Reverse osmosis systems are an excellent drinking water filtration process. They remove all harmful contaminants from water such as chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, sediments, organic matter, and other toxic chemicals. However, reverse osmosis technology is so efficient that it eliminates all of the beneficial components of water. And the final result of reverse osmosis water is nearly distilled water, with many of the natural salts and minerals found in water extracted.
However, you can still remineralize the filtered water using various methods. So, if you’re wondering how to add minerals to RO water, look no further than this article. Continue reading to learn more about it.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that demineralizes water by passing water through a semipermeable Reverse Osmosis Membrane. Water flows from the more concentrated side of the RO membrane to the less concentrated side to provide safe drinking water.
RO membranes are typically made up of a non-porous polymeric film that is supported by porous layers. The openings in this polymeric film are small, allowing RO to extract most dissolved salts, organics, bacteria, or pyrogens. Read a more detailed guide on RO and how it compares to other types of water purifiers here.
Reverse Osmosis Water Benefits
Water purified through reverse osmosis contains fewer pollutants and salts, no pathogens or bacteria, and is completely safe for terminally ill patients. It removes contaminants via a membrane filter that prevents solids and prominent microbes from passing through as long as the membrane filter is replaced regularly.
Reverse osmosis water removes harmful molecules from the body. Calcium deposits, for example, can harden the water and have a negative impact on your skin. Furthermore, reverse osmosis removes 90 to 95 percent of sodium from drinking water. RO removes sodium via the same thin membranes that remove contaminants.
If you want to read a more detailed guide on the benefits and disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis, you can have a look at our article “Advantages And Disadvantages Of Reverse Osmosis”
What Minerals Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
RO purification technology can eliminate these unwanted minerals and other harmful heavy metals and chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and aluminum from your drinking water. It removes 92-99 percent of the essential calcium and magnesium. Magnesium helps in the regulation of blood glucose/sugar levels as well as nerve function. Calcium, on the other hand, strengthens bones and helps control heartbeat rhythm.
It also eliminates trace minerals, also known as microminerals. Trace elements are mainly used as catalysts in enzyme systems. Minerals such as zinc, iron, iodine, copper, fluoride, selenium, chromium, and others are removed by reverse osmosis.
Benefits Of Adding Minerals To Water After RO
Larger particles in the water are filtered out during the Reverse Osmosis process, leaving only pure water molecules to pass through your water tap. While this process has many advantages, the filter is so effective that it eliminates valuable minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The purified water may become demineralized as a result of this. And hence, the water needs to be mineralized before drinking.
There are numerous advantages to remineralizing RO water, including enhanced taste and increased pH to healthy levels. While most of the minerals required by the body are obtained from food and dietary supplements, minerals found in water are also important for health. Remineralizing RO water can help bridge the gap between what we can get from food and the recommended intake levels.
How To Remineralize RO Water
The simplest way to enjoy the benefits of mineralized water from an RO is to buy a RO system with a water mineralizer filter. Alternatively, adding a remineralized water filter can produce satisfactory results. Another option is to supplement your drinking water with mineral salt. Instead of common table salt, natural salt, such as Himalayan salt, contains all of the trace minerals that are removed during the reverse osmosis process. Let us now proceed to inform you about the methods to remineralize RO water.
1. Buy an RO system
This is the simplest and most convenient way to reap the benefits of reverse osmosis and mineralized water. Basic RO systems have five stages: three pre-filters, a RO membrane, and a post-filter. At the same time, some high-end RO systems include an additional stage that consists of a mineral filter. These RO systems will include a post-activated carbon filter or a water remineralization filter. As water flows through the post-mineral filter, minerals are added back into the water to balance the pH.
2. Add Remin Filter to your RO System/ Remineralize water filter
If you’re wondering how to add minerals to RO water or your existing RO system, this method is for you. Simply install a remin filter after your reverse osmosis unit in your main water line. It is essentially a mineral-containing filter-like attachment. Minerals are dissolved back into the water as the water passes over them.
3. Add mineral salt
You can add minerals to RO water by simply adding some natural salt to the RO system, like Himalayan salt or rock salt. Just a pinch will suffice. It does not affect the taste of water. Himalayan sea salt has 84 trace minerals, which are extremely beneficial to our health.
However, it is not recommended to use table salt because it may contain too much sodium, which can cause other problems.
4. Add Trace Mineral Drops
If you want to know how to add minerals to RO water without putting in a lot of effort, this is one of the simplest methods. Minerals can be added to RO water at any time by simply adding a few mineral drops. Trace mineral drops, also known as electrolyte blends, contain mineral concentrates. These mineral drops contain copper, selenium, iron, manganese, calcium, and magnesium as constituents. After the RO filter, simply mix the blends back into the water.
5. Use Alkaline Water Pitcher
If you want to increase the pH level and add minerals to RO water, you can use a simple alkaline pitcher. A small remineralization stage is located at the top of the alkaline water filter pitcher. As it drips from the top into the bottom chamber, it replenishes the water with trace amounts of minerals.
6. Green Blends
If you enjoy minerals derived from plants, this is another excellent option for remineralizing reverse osmosis water. Greens blends are made up of minerals extracted from vegetables and plants. It is a very diverse set of balanced minerals that are extremely beneficial to your health. The disadvantage is that it alters the taste of the water. They are also not a good long-term solution.
Conclusion
RO systems can provide the safest drinking water. But the demineralization of water can be cynical. However, once you know what to do, remineralizing reverse osmosis water is pretty simple. There are numerous additional advantages, and the ability to remineralize the filtered RO water makes them an ideal option for any household.