Which is better, reverse osmosis (RO) water or alkaline water?

To live a healthy life, we all know how important it is to drink enough water, but it is equally important that the water we drink is clean and safe for our health. With the growing population and rising water pollution, many people today have become more cautious about the kind of water they consume. 

There are mainly two types of drinking water people prefer, RO (Reverse Osmosis) water and Alkaline water. Both claim to be pure and safe for your health, but they are quite different in how they work and what they provide.

In this blog, we will explain the differences between alkaline water vs RO water, how RO removes harmful substances from your tap water, and how Alkaline water helps balance your body’s natural pH levels. We will also look at the pros and cons of each, their impact on your health, and when one might be better than the other, depending on your needs and lifestyle.

What is RO water?

Reverse Osmosis is a method of purifying water to make it safe for drinking, and it is now used in almost every household. It works by using a semi-permeable membrane that traps tiny particles of dirt, chemicals, and metals that you do not want in your water.

In this process, RO systems use pressure to push water through the membrane, blocking contaminants like lead, mercury, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and pesticides. This gives you clean, pure water free from impurities. However, this process also removes about 99% of the natural minerals from water, which are important for our body.

Why do people prefer RO water

• Removes harmful impurities: RO water is great for areas where tap water is full of impurities or has a salty taste. It removes bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts, and heavy metals, making it completely safe to drink.
• Improves taste and odour: Many people use RO systems at home to get rid of bad taste and smell caused by chlorine and other chemicals often found in city water.
• Safe for the whole family: Whether kids, seniors, or anyone with weak immune systems, RO water is safe for all.

Drawbacks of RO water

• Loss of essential minerals: Tap water naturally contains about 38 minerals, which are good for the body, but RO purification eliminates most of them.
• Low pH level: The pH level of RO water usually falls below 7, making it slightly acidic in nature.
• Water wastage: RO systems use extra water during the filtration process so some amount of water is wasted to produce clean drinking water.

What exactly is Alkaline water?

Alkaline water simply means water that has a higher pH level than regular tap water. Normal water has a pH level around 7, while alkaline water has between 8 and 9.5. It is believed that drinking alkaline water helps balance the acid levels in your body. 

It naturally contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for bones, good metabolism and better hydration. You can either buy bottled alkaline water or make it at home using a device that ionises the water.

Why you might like Alkaline water

• Balances body pH: Drinking of alkaline water may help balance your body’s pH level, improving digestion and gut health.
• Provides essential minerals: Alkaline water naturally contains minerals that support bone strength, metabolism, and hydration.
• Boosts hydration: Many people find that drinking alkaline water after exercise can help their body stay hydrated more effectively.

Downsides of Alkaline Water

• Not for everyone: People with kidney diseases or those taking certain medications should avoid drinking highly alkaline water. Overconsumption can also disturb the body’s natural pH balance.
• Does not clean impurities: Alkaline water mainly focuses on balancing pH levels, but it doesn’t remove bacteria or other impurities present in the water.
• Can be expensive: Bottled alkaline water can be more expensive than regular water, so it may not be ideal for daily use.

Which is better: reverse osmosis or alkaline water?

So, which one wins, alkaline water vs RO water? It really depends on your local water quality and personal health goals. 

If you live in an area where the water supply contains a high amount of impurities, dissolved salts, or industrial contaminants, it’s better to use reverse osmosis water. This type of water is clean and safe for drinking. And if you are worried that RO filtration removes essential minerals, you can choose an RO system with a mineralizer to add them back.

However, if your water source is already clean but slightly acidic, and you want to maintain your body’s pH level or add more minerals to your diet, then alkaline water is the right choice. It is a perfect option for people who focus more on health, wellness, and fitness.

Final thoughts

When it comes to deciding which is better, reverse osmosis or alkaline water, both have their own strengths. RO water completely purifies the water and improves its quality, especially in areas where the water quality is very poor. On the other hand, Alkaline water helps in balancing the body’s pH level.

At Aquadrink, we bring you advanced water purification solutions that combine the best of both technologies. Contact us for more information on RO services and water purification options.