Reverse osmosis (RO) is an incredibly effective water purification process that removes up to 99.9% of dissolved solids, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, along with contaminants. This leaves the water highly purified, but also lacking the trace minerals that contribute to its taste and nutritional profile. The bland or 'flat' taste is a common complaint, prompting people to seek ways to remineralize their water.
The Role of Minerals in Your Water
Minerals are not only crucial for taste but also play vital roles in bodily functions. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are electrolytes that help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Demineralized water has a low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, making it aggressive and capable of leaching minerals from anything it contacts, including plumbing and even potentially the body. While a balanced diet is the primary source of these minerals, water can be a valuable supplement, and restoring them can offer significant benefits.
Why Adding Table Salt is Not a Good Solution
Many DIY enthusiasts suggest adding table salt to remineralize RO water. Table salt, or sodium chloride, only provides sodium and chloride ions. While sodium is an important electrolyte, an imbalance of minerals is created rather than a balanced remineralization. Additionally, most Americans already consume too much sodium from their diet, and regularly adding more to drinking water can lead to excessive intake.
Potential Dangers of DIY Salting
- Over-salting Risk: It is extremely difficult to accurately measure a safe amount of salt for a given quantity of water. Too much can result in an unpleasantly salty taste and excessive sodium consumption.
- Health Concerns: High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues, particularly for those with existing health conditions or on low-sodium diets.
- Mineral Imbalance: Using only table salt neglects the reintroduction of other vital minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and heart health.
Safer and More Effective Remineralization Methods
Fortunately, there are several precise and safer ways to restore beneficial minerals to your RO water without the risks associated with adding table salt.
Common Remineralization Techniques
- Remineralization Filters: Many RO systems can be fitted with a post-filtration remineralization cartridge. These filters automatically add a balanced blend of minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water after it has been purified. This is the most convenient option for a consistent and measured mineral dosage.
- Mineral Drops: Concentrated mineral drops, often derived from natural sources, are available commercially. A few drops added to a glass or pitcher of RO water can easily replenish essential trace minerals.
- Himalayan or Sea Salt: For those who prefer a more manual, natural approach, a high-quality mineral-rich salt like Himalayan or sea salt can be used. However, it's crucial to use a very tiny amount—just a fraction of a pinch per gallon—to avoid overpowering the taste and exceeding a healthy sodium level.
- Alkaline Pitchers: These pitchers are designed to filter and add minerals simultaneously. As the water passes through the filter, it picks up minerals that raise its pH and alkalinity.
Comparison of Remineralization Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Precision | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Remineralization Filter | Consistent, convenient, low effort, balanced mineral blend. | Higher initial cost, requires filter replacement. | High | Set-and-forget convenience for long-term use. |
| Mineral Drops | Quick, easy, portable, good control over dosage. | Manual process each time, can get costly with high use. | Medium | Portable use and precise dosage control. |
| Himalayan/Sea Salt | Inexpensive, contains trace minerals. | High risk of over-salting, poor mineral balance. | Low | Taste enhancement, not reliable for nutritional purposes. |
| Alkaline Pitcher | Convenient for small batches, adds some minerals and raises pH. | Requires frequent filter replacement, limited mineral content. | Low-Medium | Casual users wanting slightly enhanced water. |
Understanding RO Water and Health
The concern about drinking demineralized water is well-founded, as some studies indicate potential negative effects from a prolonged, low-mineral diet and drinking water intake. However, for most people with a healthy, balanced diet, the primary source of essential minerals comes from food. Water typically contributes a smaller fraction of the body's mineral needs. The key issue with demineralized water is not that it is inherently bad, but that it lacks the beneficial minerals that can be a healthy dietary supplement.
The most prudent approach is to start with high-purity water from a quality RO system and then manually or automatically add back a balanced mix of beneficial minerals. This ensures that you have removed harmful contaminants and can then control the exact mineral content of your water, leading to better taste and potential health benefits.
Conclusion
While adding a pinch of a high-quality mineral salt like Himalayan salt to your RO water can be used for taste improvement, relying solely on it for proper remineralization is ill-advised due to its imprecision and the risk of excessive sodium intake. The practice creates an imbalanced mineral profile that doesn't fully restore the nutritional value lost during filtration. The safest and most effective strategy is to invest in a post-filter remineralization cartridge for an RO system or use commercially available mineral drops. This ensures a balanced, consistent, and healthy mineral content, resulting in better-tasting water without the health risks associated with excessive sodium consumption.
