4 Alternatives to Reverse Osmosis for Better Tasting Water
Updated February 1, 2024.
Ever thought there could be a better, healthier way to purify your drinking water than reverse osmosis? A method that not only purifies but also improves the taste and hydrating power of your water? It's time to explore four game-changing alternatives to reverse osmosis.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Reverse of Osmosis
Reverse osmosis, a common technology used to purify drinking water, forces water through a membrane, eradicating most contaminants. It's highly effective, eliminating around 90% - 99% of uranium and other impurities, including those referred to as 'Total Dissolved Solids' (TDS), such as salt, bacteria, chemicals, and minerals.
However, reverse osmosis is not without its drawbacks. It's costly, and it does not remove some common pollutants like certain dissolved gases, organic volatile compounds, pesticides, herbicides, radon, and chlorine. Critically, it strips the water of beneficial minerals, resulting in less hydrating and potentially stale-tasting water.
Here are the 4 best alternatives to RO:
4 Alternatives to Reverse Osmosis
- Structured Water
- Activated Carbon Filters
- Distillation
- Ultraviolet Disinfection
1. Structured Water
Structured water offers a hydration-boosting alternative to reverse osmosis. It mimics the purity of uncontaminated natural water found in glaciers, free of chemicals, and promotes deep cellular hydration. Structured water is healthier than tap or bottled water; because it is easily absorbed into the body, it provides better hydration, and can even strengthen your immunity. The MAYU Swirl pitcher offers a solution that effectively transforms ordinary tap water into softer, silkier water that your body immediately responds to.
When drinking RO water, consider trying MAYU Water's Electrolyte Drops to replenish the electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, and other minerals) removed during filtration. Using Mayu's Electrolyte drops is a healthy and effective alternative to sugary electrolyte drinks.
2. Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are a safe and affordable way to filter water. They inhibit bacterial growth by trapping contaminants and allowing only smaller particles to pass through.
While activated carbon filters are affordable, their capacity to bind and remove contaminates is limited. They cannot remove dissolved solids, sediments, viruses, or bacteria. Also, their lifespan is limited by the filter's adsorption capacity and the amount of contaminants in the water being filtered.
3. Distillation
Distillation is a powerful purification process. It vaporizes water and condenses it back into liquid, removing many contaminants without relying on a filter.
Distillation does have its share of disadvantages, however. The process is time-consuming and requires significant maintenance. Additionally, it's not practical for home use and, like reverse osmosis, removes many beneficial minerals.
» Learn how to drink more water
4. Ultraviolet Disinfection
Ultraviolet disinfection exposes water to UV light, eliminating a wide range of microorganisms. This method is environmentally friendly, low-energy, and requires minimal maintenance.
Because ultraviolet disinfection only targets the microorganisms, minerals present in the water will remain. However, UV water systems are not filtration systems. That means they do not remove heavy metals, dissolved particulates, or killed microorganisms from the treated water.
» What's better for water storage? Glass or plastic
Clear Your Way to Healthier, Tastier Water
While reverse osmosis is a widespread method for water purification, it's not without its shortcomings, notably the removal of essential minerals and potentially prohibitive cost. But with the alternatives like structured water, activated carbon filters, distillation, or ultraviolet disinfection, you have multiple paths to cleaner, healthier, and tastier water.
The question now is, armed with these insights, which water purification method will you choose for better-tasting and healthier water?
