Should You Add Anything to Reverse Osmosis Water?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking water that is highly demineralized—which reverse osmosis (RO) produces—may have a negative effect on the human body. This is because while RO effectively removes up to 99.9% of contaminants, it also strips out beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Quick Summary

Reverse osmosis water is extremely pure but lacks the beneficial minerals stripped during filtration, which can impact taste and health. It is recommended to remineralize RO water to restore these essential elements and achieve a better pH balance and flavor.

Key Points

• RO removes minerals: The reverse osmosis process filters out both contaminants and beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.

• Remineralization improves taste: Adding minerals back can restore the natural, crisp flavor often missing from plain RO water.

• Balance pH levels: RO water can be slightly acidic; remineralization helps balance the pH to a more neutral or slightly alkaline level.

• Replenish electrolytes: Remineralizing water ensures you get essential electrolytes that support bodily functions and overall hydration.

• Numerous remineralization options: Methods range from convenient inline filters and mineral drops to natural infusions with fruits and herbs.

• A balanced diet can compensate: While remineralization offers convenience, a healthy diet is the primary source of minerals, so plain RO water is not inherently harmful.

• Consistency and quality are key: Manual methods like drops or salts require consistent dosing, while high-quality inline filters provide an automated, set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Why Reverse Osmosis Water Needs Remineralization

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semipermeable membrane to effectively filter out dissolved salts, chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. The result is exceptionally pure water, free from many common contaminants found in tap water. However, this intensive filtration process removes virtually all dissolved solids, including beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that are essential for human health.

The lack of minerals affects both the taste and pH of the water. Many people describe un-remineralized RO water as tasting 'flat' or 'bland,' as minerals contribute significantly to the mouthfeel and flavor. Furthermore, with the mineral buffers removed, RO water is slightly acidic (with a pH often ranging from 5.0 to 7.0), and it can become even more so by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. While this mild acidity is not harmful to drink, remineralizing the water can help achieve a more neutral or slightly alkaline pH level, which many users prefer for both taste and potential health benefits.

The Health Implications of Demineralized Water

Research suggests that long-term consumption of demineralized water may have adverse effects, primarily due to the loss of essential minerals. The human body relies on minerals, which are more bioavailable and easily absorbed from water than from food alone. Cooking with demineralized water can also pull minerals out of food, further decreasing nutrient intake. While a balanced diet can compensate for the mineral loss, remineralizing your drinking water provides an additional, reliable source of these critical electrolytes for bodily functions such as bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling.

Methods for Adding Minerals Back to RO Water

Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods to restore the mineral content of reverse osmosis water.

• Inline Remineralization Filters: The most convenient and consistent method. This cartridge is installed after the RO membrane and automatically adds a balanced blend of minerals back into the water as it flows to the faucet.
• Mineral Drops: Concentrated liquid mineral supplements, often containing trace minerals, can be added manually to a glass, bottle, or pitcher of water. This method offers precise control over dosage but requires consistency.
• Mineral Stones or Beads: Placing specially designed ceramic beads or mineral stones in a water pitcher will slowly release minerals over time. This offers a natural, passive approach, though the mineral content may be less concentrated.
• Alkaline Water Pitchers: These pitchers contain filters with mineral media that can raise the water's pH and add some minerals. However, they may not be as effective for full-spectrum remineralization as a dedicated inline filter.
• Mineral-Rich Salts: Adding a tiny pinch of natural salt, such as Himalayan pink salt, can introduce trace minerals. It is important to use this method with caution to avoid an overly salty taste and excessive sodium intake.

Comparison of Remineralization Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For	Cost	Maintenance
Inline Remineralization Filter	Fully automatic, consistent mineral delivery, improved taste and pH.	Higher initial cost, requires replacement cartridges.	High-volume household use, ultimate convenience.	$$$	Moderate (filter replacement)
Liquid Mineral Drops	Customizable dosage, portable, ideal for travel or individual use.	Manual process, ongoing purchase cost, potential for inaccurate dosage.	Individuals, controlled dosing, travel.	$$	Low (daily manual addition)
Mineral Stones/Beads	Natural, low-effort once set up, eco-friendly.	Slow process, lower and less predictable mineral content.	Minimal effort, subtle remineralization.	$-$$	Low (periodic cleaning/replacement)
Alkaline Pitchers	Portable, accessible price point, improves taste.	Limited remineralization, requires frequent filter changes.	Small volume, improving taste, casual use.	$$	Moderate (filter replacement)
Natural Salts (Himalayan)	Very low cost, natural source.	Difficult to dose precisely, risk of overly salty taste, high sodium content.	Budget-conscious individuals, occasional taste enhancement.	$	Low (manual addition)

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Your Water

Ultimately, whether you add anything to your reverse osmosis water depends on your personal preferences, dietary habits, and health priorities. For those who want the purest water possible without any additives, it's perfectly safe to do so, provided you obtain essential minerals from a balanced diet. However, if you prefer water that tastes crisp and natural, or if you want to ensure your water contributes to your overall mineral intake, remineralization is a simple and effective process. For the most convenient, reliable, and consistent results, integrating an inline remineralization filter into your RO system is the superior long-term solution. For those seeking more flexibility, mineral drops or natural infusion methods offer a simple way to customize your water on a smaller scale. By understanding the options available, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with drinking water that is not only pure but also balanced and delicious.

Authoritative Link

For more in-depth scientific research on the health risks associated with demineralized water consumption, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides comprehensive guidance in its report, Nutrients in Drinking Water.

Footnotes

Note: The practice of remineralizing water does not perfectly replicate natural mineral water, but it significantly improves the taste and nutritional value of RO water.

References

[1] Finerfilters Ltd. (n.d.). How to Remineralise Reverse Osmosis Water - Finerfilters Ltd. Finerfilters Ltd. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.finerfilters.co.uk/guides/how-to-remineralise-reverse-osmosis-water [2] Times of India. (2020, August 9). Dangers of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. Times of India. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/ezhil/dangers-of-reverse-osmosis-ro-water-24279/ [3] Consensus. (2019, June 5). Is Reverse Osmosis Purified Water Safe to Drink?. Consensus. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://consensus.app/home/blog/is-reverse-osmosis-purified-water-safe-to-drink/ [4] Aquasana. (n.d.). How to Remineralize RO Water. Aquasana. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.aquasana.com/info/how-to-remineralize-ro-water-pd.html [5] Frizzlife. (n.d.). Remineralize RO Water Guide: How to Add Mineral To .... Frizzlife. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.frizzlife.com/blogs/guide/remineralize-ro-water-guide-how-to-add-mineral-to-ro-water [6] Aquasana. (n.d.). The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water. Aquasana. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.aquasana.com/info/the-pros-and-cons-of-reverse-osmosis-filtration-pd.html [7] SimPure. (2025, September 17). How to Add Minerals to RO Water Naturally: 4 Easy Methods!. SimPure. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.simpurelife.com/blogs/blogs/how-to-add-minerals-to-ro-water-naturally [8] Gordon Water Systems. (2022, June 25). How to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water & Its Benefits. Gordon Water Systems. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.gordonwater.com/blog/reverse-osmosis-remineralization/ [9] PubMed Central. (2023, November 20). The Role of Low Mineral Water Consumption in Reducing the .... PubMed Central. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10732328/ [10] Gordon Water Systems. (n.d.). Healthy Hydration: The Impact of Remineralization on Drinking Water .... Gordon Water Systems. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.gordonwater.com/blog/healthy-hydration-the-impact-of-remineralization-on-drinking-water-quality/ [11] Cruiserowaterandpower. (n.d.). Everything You Need to Know About RO Water. Cruiserowaterandpower. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.cruiserowaterandpower.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ro-water/ [12] Chunke Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. (2024, May 23). Do You Need to Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water?. Chunke Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.chunkerowaterplant.com/news/ro-system [13] FloWater. (2024, September 16). How to Easily Add Electrolytes to Your Water At Home. FloWater. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://drinkflowater.com/how-to-easily-add-electrolytes-to-your-water-at-home/ [14] Vitev. (2025, May 16). How to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water: The Top 6 Methods. Vitev. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://vitev.com/blogs/learning-center/how-to-remineralize-reverse-osmosis-water-the-top-6-methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking reverse osmosis water without added minerals unhealthy?

While a balanced diet is the main source of minerals, long-term consumption of demineralized water may have adverse effects. Many health experts agree that remineralizing water is a good practice to ensure consistent mineral intake, but it is not dangerous if your diet is otherwise sufficient in nutrients.

What is the easiest way to remineralize reverse osmosis water?

The easiest way for a consistent, hands-off approach is to install an inline remineralization filter with your reverse osmosis system. This cartridge adds a blend of beneficial minerals back into the water as it passes through, so it comes out of your tap pre-enriched.

How do mineral drops compare to inline filters?

Mineral drops offer greater portability and customization, as you can add the desired amount to each glass. Inline filters, however, provide a more convenient, automated, and consistent level of remineralization for all water coming from your RO tap.

Can I use Himalayan salt to remineralize my water?

Yes, adding a tiny pinch of unprocessed Himalayan pink salt can introduce trace minerals, but it is not a precise method. Use it cautiously to avoid an overly salty taste and to prevent excessive sodium intake.

What kind of minerals should I add back to RO water?

The most important minerals to add are calcium and magnesium, as these are crucial for bone health and cardiovascular function. Many quality mineral supplements and inline filters also include potassium and other trace minerals for a balanced profile.

Why does my reverse osmosis water taste flat?

RO water often tastes flat or bland because the filtration process removes virtually all total dissolved solids, including minerals that contribute to water's taste and mouthfeel. Remineralization can easily restore a more pleasant and natural flavor.

Does remineralizing RO water make it alkaline?

Adding alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium back into RO water will raise its pH, making it less acidic. The final pH level depends on the type and amount of minerals added, with some remineralization systems specifically designed to produce mildly alkaline water.