How to Turn Filtered Water into Mineral Water: Your Comprehensive Guide

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to studies, advanced water filtration systems like reverse osmosis can strip water of beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium, impacting both taste and nutritional value. Learning how to turn filtered water into mineral water is a simple process that reintroduces these essential elements for improved flavor and hydration.

Quick Summary

Restore essential minerals to filtered water using simple DIY methods. Explore options like concentrated drops, specialized alkaline filters, or food-grade salt combinations to balance pH and improve taste.

Key Points

Use Mineral Drops: Concentrated liquid drops offer the easiest way to add essential minerals back to small batches of filtered water, with dosages easily adjusted.
Install a Remineralization Filter: For ongoing convenience, integrate an alkaline remineralization cartridge into an existing reverse osmosis system to automatically balance minerals and pH.
Make a DIY Mineral Mix: Create your own cost-effective mineral blend using food-grade ingredients like baking soda, Epsom salt, and calcium chloride for custom mineral content.
Try Himalayan Salt: A tiny pinch of unprocessed Himalayan salt provides trace minerals, but must be used sparingly to avoid excessive sodium intake.
Boost Taste and Nutrition: Adding minerals back to filtered water not only improves its often-flat taste but also provides essential nutrients for bodily functions.
Balance Water's pH: Many remineralization methods help restore a more neutral pH to filtered water, which often becomes slightly acidic after treatment.

Why Filtered Water Needs Remineralization

Many modern home filtration systems, particularly reverse osmosis (RO), are highly effective at removing contaminants. However, this process is often so thorough that it also strips out vital, naturally occurring minerals. This leaves the water with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count, giving it a flat or bland taste. Beyond taste, these lost minerals, like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, are essential electrolytes that play a key role in various bodily functions, from muscle performance to maintaining a healthy pH balance. Remineralizing your filtered water not only improves its flavor but can also restore some of its potential health benefits.

Methods to Remineralize Filtered Water at Home

There are several ways to add minerals back into your water, ranging from simple additions to more integrated systems. The best method for you depends on your budget, desired convenience, and level of control.

Method 1: Using Concentrated Mineral Drops

This is one of the easiest and most portable methods for remineralization. Concentrated liquid mineral drops are available from numerous brands and contain a balanced blend of essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

How to Use: Simply add a few drops to each glass or pitcher of filtered water, following the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
Pros: Highly convenient for small batches, portable for travel, and allows for flexible dosing.
Cons: Can be expensive over time if used frequently. Some users may notice a slight taste change, particularly a salty undertone.

Method 2: Installing a Remineralization Filter

For those with a reverse osmosis system, the most convenient and automated option is to install a dedicated remineralization filter. These filters can be added in-line to an existing RO system or integrated into an alkaline water pitcher.

How it Works: The water passes through the remineralization cartridge after the RO membrane, picking up beneficial minerals on its way to the faucet.
Pros: Fully automated, provides a consistent mineral level, and often balances the water's pH.
Cons: Requires an upfront investment and filter replacements every six to twelve months.
For more information on these systems, visit Aquasana's official guide.

Method 3: DIY Mineral Mix with Household Ingredients

For a very cost-effective and controlled approach, you can create your own mineral mix using food-grade salts. You will need to purchase food-grade baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), and potentially calcium chloride.

A common recipe involves: mixing tiny amounts of baking soda, Epsom salt, and calcium chloride into a base of filtered water. A typical ratio might involve 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of Epsom salt per gallon, adjusting for taste.
Pros: Extremely low cost and offers precise control over the minerals added.
Cons: Requires careful measurement and more effort for each batch.

Method 4: Adding Mineral-Rich Salts

Another simple DIY option is to use a pinch of mineral-rich salt, such as Himalayan pink salt. This salt contains various trace elements.

How to Use: Add a very small pinch (just a few granules) to a glass or pitcher of water and stir until dissolved. The goal is to add trace minerals, not to make the water salty.
Pros: Inexpensive and very simple.
Cons: Provides a minimal amount of minerals compared to other methods, and it's easy to add too much, resulting in an unpleasant taste.

Comparison of Remineralization Methods


Method	Convenience	Cost	Mineral Control	Taste Impact
Concentrated Drops	High (portable)	Moderate to High	Medium	Can be slightly salty
Remineralization Filter	Very High (automated)	High (initial + replacement)	High	Balanced and clean
DIY Mineral Mix	Low (manual)	Very Low	High	Depends on balance; can be an acquired taste
Himalayan Salt	Medium (manual)	Very Low	Very Low	Can become salty very easily
Alkaline Pitcher	Medium (manual)	Moderate	Low	Focused on pH, less on comprehensive minerals

Conclusion

Whether you prioritize convenience, cost, or precise mineral control, there is an effective method to turn filtered water into mineral water. For ultimate simplicity and consistent results, integrating a remineralization cartridge into your existing filtration system is the best approach. For more control and budget-friendliness, a DIY mineral mix or high-quality mineral drops are excellent alternatives. Regardless of the method you choose, restoring essential minerals to your water is a simple step towards better taste and potential hydration benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, adding food-grade minerals is a safe practice. It is crucial to use high-quality, food-grade ingredients and follow recommended dosage guidelines to ensure a balanced and safe final product.

Reverse osmosis is an excellent filtration method that removes contaminants, but it also strips the water of its dissolved minerals. This process leaves the water with a "flat" or tasteless quality, which is restored by remineralization.

If using drops or a DIY mix, minerals should be added to each batch of water you intend to drink. For a continuous supply, a reverse osmosis system with a built-in remineralization filter adds minerals automatically as water is dispensed.

Key minerals often targeted for reintroduction include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These electrolytes are crucial for bodily functions like hydration, bone health, and muscle function.

Alkaline pitchers can add some minerals and raise the water's pH, but they are generally less effective at precisely controlling mineral levels than specialized remineralization cartridges or concentrated drops. They are more focused on pH balance than comprehensive remineralization.

Filtered water is tap water processed to remove impurities, potentially stripping it of minerals. Mineral water originates from natural springs and contains naturally occurring, consistent levels of minerals, and is bottled at the source.

Yes, adding electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium back into water can improve its ability to hydrate the body effectively. These minerals are vital for regulating water balance at a cellular level.

Yes. It's important to follow dosage instructions when using drops or to be precise with DIY mixes. Adding excessive amounts of minerals, particularly sodium from salt, can lead to negative health effects.