Reverse Osmosis Water: The Pros and Cons You Should Know

Discover the benefits and drawbacks of drinking reverse osmosis water! Learn whether this popular water filtration method might be a good choice for you.

Water is essential for survival - but not all water is created equal.

In today's day and age, we're lucky to have access to all kinds of different types of purified water. No more drinking beer just because it's the only clean water around (unless, of course, that's your thing!:-). 

One popular method of water filtration is reverse osmosis. While this process is great for removing impurities, it's not without its drawbacks.

In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of reverse osmosis water, comparing it to other types of purified water to give you a clear idea of which one might be best for you. 

How Reverse Osmosis Works

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration method that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants from water. Essentially, it filters out what is larger than a water molecule.

During the RO process, water is forced through the membrane at high pressure. The membrane has small pores that only allow H2O molecules to pass through, while larger particles, such as minerals, bacteria, and viruses, are left on the other side. This means that the water coming out of the RO system is nearly pure water, with very few contaminants.

Now, how does this compare to using a Brita activated carbon water filter for example? Well, this kind of filter uses activated carbon to remove impurities and contaminants. It's effective in removing chlorine, but doesn't remove minerals or other small particles, bacteria, pesticides, pharmaceutical trace, hormones or some metals.

Despite all the benefits of reverse osmosis, there are some downsides, which we'll delve into a bit later on in this post. One of the biggest is that it removes some minerals that are giving that great taste to the water. 

The good news is that there are some RO systems, like LANGWATER, which can counteract that effect by adding minerals back into the water - creating a mineralized water that is not only pure, but also has a great taste. 

The Benefits of Drinking Reverse Osmosis Water

Reverse osmosis is an excellent water filtration method that employs a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water. This process is highly effective at removing contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride. When it comes to drinking water, safety should be a top priority, and reverse osmosis ensures just that. 

Here are some of the other key benefits. 

Removal of Impurities

One of the main benefits of drinking reverse osmosis water is that it's been stripped of contaminants and impurities, leaving you with clearer, safer H20.

In fact, reverse osmosis is so effective that it can remove most dissolved salts, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, and heavy metals from your water. It's no wonder that so many people turn to this method for their homes, workplaces, and even bottled water options. 

Curious about what sorts of impurities might be found in your water that reverse osmosis can help remove? Here are some key culprits:

• Fluoride: Fluoride is added to many municipal water systems to prevent tooth decay, but some people prefer to minimize their exposure.

• Lead: Lead can leach into drinking water from pipes and fixtures, and it's a serious health concern. 

• Nitrates: Nitrates can contaminate groundwater and can be harmful to infants and pregnant women. 

• Sulfates: High levels of sulfates can give water a bitter taste and can cause diarrhea. 

• Total dissolved solids (TDS): TDS is a measure of the total amount of organic and inorganic substances in water. Reverse osmosis removes most TDS, resulting in extremely pure water.

• Uranium: Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that can contaminate groundwater in certain areas. Reverse osmosis can help remove uranium from drinking water, providing an added level of protection for you and your family.

Lower pH Level

The process of reverse osmosis involves the use of a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities and contaminants from water. This membrane allows for the removal of not only particles like sediment and bacteria but also minerals that are often found in tap water.

The removal of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium can result in a lower pH level in the water. This is because these minerals have an alkaline pH, so their removal makes the water more acidic.

Lowering the pH level of the water can make it less bitter or metallic tasting. This can be beneficial if you live in an area with hard water, which can have a high mineral content strongly affecting the taste of your tap water.

Comparing Reverse Osmosis Water to Other Types of Purified Water

Now, let's break down the differences between RO water and other types of purified water.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is one of the most pure forms of water available. It is made by boiling water and then capturing the steam before it condenses back into liquid form. This process removes virtually all impurities and minerals from the water, leaving it with a pH level of around 7.0, which is neutral.

However, while distilled water is free of contaminants, it is also free of beneficial minerals that are naturally present in water. This can lead to a lack of important dietary minerals that the body needs to function properly. 

Bottled Water

Bottled water is widely available but not all bottled water is created equal. Some bottled waters in some countries are actually just tap water that has been filtered and bottled. Other types of bottled water come from natural springs and have varying levels of minerals and pH levels. 

While bottled water may seem like a safer alternative to tap water, it is important to note that it is not necessarily purer. In fact, some studies have shown that bottled water can contain as many contaminants as tap water. It's also important to note that bottled water can be expensive, inconvenient to carry, and have a negative environmental impact due to the plastic containers.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is sourced from natural springs and contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are essential to maintaining good health and can help regulate bodily functions. Mineral water usually has a slightly alkaline pH level, which can help neutralize acid in the body.

However, not all mineral waters are created equal. Some may contain high levels of sodium or other minerals that can be harmful to those with certain health conditions. Not only that, but mineral water can be expensive and not as widely available as other types of purified water.

Which is the Best Type of Purified Water?

When it comes to the best type of purified water, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each type of purified water has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best option depends on individual needs and preferences. 

For those who want a highly purified form of water with few impurities, reverse osmosis water may be the best choice. However, for those who want a more natural source of water with beneficial minerals, mineral water may be a better choice. 

And if you're looking for all the benefits of reverse osmosis water with the added minerals, but without the bottles, then it might be time to consider LANGWATER (more on this below). 

Ultimately, though, the type of purified water that is best for each individual depends on their personal preferences and needs. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water?

As with any process, there are potential disadvantages to drinking reverse osmosis water.

One of the biggest drawbacks of reverse osmosis water is the removal of beneficial minerals. 

Unlike other forms of water filtration, reverse osmosis removes not only contaminants but also essential minerals such as calcium and potassium. This affects the taste of the water, as select minerals contribute to the water's good taste.

Besides, RO tends to decrease PH level, when it can actually be beneficial for your overall health to drink higher PH water. Research has shown that drinking water with a higher pH level can help with digestive issues such as acid reflux. 

This is where LANGWATER comes in. Our unique filtration and mineralization process is specifically designed to add back beneficial minerals while removing harmful contaminants. 

By doing so, we provide you with clean drinking water that is not only safe and healthy but also has a good refreshing taste. Adding minerals improves the taste of reverse osmosis water, so you can enjoy the exquisite taste of clean mineralized water and also hydrate sufficiently 

In addition, adding minerals back increases the pH of the RO water, bringing it closer to neutral. So it balances the pH levels of the water, making sure that you maintain a healthy balance in your body.

But we don't stop there. LANGWATER adds flavors too, crafted from natural fruit juice extracts so naturally calorie-free. 

All this not only makes the water more palatable but also enhances its health benefits. 

By drinking LANGWATER, you can enjoy the convenience, health benefits, and affordability of filtered water -  without sacrificing taste or nutrition