Can You Make Hydrogen Water with Reverse Osmosis Water? The Definitive Guide

Over a million people worldwide use advanced hydrogen water purifiers that incorporate Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. When asking, "Can you make hydrogen water with reverse osmosis water?", the answer is a resounding yes, and in many cases, it is the ideal choice for performance and equipment longevity.

Quick Summary

Using reverse osmosis water for hydrogen water generation is highly recommended for optimal device performance and to prevent mineral buildup. Learn why RO water is preferred, its potential drawbacks, and how to use it safely for hydrogen infusion.

Key Points

• RO water is highly recommended: Reverse osmosis water is the ideal choice for most high-end hydrogen water generators, especially those with SPE/PEM technology.

• Prevents equipment damage: The high purity of RO water prevents mineral buildup and scaling on the generator's sensitive Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), extending its lifespan and efficiency.

• Ensures clean infusion: Using RO water eliminates the risk of creating harmful byproducts like chlorine or ozone during the electrolysis process.

• Add minerals back: Because RO water removes beneficial minerals, consider a machine with a remineralization filter or add food-grade mineral drops to your water.

• Follow best practices: For optimal performance, use room-temperature water, keep the PEM moist, and perform regular cleaning cycles with a mild vinegar solution.

• Drink promptly: To maximize the intake of molecular hydrogen, drink the water within 15-30 minutes of generation before the gas dissipates.

The Role of Water Purity in Hydrogen Generation

At the heart of most modern hydrogen water generators is an electrolysis process that uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The efficiency and longevity of this delicate membrane are heavily dependent on the purity of the water used. Impurities like heavy metals, chlorine, and excess minerals found in tap water can cause significant damage over time. This damage can lead to a less efficient process, lower hydrogen concentration, and a shortened lifespan for the device.

How Electrolysis Works with RO Water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective filtration method that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, ions, and other contaminants. The resulting water is exceptionally pure, with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count. This high purity is precisely what is needed for the SPE/PEM technology used in many high-quality hydrogen generators. By removing interfering minerals and contaminants, RO water ensures a clean environment for the electrolysis process. This protects the PEM and leads to more consistent, higher concentrations of dissolved molecular hydrogen in the water.

Comparing Water Types for Your Hydrogen Generator

Choosing the right water is critical for both the performance of your hydrogen generator and the quality of your hydrogen water. Below is a comparison of common water types.

Table: Water Type Comparison for Hydrogen Water Makers

Water Type	Suitability for H2 Generator	Pros	Cons	Recommendation
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	Highly Recommended	High purity prevents scaling; optimal for PEM technology; pure taste.	Removes beneficial minerals; can be slightly acidic; high water wastage.	Excellent for protecting device, consider remineralization for health.
Distilled	Highly Recommended	Extremely high purity, no minerals or contaminants to harm equipment.	Removes all minerals; can taste flat; not great for everyday hydration.	Safe for device, but lacks minerals for daily consumption.
Spring Water	Acceptable to Good	Contains natural, beneficial minerals; often tastes great.	Mineral content can vary and may cause buildup in some devices.	Good option, but check mineral content (low TDS preferred).
Tap Water	Use with Caution	Easily accessible and cheap.	Contains chlorine, heavy metals, and high TDS that can damage the PEM.	Not recommended for long-term use without proper pre-filtration.
Alkaline Water	Not Recommended	Higher pH, often with added minerals.	High pH interferes with electrolysis; may reduce hydrogen infusion efficiency.	Avoid using to prevent poor performance and potential device damage.

Advantages of Using RO Water for Hydrogen Infusion

• Device Protection and Longevity: The most significant advantage is the protection it offers to the sensitive electrolysis components, particularly the PEM. With no mineral buildup, your device will operate more efficiently and last much longer.
• Consistent Hydrogen Concentration: High-purity water allows for a stable and predictable electrolysis process. This ensures that you get a consistent, high concentration of molecular hydrogen with every cycle.
• Prevents Harmful Byproducts: When generating hydrogen via electrolysis, impurities in the water can react to create harmful byproducts like chlorine and ozone. RO water virtually eliminates this risk, ensuring the water you drink is both pure and hydrogen-rich.
• Superior Taste: RO water is stripped of the contaminants that can cause unpleasant tastes and odors. The resulting hydrogen water tastes clean and crisp.

The Drawbacks and How to Address Them

While highly beneficial for the generator, RO water's purity can be a concern for some users. The process removes not only harmful substances but also essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Long-term consumption of demineralized water has been a point of debate, with some experts recommending adding minerals back for optimal health.

There are several ways to address this issue:

• Use a Remineralization Filter: Many RO systems and hydrogen water machines include a post-filtration stage that adds beneficial minerals back into the water.
• Supplement Your Minerals: If your system doesn't have a remineralization stage, you can add food-grade mineral drops to your hydrogen water. This allows for precise control over your mineral intake.
• Balance Your Water Sources: Use RO water for your hydrogen generator to protect the machine, but also consume mineral-rich spring water or filtered tap water throughout the day.

Best Practices for Making Hydrogen Water with RO Water

To ensure both the health of your device and the quality of your water, follow these steps:

1. Use Room Temperature RO Water: For optimal electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen production, use water at room temperature or slightly warm, but never hot (above 60°C).
2. Keep the PEM Moist: Many manufacturers recommend leaving a small amount of water in the device after each use to prevent the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) from drying out.
3. Run Cleaning Cycles: Despite using pure water, periodic cleaning with a white vinegar solution is recommended to prevent any potential buildup and maintain peak performance.
4. Monitor Your Device: Pay attention to the device's performance. A decrease in bubble production or a change in taste may indicate a need for a cleaning cycle or a filter replacement. For safety and operational guidelines, always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. You can find general information on the FDA's website regarding water purification systems, which highlights the need for proper maintenance and monitoring.
5. Drink Quickly for Maximum Benefit: Molecular hydrogen is volatile. Drink your freshly made hydrogen water within 15-30 minutes of generation for the highest concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using reverse osmosis water is not only possible for making hydrogen water but is actually the recommended best practice for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of high-end hydrogen generators using SPE/PEM technology. The low mineral content of RO water protects the sensitive electrolytic membrane from damage and scaling, which can lead to inefficient hydrogen infusion and the creation of harmful byproducts. While RO water is ideal for the machine, its lack of minerals can be a health consideration. This can be easily remedied by using a system with a remineralization stage or by adding mineral drops to your water. By following best practices for water temperature and device maintenance, you can consistently produce pure, high-quality hydrogen water and protect your investment for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RO water bad for a hydrogen water generator?

No, RO water is not bad for a hydrogen water generator. In fact, it is highly recommended for modern generators using SPE/PEM technology, as its purity prevents mineral buildup that can damage the sensitive electrolysis components over time.

What kind of water should I use in my hydrogen water bottle?

For best performance and device longevity, use purified, distilled, or reverse osmosis water. If you must use filtered tap water, ensure it has a low TDS count to minimize mineral scaling on the electrodes.

Does RO water affect the hydrogen concentration?

Yes, RO water ensures a more stable and efficient electrolysis process, which can lead to a higher and more consistent concentration of dissolved hydrogen compared to less pure water sources.

Does reverse osmosis remove the beneficial minerals?

Yes, the reverse osmosis process effectively removes total dissolved solids, which includes both harmful contaminants and beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. This is why some systems include a remineralization stage.

How can I add minerals back to RO water for my hydrogen water?

You can use a remineralization filter as a post-filtration stage in your RO system, use food-grade mineral drops, or a dedicated remineralization cartridge with your hydrogen water machine.

Can I use tap water in my hydrogen generator?

While some basic generators might allow it, tap water is not recommended for long-term use with SPE/PEM hydrogen generators. The minerals and impurities can cause damage, reduce efficiency, and create harmful byproducts.

Is it safe to drink hydrogen water made with RO water?

Yes, it is generally safe. The primary safety consideration is the long-term consumption of demineralized water, which can be addressed by remineralization. RO water's purity ensures no harmful byproducts are created during the hydrogen infusion process.