RO Water vs Alkaline Water | What’s in Your Glass?

Let’s take a closer look at both types of water and the pros and cons. Reverse osmosis water goes through a filtration process that removes impurities and contaminants. This leaves you with clean, pure water that tastes great.

The downside to reverse osmosis water is that it can be expensive and doesn’t have any minerals or electrolytes. However, alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular tap water. This means it can help neutralize the acid in your body and balance your pH levels.

Alkaline water also contains minerals and electrolytes that are beneficial for your health. However, reverse osmosis and alkaline water have different benefits depending on your needs. For example, alkaline water can help to neutralize the acid in your body, while reverse osmosis water can remove impurities from your water supply. If you’re unsure which type of water is best for you, consult a doctor or nutritionist.

What is reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis water is considered the safest water to drink. In the Reverse Osmosis system, water is purified in several stages, including the mother organ of its RO membrane. RO systems have semi-permeable membranes with a 0.0001-micron thickness. The membrane prevents unhealthy and harmful substances from passing through into the water. 

Water is wholly purified with Reverse Osmosis without generating any heat. As a result of this filtering process, the water does not contain any harmful elements. The efficiency of the Reverse Osmosis system is that it can prevent 95% to 99% of Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) from water.  

In brief, after passing through the water into the RO membrane is considered RO water. But it is possible to add additional stages to the RO system to get a better result. 

What is alkaline water?

The pH level in water indicates that it is acidic or alkaline. The scale of pH is 0 to 14. That means the lower the pH indicates the water is acidic, the higher the pH indicates the water is alkaline. 

Typical drinking water has a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. That means the water is in a neutral range of acidity and alkalinity. Something with a pH of 0, 1, or 2 would be very acidic, and something with a pH of 12, 13, or 14 would be very alkaline. The available alkaline water in the market has a pH of 8 or 9. 

Quick comparison of reverse osmosis water vs alkaline water

Difference between reverse osmosis water & alkaline water

Filtration method

A RO filtration system is required to produce RO water. On the other hand, a water Ionizer machine is required to produce alkaline water. However, it is possible to produce alkaline water at home without using any ionizer machine. But, we can not produce RO water without using any RO system. 

If we produce alkaline water at home without using a water Ionizer machine, we do not need any electricity. Instead, we need to use baking soda, lemon juice, and pH drops. 

Water quality analysis 

RO water is undoubtedly the safest water compared to other filtration methods. For example, a reverse Osmosis system removes up to 99% of contamination from water. On the other hand, a water Ionizer removes at most 90% of contamination from water. 

The water Ionizer requires a pre-filter which is called microfiltration. The pore size of microfiltration is 0.01 micron, and the RO system’s pore size of the membrane is 0.0001 micron. But the fact is the RO system removes some essential minerals from water. But water Ionizer does not remove minerals from water. 

Waste water 

Reverse osmosis filtration wastes a lot of water. However, the RO system can ensure safe water at 3:1. This means by producing 1 liter of safe water RO system waste 3 liters of water. On the other hand, the Ionizer machine does not waste water to produce alkaline water. 

Acidic vs. alkaline

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is a little more acidic than alkaline. The typical range of pH in water is 6.5 to 8.5. In comparison, RO water has a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5, which means the water is a little acidic. On the other hand, a water ionizer makes the water alkaline. 

What is better, alkaline water or reverse osmosis?

There are a few things to consider when choosing between alkaline water and reverse osmosis water. The first is the intended use. Alkaline water is better for drinking, while reverse osmosis water is better for drinking and cooking. 

The second thing to consider is the source of the water. Again, reverse osmosis may be your best option if you do not have access to a good quality water source.

The third thing to consider is cost. Alkaline water costs more than reverse osmosis water. In any case, it is imperative to remember that quality comes with a price. 

Alkaline water is of higher quality and will provide more health benefits than reverse osmosis water. But, if you consider water contamination, there is no alternative to the RO system. 

Does reverse osmosis give you alkaline water?

The answer is no unless you add an alkaline filter to your RO system or use RO water in a water ionizer machine. 

Generally, reverse osmosis does not change the pH of water. However, it can remove acidic contaminants that lower the pH of water. This can make the water taste more alkaline. Some reverse osmosis systems include an alkalizing filter that adds minerals to the water and raises the pH. 

How to make reverse osmosis water alkaline?

Yes, adding a mineral and alkaline filter in a RO system is possible. Some RO system has default mineral and alkaline filter as well. 

Another option is to use an inline filter that contains an ion exchange resin. This type of filter will remove some of the acidity from the water and make it more alkaline. Finally, you can install a reverse osmosis system with a built-in alkalinity booster.

Is reverse osmosis water bad for the kidneys?

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is not bad for your kidneys. On the contrary, it may even be beneficial! This is because the RO water system removes impurities and contaminants. 

Our kidney’s primary purpose is to filter the water in our body. But, in RO, water filtered by 0.0001 microns, is exactly what the kidney does! So, there is not much work to be done by the kidney! This process benefits your kidneys by removing harmful toxins and providing clean, great-tasting water.

Benefits of RO+ alkaline water

You have to note that you can enhance the properties of water by making it alkaline through the addition of an alkaline filter to reverse osmosis (RO) water. Alkaline water, with its higher pH level, tends to be less acidic compared to regular tap water. This makes it beneficial for neutralizing stomach acid, potentially improving digestion and preventing issues like heartburn and acid reflux.

Moreover, alkaline water has the potential to aid in the detoxification process by assisting in the removal of toxins and waste products from cells. This detoxification can promote better overall health and well-being.

Maintaining balanced pH levels in the body is crucial for good health. When pH levels become unbalanced, it can lead to health problems. Alkaline water can play a role in helping to keep the body’s pH levels in check, contributing to overall well-being. So, the choice to consume alkaline water can indeed offer various potential health benefits.

Zero TDS Vs. alkaline water

There are a few critical differences between zero TDS water and alkaline water. First, alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular tap water. This means that it is less acidic and can help to neutralize stomach acid.

Additionally, alkaline water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can benefit your health. Zero TDS water, on the other hand, has no dissolved minerals or salts. While this might seem healthier, no scientific evidence supports this claim.

Zero TDS water can leach minerals from your body if you drink it over an extended period. So if you’re looking for the healthiest option, stick with alkaline water!

Is Alkaline Water bad for you?

Alkaline water is claimed to offer benefits like superior hydration, reduced acid reflux, potential for better bone health, weight loss, and protection against certain types of cancer. However, the evidence for some of these claims is limited.

Alkaline water is not bad for you, but its benefits are not universally supported. The quality of different alkaline water sources can vary. If you use RO water + water Ionizer or RO water + alkaline filter, then it will be a good solution for you.  

Is Reverse Osmosis water alkaline?

Reverse osmosis water is typically not alkaline; in fact, it tends to be slightly acidic. This acidity is a result of the reverse osmosis process, which removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water. However, it is possible to transform reverse osmosis water into alkaline water by incorporating a mineral filter into the RO system. This addition introduces minerals back into the water, resulting in a more neutral pH level, typically ranging from 7 to 8. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for clean, pure drinking water, reverse osmosis water is a good choice. However, alkaline water may be a better option to improve your overall health. But if you use reverse osmosis water, adding an alkaline filter will be your best option.