Do you need to add anything to your AquaTru water?

According to AquaTru, their reverse osmosis filtration system removes up to 99% of contaminants, resulting in exceptionally pure, but also low-mineral, water. This raises a common question: do you need to add anything to your AquaTru water to replenish those lost minerals for improved taste and health?

Quick Summary

After AquaTru's reverse osmosis process, users can remineralize their water for enhanced taste and mineral content. Options include using an alkaline VOC filter for automatic mineral addition or adding mineral drops for manual customization, depending on individual health and taste preferences.

Key Points

• Remineralization is Optional: While AquaTru's powerful reverse osmosis removes minerals, adding them back is a choice based on personal taste and health goals, not a requirement for safe water.

• Alkaline Filter Adds Minerals Automatically: An alternative pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter can be used for hands-free remineralization, raising the water's pH and adding minerals like calcium and magnesium during filtration.

• Mineral Drops Offer Customization: AquaTru's Perfect Minerals drops, sourced from the Great Salt Lake, allow for manual, customizable mineral addition on a per-glass basis.

• Remineralization Enhances Taste: Adding minerals back to the water can improve its flavor, countering the 'flat' taste many associate with ultra-pure reverse osmosis water.

• Mineral Intake is Primarily from Diet: For most people, the minerals in drinking water contribute a small fraction of their total daily intake, with a balanced diet being the main source.

• Consider Your Preference: Choose between the set-it-and-forget-it filter or the customizable drops based on your preferred level of convenience and control over your water's mineral content.

Understanding the AquaTru Filtration Process

AquaTru systems use a patented four-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis process to purify tap water. This comprehensive filtration is highly effective at removing a vast array of contaminants that can pose health risks, including heavy metals like lead, chemicals (such as PFAS and chlorine), drug residues, and microplastics. While this high level of purification is the primary benefit, a side effect of reverse osmosis is the removal of naturally occurring total dissolved solids (TDS), which include essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

For some, the resulting low-mineral water has a “flat” taste, and for others, there are considerations about mineral intake. This is why AquaTru provides optional solutions for those who wish to add minerals back into their water. Whether or not you need to use these options is a matter of personal preference and health considerations, as most of our essential mineral intake comes from food rather than water.

The Importance of Remineralizing Water

Drinking demineralized water for an extended period is a topic of some debate among health experts. While the mineral content in tap water is often a minor contributor to overall mineral intake compared to a balanced diet, it still plays a role. For some individuals, remineralization can be beneficial for a few key reasons:

• Improved Taste: The absence of minerals can give water a flat or bland taste. Adding minerals back can restore a more refreshing and palatable flavor profile.
• Balanced pH: The reverse osmosis process can result in slightly acidic water (pH below 7). Adding minerals helps to raise the pH level, creating alkaline water. Some people prefer alkaline water and find it has a smoother taste.
• Electrolyte Support: For those with a low-mineral diet or who are very active, remineralization can support electrolyte balance. Minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium are crucial for muscle and nerve function.

AquaTru's Remineralization Options

AquaTru offers two primary methods for customers who wish to remineralize their purified water. These provide flexibility depending on whether you want an automated process or manual control over your mineral intake.

Option 1: pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter

This is an alternative to the standard post-VOC carbon filter. When installed as the final stage of filtration, it automatically adds minerals back into the water after it passes through the reverse osmosis membrane. This is a convenient, set-it-and-forget-it option.

• Minerals Added: Includes calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Alkalinity: Raises the water's pH to be consistently above 7.
• Taste Profile: Imparts a mineral-rich taste similar to some high-end bottled waters.

Option 2: Perfect Minerals Drops

For those who prefer a non-filtered, customizable approach, AquaTru offers liquid mineral drops that can be added to the purified water on a glass-by-glass basis. This method allows you to control the exact amount of minerals in each serving.

• Sourced From: Sourced from the mineral-rich waters of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
• Mineral Content: Contains over 72 ionic minerals and trace elements, including concentrated magnesium, potassium, and chloride.
• Usage: Typically, 5-6 drops are recommended per 8 oz. glass of water.

Comparison of Remineralization Options

Feature	pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter	Perfect Minerals Drops
Convenience	Automated; install the filter and enjoy mineralized water with every use.	Manual; requires adding drops to each glass or tank of water.
Customization	Low; the amount of minerals added is determined by the filter's media.	High; you can adjust the number of drops to suit your taste and needs.
Cost	Upfront cost for the filter, with replacement needed annually.	Bottle of drops provides many servings, potentially more cost-effective over time.
Taste	Consistent, mineral-rich alkaline taste. Some users may notice a slight initial flavor change that fades.	Adjustable taste; drops can be added gradually to achieve the desired flavor.
pH Level	Raises pH consistently throughout the filter's lifespan.	Raises pH level depending on the amount used.

Making the Right Choice for Your AquaTru Water

Deciding whether and how to add anything to your AquaTru water ultimately depends on your personal preferences for taste and your nutritional needs. If you're perfectly happy with the clean, pure taste of the standard AquaTru filtration, there's no need to change. The system is certified to remove harmful contaminants, providing safe drinking water without any additions.

However, if you've noticed the water tastes a bit flat or you simply prefer the flavor profile of mineral-rich, alkaline water, both the Alkaline VOC Filter and Perfect Minerals drops are excellent options. The filter offers a convenient, hands-off approach, while the drops provide maximum customization. Many people enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are replacing some of the naturally occurring minerals removed during the highly effective reverse osmosis process.

Can you add other things to AquaTru water?

Beyond minerals, some users may wish to enhance their water with other elements. While not officially recommended by AquaTru, options exist for further customization:

• Electrolyte Powders: Adding a high-quality electrolyte powder can provide a balanced boost of minerals, especially for athletes or those needing extra hydration support. These are typically added to a glass of water, not to the AquaTru tank itself.
• Herbs and Citrus: A slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber, or a sprig of mint, can naturally flavor your water. These should be added to your glass after dispensing, not to the storage tank.
• Vitamin Infusions: Water-soluble vitamin drops can be added to your purified water, allowing you to create custom nutrient-rich beverages. Always add these outside of the machine's reservoir.

Conclusion

While you do not need to add anything to your AquaTru water to ensure it's clean and safe, you have several excellent options if you wish to enhance its taste and mineral content. The powerful reverse osmosis process removes both harmful contaminants and minerals, leaving you with very pure water. For those who prefer a more mineral-rich and alkaline flavor, AquaTru's optional pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter or Perfect Minerals drops offer simple and effective solutions. Ultimately, the decision to remineralize is a personal one, driven by taste preference and nutritional goals.

Sources

For further reading on the science of water remineralization and AquaTru's products, consider reviewing resources from reputable water and health organizations, as well as AquaTru's own support articles.

• Ampac1: Why Remineralization is Crucial in RO Systems
• AquaTru Europe: Frequently asked questions
• AquaTru Support: How much will the pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC filter raise my water's pH level?
• Rippl: Remineralizing RO Water: What You Need to Know
• The Green Creator: My water filter experience (AquaTru review)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AquaTru remove minerals from water?

Yes, as a reverse osmosis system, AquaTru removes up to 99% of total dissolved solids, which includes naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, along with other contaminants.

Is drinking water without minerals bad for you?

For most people, drinking water with a low mineral content is not harmful, as the majority of essential minerals are obtained from food. However, long-term consumption of demineralized water may lead to electrolyte imbalances in some individuals.

How can I add minerals back to my AquaTru water?

You have two main options: use the pH+ Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter, which automatically adds minerals, or add AquaTru's Perfect Minerals drops manually to your filtered water.

What is the difference between the Alkaline filter and the Mineral drops?

The Alkaline filter automatically adds minerals during the filtration process, providing a consistent, mineral-rich alkaline water. The mineral drops are added manually to each glass, offering greater control over the mineral content.

Will adding minerals change the taste of my water?

Yes, adding minerals back to the purified water can restore a more palatable flavor. Many people find that remineralization removes the 'flat' taste often associated with reverse osmosis water.

Can I add lemons or other natural flavors to my AquaTru water?

Yes, you can add natural flavors like lemon or mint, but they should always be added to your glass of filtered water after it has been dispensed, not to the storage tank.

Do I need to remineralize my AquaTru water for health reasons?

The need to remineralize for health depends on your diet and personal circumstances. While water is a modest source of minerals, a balanced diet is the primary source. Remineralizing can supplement your intake, but it is not necessary for safe drinking water.