Is RO Water Good For You? Advantages & Disadvantages [2025]

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a method of filtering water that removes many contaminants, including heavy metals and sediments like chlorine, salt, viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. This process works by pushing water through a semi-permeable or synthetic membrane.

Although reverse osmosis water is considered one of the cleanest forms of water, along with removing potentially harmful compounds, it also removes important minerals from water. Below, we've outlined the benefits and health risks that come from drinking reverse osmosis water.

How RO Filters Work

RO filters purify water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane under high pressure, removing contaminants and dissolved solids.

3 Key Steps in the RO Filtration Process:

1. Pre-filtration:

Water first passes through pre-filters, such as sediment and carbon filters [1]. These remove larger particles (like dirt and rust) and chemicals (like chlorine) that could damage or clog the RO membrane.

2. Reverse Osmosis Filtration

A high-pressure pump applies force to the water, pushing it against a semipermeable membrane.

This membrane has extremely tiny pores (about 0.0001 microns) that allow only water molecules to pass through, while blocking dissolved salts, heavy metals, PFAS, fluoride, arsenic, and many other contaminants [2].

The clean water that passes through is called the permeate, while the contaminants are left behind and flushed away as wastewater.

3. Post-Filtration (Optional):

Some systems include additional carbon or specialty filters after the membrane to further improve taste, remove odors, or target specific contaminants like VOCs or pharmaceuticals [3].



What Is Removed From Water by Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis filters remove:

• Organic matter
• Sediment
• Sodium
• Copper
• Lead
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Metal ions
• Aqueous salts
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fluoride
• Arsenic
• Chlorine
• Nitrate
• Trihalomethane levels

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Beneficial to Your Health?

There are two answers to this question. Some believe drinking reverse osmosis water is unsuitable for long-term use and could negatively impact health. Others believe that RO water is beneficial because it's purified and free from harmful compounds that could cause illness and disease.

Reverse Osmosis Water Benefits

1. Fewer Contaminants

RO systems are famous for their ability to remove a wide range of contaminants from water.

They can eliminate up to 98–99% of dissolved salts (ions), particles, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, chlorine, and some pesticides [2]. The effectiveness makes RO one of the most powerful filtration methods for home use.

2. Clean Water on Demand

You can install RO systems directly at your kitchen tap (point-of-use), for the whole house (point-of-entry), or use a countertop device. You won't have to rely on bottled water or boil/chemically treat the water from your tap.

Many modern RO systems also come with dedicated faucets, making it easy to access clean water for drinking, cooking, or even making baby formula.

3. Softer Water

Hard water, with high levels of calcium and magnesium, builds up scale in pipes, appliances, and fixtures, leading to inefficiency and costly repairs. R

Reverse osmosis effectively removes these minerals, resulting in softer water. This device not only protects your plumbing but also improves the taste and appearance of your tap water.

4. Reduced Risk of Illness and Disease

RO filtration provides a strong barrier against waterborne pathogens, including bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses (e.g., norovirus), and protozoa (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium) [4].

It's an effective method for reducing the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses and other health issues associated with contaminated water.

Side Effects of RO Water

1. Flat Taste

One of the biggest disadvantages of reverse osmosis water is that it may have an unusual taste. Due to the fact that it removes water minerals, water treated this way can taste flat. Sometimes, the reverse osmosis process can also give water a fishy smell.

Drinking demineralized water over time has been linked with potential health risks, including mineral imbalance, increased risk of certain diseases, and issues like tiredness or muscle cramps [5].

After filtration, adding mineral drops to your RO water can restore essential minerals, improving both taste and nutritional value. This is a simple way to ensure your water supports overall health and hydration.

2. Dehydration Risks

Since RO water has no electrolytes and typically has a lower pH level, it’s often believed to be less effective in hydrating the body compared to alkaline or mineral-rich water.

During the RO process, essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium are removed along with contaminants. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting nerve function, muscle contraction, and overall hydration.

Now, drinking demineralized water over time may not directly dehydrate you, but it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, potentially affecting metabolism, bone health, and even cardiovascular function.

That’s why remineralizing RO water with drops is essential—not only to enhance its taste but also to replenish vital nutrients that support hydration and overall health. By adding these back, you can enjoy the purity benefits of RO filtration without sacrificing the essential nutrients your body relies on.

3. Health Implications

Because RO water is demineralized, it lacks essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. One study that compared processed RO water with regular water found that RO water had lower levels of total dissolved solids (measured with a TDS meter), hardness, and fluoride. The result was a higher rate of dental caries for people who drank RO water [6].

To address this, you can use remineralization drops in your RO water. They will replenish important minerals, enhancing taste and nutritional value. This helps maintain better dental and bone health while still enjoying the benefits of purified water.

Should You Drink Reverse Osmosis Water?

Reverse osmosis remains one of the best methods for removing harmful contaminants from drinking water. But, its thorough filtration also removes essential minerals your body needs, leaving the water flat in taste and less effective for hydration and mineral balance.

The answer is to drink RO water, but after restoring what was lost.

MAYU Essential Minerals offers a simple, effective way to replenish vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your RO water. With just a few drops, you can enjoy water that’s not only pure but also rich, balanced, and better for your overall well-being.