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Clean water is essential to staying healthy, hydrated, and disease-free. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are known for providing the cleanest, best-tasting, and healthiest water around.

But is RO water REALLY better than other water? What does the science say?

What Is an RO System, and How Does It Work?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process. It removes harmful contaminants from your drinking water, including viruses, parasites, and bacteria. It also eliminates foul odors and unpleasant tastes.

To remove these contaminants, the RO system sends water through a series of spiraled membranes that trap all foreign bodies. In the end, only water molecules make it through the filtration process, while contaminants are sent directly to the drain.

This setup certainly sounds promising, but no company can guarantee 100% filtration with their RO system. However, RO systems have a positive reputation for purifying water more efficiently than other filtration methods.

Why buy expensive bottled water when you can get the same quality at home for a fraction of the price?

What Are the Health Benefits of RO Water?

RO systems can effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites from your water. They can also remove common chemical contaminants, including chloride, copper, and lead.

RO water is the cleanest water you’ll ever taste—well, at least it’s the cleanest I’ve ever tasted.

This water has no odor, and leaves behind no gross sediment or stains at the bottom of glasses and tea kettles. For the longest time, I used only PUR water faucet filters and water pitchers, but the taste of sediment and chlorine remained even after changing out the filters in those products.

RO water systems remove more than 99% of pollutants and contaminants from your water. Pollutants like sulfates, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and arsenic are linked to a wide range of serious health problems including infertility, organ damage, and cancer.

In addition to producing healthier, tastier water, RO systems can end up saving you lots of time and money. It’s very low maintenance after the initial setup. Also, the entire system costs only a few hundred dollars.

What Are the Disadvantages of RO Water?

Fortunately, there aren’t too many.

RO water does have a slightly low pH under 7, with most RO systems producing a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.5. Some RO systems also strip important minerals from the water, including zinc, calcium, and magnesium. But this isn’t too worrisome, because you can add minerals back to the water with special cartridges.

Mineralization and alkaline cartridges can replace any minerals lost during the filtration process, and boost your water’s pH level to between 8 to 10. These cartridges can be purchased separately if they don’t come with your RO system.

How to Choose a Quality, Low-Cost RO System

Quality RO systems typically have several filters: a sediment filter, two carbon/charcoal filters, and the membrane. Look for a system that comes with these filters, at the very least.

The type of RO water system to buy depends mainly on whether your water is coming from a well or municipal supply. If you use municipal city water, consider a 4- or 5-stage system. If you use well water, look for systems with UV light filters, which destroy excess bacteria.

If you’re after both a pH boost and remineralization, opt for a 6-stage system, which supports around a thousand gallons of water.

RO water systems may seem complex and confusing—especially when it comes to installing them. But these systems are very low maintenance after you get through the initial installation process, which takes only a few hours. When all is said and done, RO systems are well worth your time and money.

Do you have an RO system, and if so, what are your thoughts and tricks of the trade?

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Content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical treatment.