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Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification systems are becoming increasingly popular because they remove impurities such as chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and bacteria. They also make drinking water taste better than tap water.
However, RO water has its disadvantages. Some say that it removes minerals from the water, making it unhealthy to drink. Others claim that it causes health problems such as kidney stones and stomach ulcers.
I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about reverse osmosis water, especially what is the disadvantages of reverse osmosis water.
Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration
There are several disadvantages to using reverse osmosis water filtration. Here are some disadvantages of RO water filtration.
Reverse Osmosis wastes a lot of water
One of the biggest disadvantages of using a RO system is wasting too much water. Various studies show different RO units can lose up to 20 times as much as they produce. This not only wastes precious resources but results in higher utility bills for consumers who may already pay some of the highest rates in the country.
Removes Healthy Minerals
Reverse osmosis filters remove healthy minerals from your drinking supply. These minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, bromide, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate, and silica. You may notice that your tap water tastes slightly different after installing a reverse osmosis water filtering system.
Slower Filtration Process
Another big downside to reverse osmosis water filtering systems is that it takes longer for your water to be filtered. Most reverse osmosis water filters require 30 minutes or more to filter your water. That means that you will have to wait for your water to be purified before you drink it.
Reverse Osmosis is more expensive
Reverse osmosis is more expensive than regular water filtration methods. You may also find that the water produced by reverse osmosis is more acidic than regular tap water.
The water is usually acidic
A third disadvantage is that reverse osmosis water tends to become acidic. Acidic water can cause corrosion problems in pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Some critical contaminants are not removed
Reverse osmosis water doesn’t remove certain contaminants. There are two types of contaminants that reverse osmosis does not remove: heavy metals and radioactive elements. Heavy metal contaminants include lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, and iron. Radioactive elements include radium, strontium, cesium, iodine, plutonium, americium, and uranium.
Reverse Osmosis is more difficult to install and maintain
Installing and maintaining a reverse osmosis water filtration system is more difficult than using a standard gravity-fed water filtration system. You’ll also need to replace the filters more frequently.
Requires More Frequent Filter Cartridge Replacements
Reverse Osmoses require frequent filter cartridge replacements. Also, if you live in an area where electricity is scarce or unreliable, then you might not be able to run your reverse osmosis system.
May Require Electricity
Another important consideration is whether or not you have electricity available to run your reverse osmosis system. You should only buy a reverse osmosis system if you have access to power. Otherwise, you might end up paying more for your water than you would if you were buying bottled water.
Clogging
Clogged reverse osmosis filters can cause serious problems. If you notice any signs of clogs, such as slow flow rates, increased pressure, excessive foaming, or discoloration, then you should contact your local plumber immediately.
FAQs
Is it good to drink RO water?
Yes, reverse osmotic (RO) filters do not actually filter out any significant amount of calcium from water, but they do eliminate harmful nitrate levels along with them. RO systems also help prevent certain kinds of illnesses because they don’t allow bacteria into the water.
Is RO water better than bottled water?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) wins in terms of its ability to produce high-purity drinking water. It’s also better for the environment because it doesn’t use plastic bottles. And finally, it costs less than bottled water. So the answer is clear.
Does reverse osmosis water dehydrate you?
While some studies suggest that reverse osmosis purified water may be less hydrating than untreated tap or bottled water, most studies show that it is not significantly different from either type of water.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems are among the most popular methods of removing impurities from tap water.
However, there are several disadvantages associated with RO water purification systems. In fact, there are even more advantages to using an RO system than disadvantages.