions. While this results in softer water, it also means higher sodium content in your water.
Luckily, RO systems can effectively reduce this sodium content. This means you can enjoy the benefits of softened water without the added salt, creating a balance for your health and your home’s plumbing system.
Disadvantages of RO Water
Like any water purification method, reverse osmosis has its drawbacks. These include the removal of beneficial minerals, cost implications, and the need for regular maintenance.
Gets Rid of Healthy Minerals
One notable downside of reverse osmosis is that while it removes harmful contaminants, it also strips away beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions and contribute to the taste of water.
This mineral loss can be significant, especially for individuals relying on water as a primary source of these nutrients. To mitigate this, some people choose to reintroduce these minerals post-filtration or ensure they’re adequately obtained through diet.
The DROP Reverse Osmosis System is one that adds back minerals to the water after it has been filtered.
Expensive
While an RO system can save money over time compared to buying bottled water, the initial cost of installation can be high. Additionally, the costs associated with system maintenance and replacing filters can add up.
However, many homeowners see this as an investment in their health and well-being. Over time, the benefits of having access to clean, safe water can outweigh these initial costs.
Requires Regular Maintenance
To function effectively, an RO system requires regular maintenance. This includes changing the filters periodically to ensure they continue to remove contaminants effectively. Without proper maintenance, the system may not perform optimally, potentially leading to lower water quality.
Maintaining a reverse osmosis system primarily involves replacing the filters and membrane periodically. Pre-filters, which protect the RO membrane from sediment and chlorine, should typically be replaced every 6-12 months. The RO membrane itself, which removes the majority of contaminants, usually lasts 2-3 years but this depends on your water quality and usage. The post-filter, designed to polish the water before consumption, also needs to be replaced every 6-12 months. It’s crucial to regularly check for leaks, monitor the system’s water pressure, and clean the system periodically to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance practices.
Despite this, many homeowners find the maintenance manageable. Plus, the peace of mind of knowing your water is free from harmful substances often outweighs the minor inconvenience.
Alternatives To Reverse Osmosis Water
While RO water has its benefits, it may not be the best choice for everyone. If the drawbacks make you hesitant, there are alternatives available.
One popular alternative is a carbon filter, which can remove many harmful substances while leaving beneficial minerals intact. These systems are less costly and require less maintenance than RO systems. However, they are not as effective at removing certain contaminants.
Distillation is another method, heating water to create steam and then condensing it back into liquid. This process leaves most impurities behind. However, distillation is slow, requires a lot of energy, and like RO, removes beneficial minerals.
UV purifiers are effective at killing bacteria and viruses but don’t remove other contaminants. They’re often used in conjunction with other filtration methods for a more comprehensive solution. The DROP Reverse Osmosis System includes built-in UV disinfection.
Finally, ceramic filters are good at removing bacteria and sediment but don’t remove chemical contaminants. They’re inexpensive and easy to use, making them a good choice for emergency preparedness or outdoor use.
Your choice will depend on your specific needs and water quality. In many cases, a combination of methods will provide the most comprehensive water purification solution.
Is a Reverse Osmosis System Right for You?
Choosing the right water filtration system is a vital decision that can directly impact your health and the quality of your daily life. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is right for you.
First, assess your water quality. If your tap water is heavily contaminated or tastes unpleasant, an RO system can remove a wide variety of impurities, including lead, arsenic, nitrates, and many other contaminants. Some RO systems also come with a carbon filter that can eliminate chlorine and improve the taste and odor of the water. A professional water test can help determine the contaminant levels in your water.
Then, consider your budget. While RO systems tend to be more expensive upfront than other filtration methods, they can save you money in the long run by providing clean, safe drinking water at home, reducing the need for bottled water.
Next, evaluate the available space. RO systems can require more space than other filters due to their multiple filter stages. Make sure you have enough room under your sink or wherever you plan to install it.
Finally, think about the maintenance involved. RO filters need to be replaced regularly to ensure optimal performance. Ensure you’re comfortable with the maintenance requirements and costs before investing in an RO system.
Making the right decision involves carefully considering these factors and aligning them with your specific needs and lifestyle.
Rely on DROP for the Top Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
While the decision to use reverse osmosis water comes with both pros and cons, having access to clean, safe water is crucial. DROP understands this need and we offer a top of the line reverse osmosis unit to help you achieve superior water quality.
DROP doesn’t just provide water filters; we also offer efficient water softeners designed to work seamlessly with the DROP ecosystem.
With all the information at your disposal, the choice is yours. If you’re considering investing in a water purification system, trust DROP to deliver quality, performance, and peace of mind. Visit our store today and make the first step towards superior water quality in your home.
