Is RO purified water safe to drink? Lots have been spoken on this subject. In fact, I would say it’s been quite a debatable topic.
Yes, certainly, RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifiers offer various advantages. However, the apprehension rose when WHO (World Health Organization) stated the health hazards from drinking demineralized water. And that’s exactly when the big question came in – Is RO purified water good for health?
My blog has all the insights you could ever think of. What is an RO water purifier? How does it work? What are the components? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a RO water purifier? Like I said, EVERYTHING in one blog!
And finally, in the end, you can expect an answer to – Is RO purified water safe to drink? Guess what, you are going to be surprised by the answer!
What is a Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is a water purification process to treat contaminated water. In this process, the RO technology forces water to pass through a semi membrane and eliminates all the impurities such as salt, arsenic, lead dust particles and more. Along with this, the membrane eradicates the minerals in the water.
The membrane is designed with pores of not more than 0.0006 microns in size. These small holes allow only water to pass through, restricting the movement of all impurities. What’s imparted is completely pure water.
This is why the best RO water purifiers are competent enough to provide you with unadulterated water.
What are the components of a RO water purifier?
RO water purification involves four major stages. Let’s know what each component does to make the whole process so coherent.
- Sediment Filter: The sediment filter plays a pivotal role in limiting large particles movement and separating the dissolved particles. If the sediment filter is working accurately, there’s no way any large impure substance can go further.
- Pre-active carbon filter: The pre-active carbon filters detect the presence of chlorine in the water and eradicate it completely.
- Carbon filter: Carbon filters are incorporated to track down any undesirable smell or taste. The carbon cartridge eliminates it completely and also helps in lead reduction.
- RO Membrane: In case any impurities have made it through the sediment and pre-activated carbon filter, they will not cross the RO membrane. It is a sleek membrane filter that eliminates all the microorganisms and bacteria that have made it through till here.
How does an RO water purifier work?
The RO water purification process is pretty straightforward and simple.
- Step 1: The water begins by moving through the sediment filter for a substantial amount of refinement.
- Step 2: Almost 99% of the total dissolved salts (TDS) are eliminated from the water. The solid waste is left to the reject stream.
- Step 3: The booster pump puts pressure on the tap water, moving it through a semi-permeable membrane.
- Step 4: The tiny pores of the membrane ensures no impurities move any further.
- Step 5: All major impure components are eradicated, giving out 100% clean water.
What are the good sides of RO purified water?
RO purified water has a gazillion advantages. Let’s look into it right away.
- RO water has no heavy metals like lead, iron and arsenic. This will keep you away from health issues like high blood pressure and kidney issues. The consumption of heavy metals is absolutely disastrous. Our blog on – Effects of Heavy Metals Contamination in Drinking Water has all the details.
- RO water keeps away all water parasites to put an end to gastrointestinal problems.
- RO water has no sodium.
- RO purified water has no bacteria or microorganisms.
- RO purifiers can lower the TDS levels substantially.
If RO purified water has so many benefits, then why is there a doubt lingering around it?
Is RO purified water safe to drink?
Let’s now get to the point. RO water is 100% purified. While this is a good thing, it may have some negative repercussions as well. And that’s exactly why it’s been a debatable topic, whether it is safer or unsafe.
1. RO water has no minerals
The water gushes through a semi-membrane to eliminate all the impurities. In the process of doing so, along with all the pathogens, the water eradicates all the essential minerals as well – calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Consuming demineralized water can have a huge impact on health.
2. RO water is low in pH level
In the process of eliminating all the impurities, the RO water purifier results in lowering the pH levels of the water. This may result in making the water more acidic. As a result, consumption of this water will lead to stomach issues. Ideally, the pH level of the water should be anywhere in the range of 6.5 – 8.5. Anything less than that is not good for the human body.
You could also check our blog on – The Right pH Levels of Drinking Water- Explained! for a detailed insight.
3. RO water does not hydrate
RO water purification filters out all the electrolytes and antioxidants in them. Lack of electrolytes can lead to dehydration and dizziness. And therefore, it is said that RO water does not hydrate as much as it should.
One Last Thought
RO water purifiers may lack some important aspects, but I wouldn’t call them ‘unsafe’. Also, there is no tried and tested evidence to prove that RO water purifiers are bad for your health.
The missed out minerals and nutrients can easily be made up by consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Also, there are advanced RO water purifiers equipped with additional filters that provide the necessary minerals, nutrients and electrolytes. This is sure to escalate the pH level as well in the water. Also, an RO water purifier with a good mineral cartridge is absolutely safe for the human body.
PS: Is RO purified water safe to drink? Absolutely, yes!
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