Know Your H2O
Receive news and insights on the current state and impact of our water and explore the benefits of aerated, mineral-rich water.
Structured waterChoosing the Right Water For Your Plants: Why Structured Water is BestAvid gardeners such as myself often spend hours caring for our plants and keeping them well-hydrated. Although watering plants may seem straightforward, have you thought about the quality of the water you use? Water is crucial for cell support and photosynthesis, yet not all water is created equal, making structured water the best choice for your plants.
Tap water contains chlorine, which damages plant roots and lacks essential minerals. The effect of chlorinated water on plants can be harmful, leading plant lovers to consider alternatives like reverse osmosis (RO) water.
RO is a purification process that removes chemicals, contaminants, and impurities, including chlorine. So, is RO water good for plants? Certainly! RO water is free from heavy metals and contaminants that affect pH levels, providing cleaner hydration for all flora.
Discovering the best water for indoor plants can significantly transform the health of your greenery. While rainwater is the ideal choice, with its H3O2 structure that energizes and hydrates, it must fall in a clean, unpolluted area to genuinely benefit your plants. Unfortunately, this is often unattainable in cities and urban areas.
Structured water, also featuring an H3O2 structure, is comparable to pure rainwater, spring water, and the uncontaminated natural water found in glaciers. Fortunately, this life-giving water can be created from regular water through various processes, providing the best water for house plants.
Benefits of Structured Water to Plants
As a gardener, I was surprised to learn that structured water, a natural phenomenon, has only recently been recognized as a method for enhancing water quality. Not only does it offer amazing benefits to my plants, but also to my own well-being. By utilizing structured water's unique properties, we can provide optimal hydration and nourishment for plant life and ourselves.
Structured water benefits plants as it:
Supports photosynthesis: Structured water boasts a high oxygen content, which is essential for plant life as it plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.Enhances crop yield: Utilizing structured water in agriculture benefits plants and reduces water consumption. Good news, as this means lower bills and greater profits for growers and farmers.Supports growth: The use of structured water can lead to an increase in the number of flowers and potentially enhance their size. In other words, you can expect to see some really big bouquets in the near future!Provides better hydration: Structured water efficiently infiltrates plants' root systems, letting them absorb the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Not to mention it keeps plants looking and feeling their absolute best - just like a daily dose of H2O can do for humans!
» Want to learn more about structured water? Read everything there is to know about it
Making Structured Water for Plants
Plant lovers are always looking for ways to give our leafy friends the best care. One intriguing method is magnetized water, which has made waves in the green-thumbed community. So how do you create this magic formula for plants? By passing water through specially manufactured permanent magnets, you can ionize and activate water molecules, changing their structure into hexagonal water.
Magnetized water has similar benefits for plants as structured water, increasing hydration and supporting overall plant health. Both structured and magnetized water share the same chemical structure (H3O2), with molecules forming a hexagonal cluster, allowing house plants and indoor plants to drink up nutrients and stay happily hydrated. What's more, structured water is wonderfully convenient; you can make it at home in no time.
Plants need structured water to grow and stay healthy. Luckily for us, structured water can easily be made at home with the help of the MAYU Swirl, a vessel designed to transform regular water into nourishing structured water through the process of vortexing.
The swirling motion aerates and rejuvenates the water, helping plants flourish. Plants will thank you with lush growth, beautiful blooms, and improved vitality.
Ensure Both You and Your Plants Are Healthy
As a plant lover, I've found that embracing structured or magnetized water in my plant care routine has made a world of difference, helping me cultivate healthy, happy, and vibrant plants. Adopt this life-giving water and watch your plants transform in amazing ways as they grow and reward you with beauty in return.
Structured waterHow to Make Structured WaterStructured water, also known as hexagonal water, is water where the molecules form a hexagonal cluster. Structured water is said to have very close similarities to pure and uncontaminated water found in natural springs and glacier melts.
We will guide you through the differences between two types of drinking water: structured water and unstructured water. We also explain how to make your own structured water at home.
» Interested in the other types of water? Read about them here
Structured Water vs. Unstructured Water
Unstructured water has a chemical formula of H2O, meaning two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to make up a water molecule. Structured water, on the other hand, has a chemical formula of H3O2, which means that three hydrogen atoms combine with two oxygen atoms to form something chemically different from “normal” water.
Structured waterFormula: H302Denser, heavier, more viscous, and has higher alkalinity levelsWater molecules have a higher electrical charge vital for proper cell functioningWater molecules are more easily absorbed in the cells due to their shapeUnstructured waterFormula: H2OHas a balanced pH of 7Water molecules form irregular angles making it more difficult for the cells to absorbThe size of water molecules may not be as effective for cell absorption and may cause dehydration
Bring Your Water Back to Life
Enhance your water and enjoy the benefits of H3O2 structured water with Mayu Swirl, water structuring carafe.
The MAYU Swirl uses the power of the spiral motion to deliver reoxygenated, rebalanced, and rejuvenated living water that provides long-lasting hydration.
How Mayu Swirl makes your water better:
Restores water structure by allowing it to flow in its natural swirling motionThe movement of water increases pH levels and improves the tasteThe swirling motion aerates the water and infuses fresh oxygen into itVortex accelerates the evaporation of some volatile compounds (chlorine, THMs, CO2, odors, and other VOCs)
Making Your Own Structured Water
The Crystal Method
Crystal water and structured water are believed to be the same thing. Many people suggest that you can create structured water by charging it with crystals such as rose quartz, clear quartz, and amethyst, as they are water-safe. Other than that, you will need a glass jar and some clean water.
Begin by filling your jar with high-quality water and place it where it will get some sunlight—this way, the water will be charged through the crystals and heat energy.Place your crystals in your glass jar and put the lid on if you have one.Leave the crystals and the jar for a couple of hours.You can remove the crystals from the water or leave them in—the choice is yours.
The Funnel Method
This method makes use of a vortex technique—which we will cover in more detail in the section below. You will need a funnel, a smooth stone or crystal that is not a perfect sphere, clean water, and marbles.
Take your funnel and place it over the opening of a glass bottle. Take the smooth crystal or stone and place it into the funnel—but make sure that the hole is not completely blocked. Fill the funnel up to halfway with marbles.Pour your clean water over the marbles, which will create a vortex effect as it runs over them, structuring the water.You should do this a few times for the best effect.
The Copper Method
It is believed that adding a copper plate to your water vessel not only removes impurities from the water but also restores it to its natural, structured state. You will need one clay or steel pot, clean water, a copper plate or sheet that is at least 1 mm thick (just over 1/32 inch), lemon, and salt.
Clean your pot and fill it with high-quality water.Thoroughly scrub both sides of the copper plate with a lemon and salt mixture until any oxidation marks are removed.Rinse the copper plate and wipe it dry.Place the plate into the pot and cover the pot with a lid.Let the water sit for 6-8 hours—or overnight—for best results.Remove the copper plate and use your structured water for drinking and cooking purposes.
Infrared or UV Light Method
It is believed that structured water can be made using ultraviolet or infrared light. You will need a glass jar, clean water, and either a UV or infrared light.
Fill your glass jar with clean water.Plug in your chosen light source and place it so that it’s shining on the glass jar or from above.Leave it on for 3-4 hours.
Can You Make Structured Water in a Blender?
One of the ideas behind making structured water is to vortex it, which charges it and allows it to hold more energy. In nature, vortices are energy accumulators and energy transformers.
A vortex has the ability to restore natural energy patterns to something that has been disturbed or contaminated. Vortices provide the ability to remove all forms of contaminants in water by transforming the electromagnetic frequencies of the water back to their original, healthy state. When water flows through a vortex, de-structured, contaminated, and corrupted water molecules are returned to a structured state.
With that being said, if your blender creates a vortex effect, blending your water may restore it to a structured state. However, water structuring devices are a better choice to guarantee you receive the vortex water benefits.
» Don't know how to remineralize your RO water? See how you can do it
Water at Its Finest
Structured water is found naturally occurring in untouched and uncontaminated water sources. As there are many benefits to structured water, but it's not always easy to access it in nature, many people turn to making their own H3O2 water.
While there are various methods for making structured water at home, one of the easiest and most effective ways is to purchase a water structuring device. The Mayu Swirl is one such device that transforms any water into structured water quickly and effortlessly—giving you peace of mind that your water is truly in its finest state.
» See the vortex effect in action
Water qualityIs RO Water Good For You? Advantages & Disadvantages [2023]Reverse osmosis 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. In this article, we've outlined the benefits and health risks that come from drinking reverse osmosis water.
» Do water filters remove important minerals? Find out here
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, and essential minerals. Reverse osmosis also reduces fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, nitrate, and trihalomethane levels in your drinking water.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Beneficial to Your Health?
There are two answers to this question. While some believe drinking reverse osmosis water is unsuitable for long-term human consumption and could negatively impact human health, others believe that reverse osmosis water is beneficial. This is because RO water is purified and free from potentially harmful compounds that could cause illness and disease.
Advantages of Reverse Osmosis Water
The advantages of reverse osmosis water include the following.
Fewer contaminants
Reverse osmosis filters are very effective and used to treat water on a large scale in wastewater plants and on a small scale in homes. Reverse osmosis removes 98 percent of all contaminants from drinking water.Clean water on demand
Reverse osmosis filters can be fitted directly onto your tap, providing clean drinking water on demand.Softer water
Water with a high mineral content is known as hard water, and it can cause scale buildup in pipes, as well as other issues. Because reverse osmosis removes these minerals, it effectively softens the water and prevents these problems.Reduced Risk of Illness and Disease
Reverse osmosis water removes the potentially harmful microorganisms from water that could cause illness and disease.
Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water
The disadvantages of reverse osmosis water include the following:
Unusual 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.Health implications
As RO water is demineralized, it could be leeching minerals from the body if it hasn't been remineralized in other ways. This could lead to some negative side effects and health issues, as some critics suggest RO water deprives the body of electrolytes.Dehydration Risks
Since RO water has no electrolytes and a lower pH level, it's believed to not be as effective in hydrating the body as alkaline water. This is why it's important to remineralize RO water to get its full effect without cutting back on all the essential minerals our body needs.
Should You Drink Reverse Osmosis Water?
While reverse osmosis does remove bacteria and viruses from water and is a well-established method of purifying water, drinking structured water has several potential advantages over reverse osmosis.
One of the key benefits of structured water is that it's more easily absorbed by the body, providing more effective hydration. Structured water also has a more balanced pH level, which can be good for maintaining your health in general.
Another advantage of structured water is that it retains more of the natural minerals and nutrients present in water, whereas RO can remove minerals that kill viruses and perform other beneficial processes in the body.
» Get the benefits of structured water with Mayu Swirl
Wine aerationWine Aerator vs. Decanter: Key Differences & BenefitsFor those of us who love wine, understanding the difference between an aerator and a decanter is an essential part of our wine education.
While both techniques help "open up" the flavor profile of the wine by exposing it to oxygen and serve the same purpose of enhancing flavor, they have different processes and benefits. Knowing how and when to use each one properly will ensure you get the most out of your wines.
» Can all wines be aerated? See if you should aerate cheap wines
Wine Aerator
An aerator is essentially any device or method that invigorates wine with oxygen to release its aroma and flavor. Although this can include simply swirling the wine in a glass, using a special aerator tool is recommended for getting the full benefits of this method. We aerate wine to soften tannins and help integrate flavors, resulting in a smoother and more balanced taste.
If you want to enjoy a glass of the finest red or white wine at home, you might want to consider investing in an aerator, which is designed to instantly aerate wine by passing it through a nozzle.
In general, aerators are best suited for wines that are heavy-bodied and tannic, like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Nebbiolo, to name a few. These wines are described as "closed" or "tight," and the aerator helps open them up, allowing the flavors and aromas to be more prominent.
Most white wines as well as more fragile vintages don't need to be aerated.
How To Use It
To properly use a wine aerator, follow these steps:
Remove the stopper or cork from the bottle of wine.Place the aerator device on top of the bottle, ensuring it's securely attached.Pour the wine slowly into a glass and watch as the aerator mixes in oxygen to the wine.Enjoy your newly aerated glass of wine!
Benefits
Aerators are convenient and ideal for single glasses of wineThey're inconspicuous, easy to clean, and simple to storeThey aerate wine instantaneously
» Learn more about aerating wine without a decanter
Wine Decanter
While a decanter does aerate wine, it's primarily a vessel used to separate any sediment from the wine before it's served.
Decanters are made of glass or crystal and feature a wide base that gradually tapers to a narrower neck, allowing for easy pouring of wine. Most wine decanters have a spout at the top of the neck, which helps control the flow of wine when pouring. The wide body provides ample space for the wine to swirl, allowing oxygen to mix with the liquid and resulting in a significantly more balanced taste.
A decanter should be used when decanting young or strong red wines with harsh tannins. It's definitely a good idea to decant Bordeaux, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec wines.
While reds generally have more sediment than whites, decanting can benefit most types of wine, except sparkling wine. Bubbly wines should never be decanted, as they need their "bouncy" effervescence to stay fresh.
How To Use It
Remove the cork carefully from the bottle of wine.Place the decanter on a flat surface and begin pouring the wine slowly into the decanter in one motion, making sure any sediment stays in the bottle. If you see any trace of sediment, stop pouring. Through this process of decanting, you've already started aerating the wine. Depending on the type and age of the wine, allow it to sit for a few more minutes before serving to let it breathe before you drink.
Benefits
Decanters can be used to aerate larger batches at onceThey remove sediment from older wines and aerate younger wines
Aerate Your Wine to Get the Most Out of It
Taking the time to understand when to use an aerator and a decanter will help bring out the best qualities of each bottle of wine, allowing you to savor every sip. And if you're looking to further improve your wine-drinking experience, the Mayu Swirl can serve as your alternative to wine decanters, helping you easily aerate your wines. This way, you'll be able to get the most out of your wine and aerate like a professional.
» Elevate your wine-drinking experience with Mayu Swirl
Wine aeration5 Pro Tips on Aerating Wine for Great Taste & AromaThe love of wine is an undeniable part of our culture, so it's no surprise wine drinkers are always interested in finding ways to deepen their appreciation of their favorite wine. One way we can achieve this is by aerating wines before drinking them.
Wine aeration is the process of exposing the wine to oxygen, letting it "breathe" to enhance its flavor profile. Aeration can be achieved by pouring the wine into a vessel or swirling the wine in a glass to initiate oxidation and convert ethanol into acetaldehyde. As a result, the color becomes more concentrated, aromas and flavors are enhanced, and the bouquet is more appealing. Oxidation also helps evaporate some of the alcohol in the wine, resulting in a smoother taste. Follow these five pro tips on aerating wine to unlock the full potential of your wine.
» Learn whether you should aerate cheap wines
1. Consider the Effects of Aeration on Different Wine Types
When we let the wine breathe, the oxygen breaks down a phenolic compound called tannins. Tannins are found more abundant in red wine, giving it astringency—that puckering sensation in the mouth while you drink. In younger reds, this can be quite harsh and bitter, but aerating wine can soften the tannins.
In general, 10 to 20 minutes of aeration should be enough to soften the tannins in most red wines, while more full-bodied reds require up to an hour of aeration to round out the tannins.
2. Pay Attention to Volume
The volume of wine plays a role in the aeration process. When you open a bottle of wine, it's only natural that some air will enter it and some degree of oxidation will occur. However, this doesn't affect the entire bottle of wine, but only the top layer. If you're planning on serving the entire bottle, we recommend pouring it into an aerator.
If you only want to aerate a glass of wine, simply pour the wine into the glass, give it a swirl, and let it sit for about 15 minutes before drinking.
» Wine aerator vs. decanter: see the difference
3. Don't Forget to Check the Time
The difference between aerating younger and older wines is that younger wines usually benefit from more exposure to oxygen, while older wines require less exposure. So, it's crucial that you time it carefully.
While aerating younger wines, the goal is to open up the aromas and flavors of the wine by allowing oxygen to interact with the tannins and other harsher elements in the wine longer. When it comes to older wines, too much exposure to oxygen can damage their delicate flavors and balance, so it’s best to aerate them for no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
However, over-oxidation can be harmful to all wines, causing them to become flat and lose their color and personality. So, don't be overzealous with aerating your wine.
4. Try an Aerating Device
As we mentioned earlier, aerating wine in the bottle is a slow and ineffective method, which is why aerators can come in handy to increase oxygen exposure. When exposed to more air, wine releases its flavors faster, which cuts aeration time and lets you enjoy your wine sooner.
Aerating devices can help do the following:
Soften tannins and reduce astringency in red winesMimic the aging process in younger wines and cheaper winesHelp evaporate certain sulfites and ethanol compounds to reduce hangover symptoms like headaches and nausea
5. Use a Modern Decanter
Our final pro tip is to make use of a modern decanter. Decanting is the process of separating a liquid from solid particles, so it allows for any sediment to settle out of the wine. While these sediments are safe to consume, discarding the gritty particles will make your wine more enjoyable to drink.
Aerate Wine Like a Pro With Mayu Swirl
After aeration, wine is known to have a smoother and more complex flavor. If you're looking for an easy way to aerate wine to further enhance your wine-drinking experience, products like Mayu Swirl are just what you need. In just a few simple steps, the Swirl will improve the taste of your favorite wine.
» Elevate your wine-drinking experience with Mayu Swirl
Wine aeration3 Reasons Why Aerating Wine Enhances Its Aroma and Flavor ProfileAny oenologist, wine connoisseur, and sommelier worth their salt will attest to the importance of aeration in wine-making.
Aeration is a process that involves exposing the wine to oxygen to enhance its taste and develop its complexity. The oxidation causes chemical reactions that can alter the flavor profile of the wine, soften tannins, and release aromas, while the evaporation of harsher compounds reduces any bitter flavors that may have developed during the aging process. In this blog, we'll discuss three reasons why the process of aeration with a wine aerator or decanter affects the flavor and aroma of your wine.
» Wine aerator vs. decanter: see the difference
1. Wine Reaches Its Peak Sooner
By introducing oxygen to the wine, a wine aerator speeds up the evaporation process and helps the wine release its full aroma sooner. Rather than letting the wine breathe on its own, an aerator speeds up the oxidation process to allow you to enjoy the full bouquet of flavor right away. In addition, using an aerator also removes the sediments and any other impurities that can detract from the flavor of the wine.
2. Volatile Compounds Are Eliminated
Aeration enhances the wine's flavor by speeding up the evaporation of volatile compounds, which are molecules in the wine that can contribute to bad hangover symptoms as well as compromised taste and quality. The leading culprits in this regard are:
Sulfites – preservatives found in wine that help protect against spoilage. Although they're a natural byproduct of the fermentation process, some wines are further preserved by added sulfites. These can compromise the flavor by giving the wine an overly smoky aroma.Hydrogen sulfide – an undesirable byproduct in the wine fermentation process that gives off a strong, rotten egg smell.Ethanol compounds - the intoxicating ingredient of wine. When aerated, these compounds evaporate slightly, reducing the effects of hangover and alcohol on the body.Tannins - natural compounds found in red wine responsible for its astringent and bitter taste. While tannins are essential for the structure, flavor, and color of red wine, they can cause more severe hangover symptoms. Aeration speeds up the oxidation process and breaks down the tannins in the wine, making it more supple and less headache-inducing.
3. Underlying Flavors Are Elevated
The process of aerating wine is essential to the overall tasting experience. When exposed to oxygen, the molecules in the wine interact with each other, allowing for a fuller expression of the flavor profile.
You can access a wider variety of subtle and complex notes that may be hidden underneath the more pronounced textures and aromas. Aeration also rounds out the tannins in the wine, which could otherwise make it harsh on the palate.
Aeration can also work wonders for cheaper wines, which have a reputation for being dull and flavorless. Many inexpensive wines have fruity and floral notes or smoky and earthy undertones that are just waiting to be unlocked by adding a bit of air.
» Unlock your wine's full aroma with our wine aeration tips
Enhance the Wine's Flavor Profile With Aeration
Aerators will help you get the most out of your favorite wine, be it red or white wine, mature or young. Introducing the aeration process into your wine appreciation routine is quick and simple to do. To make wine aeration even easier, products like the Mayu Swirl will provide the perfect amount of oxygen to any type or quantity of wine you desire.
» Elevate your wine-drinking experience with Mayu Swirl
Wine aerationThe Science Behind Swirling Wine & How to Do ItDrinking wine is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself, but there’s more to it than just popping the cork and pouring a glass. Learning about wine-enhancing techniques like swirling will bring your wine-drinking experience to a whole new level.
Swirling helps oxygenate the wine and soften tannins, which can mellow any bitterness in the wine's taste. Not only does this make the wine taste better, but it also allows you to appreciate the nuances of the wine's flavor and aroma even more.
» Unlock your wine's full flavor with our wine aeration tips
Understanding The Science of Swirling
When wine is swirled, the moving liquid generates kinetic energy as its molecules move faster and collide with each other, slightly increasing the temperature as well. This breaks the surface tension and allows more air to enter the wine and form air bubbles, infusing the wine with oxygen, which is essential for converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, a chemical that deepens the wine's color and flavor.
Swirling wine enhances evaporation and releases more of its aromatic compounds, although the wine's aroma also depends on the structure and character of the grape. Aerating the wine brings out hidden nuances in the flavor and wine bouquet, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the wine's personality.
While red wines have more berry and spice smells, white wines feature citrus and flowery notes.
» Learn why aeration improves the wine's aroma
Wine Glass Shape for Optimal Swirling
To enhance your wine-tasting experience, you have to choose the correct glass shape for swirling. To do so, consider the following aspects:
The best glass shape for swirling has large drinking glass bowl diameters with an increased wetted sidewall area to improve the swirling velocity and release more aromas. The glass should be no more than one-third full, so the wine can be swirled without spilling.
How to Swirl Like a Pro
It's impossible to say what the perfect technique is for swirling your wine since everyone's technique is unique. Although there are various tips for aerating wine for improved taste, the most important thing is to keep the speed of the swirl consistent so that the wine has enough time to interact with the oxygen in the glass and release its aromas.
However, too much swirling can cause the wine to become over-aerated and lose its flavor, so it's important to find the right balance.
Follow these steps to effectively swirl your wine in a glass:
Pour a small amount of wine into a glass, no more than one-third full Place the glass firmly on a tableHold your glass with your dominant hand by placing your thumb and forefinger on the glass stemMake a small, circular motion so that the wine flows along the sides of the glass while keeping the base of the glass on the tableMaintain this swirling motion for 20-30 seconds, then stop and observe the legs that form on the side of the glassSmell the aromas released from the swirling
Your wine is now aerated even without a decanter, and you're all set for that first sip!
» Wine aerator vs. decanter: see the difference
Get the Most Out of Your Wine With Mayu Swirl
While swirling may be an adequate way to oxygenate wine, you may want to step up your wine appreciation with an aerator. Using these devices, you can rapidly saturate your wine with oxygen in whatever volume you like. Products like the Mayu Swirl will aerate your wine efficiently while filtering sediments and other unwanted particles, enhancing your overall wine experience.
» Elevate your wine-drinking experience with Mayu Swirl
Filtering water4 Considerations to Make When Choosing a Reverse Osmosis SystemReverse osmosis water is considered one of the cleanest forms of water. There are many benefits to reverse osmosis water, as these systems remove up to 99% of lead, asbestos, and 82 other water contaminants. Installing a reverse osmosis system in your home ensures you always have access to quality water that's safe from bacteria, parasites, chlorine, heavy metals, and other potentially harmful contaminants, which is essential in areas with unsafe drinking water.
Although an RO filter is a great investment, it can be tricky to choose the perfect system for your household. To help you make the best choice, below we've outlined four important things to consider before you choose a reverse osmosis system for your home.
» Learn the health benefits of reverse osmosis water
1. Good Balance of Cost and Quality
One of the first aspects you'll need to think about is your reverse osmosis system budget. RO systems can be quite pricey, but it's worth spending a little more to get the desired results. The more expensive systems often feature more stages, or the number of filters used. They also have the ability to filter larger volumes of water at a time and have added features like autoflush.
Some of the more high-end RO filters are also able to add valuable nutrients back to the drinking water after the potentially harmful ones have been filtered out. On the other hand, as with any other product, the RO systems on the lower end of the price range might leave you feeling disappointed. They could be made from cheap materials that don't last or filter properly. When it comes to the mid-range systems, they function well enough to get the job done properly, but the higher-end options come with some added nice-to-have features.
2. Water Pressure
When choosing your water filter, you'll need to know you have sufficient water pressure for a reverse osmosis system to function properly. The ideal water pressure for an RO system is 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Any pressure below 40 PSI is considered insufficient, and you'll likely need to boost your water with a pressure booster pump. Low water pressure will result in the RO system filtering less water at a reduced quality.
» RO vs. water softener: learn which is better for drinking
3. City Water vs. Well Water
When looking to install a reverse osmosis system, you should also know whether you'll be using it to filter city water or well water.
City Water
City water is supplied from local treatment plants, and it primarily comes from surface or groundwater supplies. The water that enters the treatment plants may contain all sorts of contaminants like arsenic, herbicides, pesticides, parasites, bacteria, and heavy metals. Once it's in the treatment plant, chlorine is added to disinfect the drinking water. Reverse osmosis is a good option for drinking water supplied from the city because it could contain potentially harmful substances that your RO system will remove.
Well Water
Although most wells get their water from underground aquifers, well water is still susceptible to impurities like microorganisms, nitrate, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Well water isn't treated with chlorine, but reverse osmosis is still a good choice for removing all these potentially harmful substances.
» RO water vs. tap filter water: learn which is safer for drinking
4. Dangers of Reverse Osmosis Water
While reverse osmosis is highly efficient at removing contaminants and harmful compounds from drinking water, it has its downfalls. Reverse osmosis filtration also removes essential minerals from tap water, including sodium, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and copper.
As some of these minerals are actually good for you, consuming demineralized water can have negative side effects and even cause health issues, as your body doesn't get the nutrients it needs from drinking water. Consuming RO water that's been stripped of minerals for a long period of time can lead to various problems, including gastrointestinal issues. To avoid these dangers, you should remineralize your RO water with solutions like Mayu's Essential Mineral Drops.
Adding minerals back to water in the form of drops is among the healthiest ways to remineralize your RO water, and Mayu's Essential Mineral Drops are a convenient way to reap the benefits of RO water without having to worry about the potential dangers.
Choose Your RO System Wisely
Installing a reverse osmosis system is a great way to ensure you have clean, uncontaminated water. However, it's important to carefully consider the factors that play a role in picking the perfect filter that will improve your water quality while suiting your specific needs.
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, the most important thing to keep in mind is that RO water doesn't contain any minerals and should be remineralized to provide the essential minerals your drinking water should have. Mayu's Essential Mineral Drops are an easy way to achieve this and reap all the benefits of RO water in your home.
Filtering waterReverse Osmosis vs. Water Softener: Which Is Better for Drinking?A new year usually means new goals too, especially when it comes to your health. One of the ways to ensure you're staying on top of your health is by drinking cleaner water in your home. Two common options for improving your home water quality are reverse osmosis filters and water softeners.
However, these play two different roles in the water treatment process. While reverse osmosis systems filter the water with the use of a membrane, water softeners soften the water by removing certain minerals. Choosing between reverse osmosis and a water softener can be confusing, so we've outlined the essentials of each method to help you make an informed decision.
» Reverse osmosis vs. water softener: learn whether you need both
Reverse Osmosis
The reverse osmosis system works to purify your water by using a semi-permeable membrane to filter any contaminants in the water. This filter pushes water under high pressure through the membrane, where its tiny pores remove up to 99% of lead, asbestos, and 82 other contaminants like chlorine, mercury, arsenic, microplastics, salt, herbicides, pesticides, dissolved minerals, and other chemicals. The reverse osmosis system is also a great idea if your water has an unpleasant taste or smell, in addition to being effective at softening hard water.
Benefits of Using a Reverse Osmosis System
Better-tasting water: RO water typically tastes better than tap water because the reverse osmosis system filters out the minerals and contaminants that make the water taste bad.Removed chemicals: Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing unwanted contaminants in drinking water. It works to filter out most bacteria, parasites, chemicals, heavy metals, and organic compounds thanks to its efficient filtering membrane.Healthier water: RO water has various health benefits because it contains no harmful contaminants that could cause health issues, like parasites and heavy metals.Environmentally friendly: Reverse osmosis is one of the greenest solutions for filtering water because it doesn't use any chemicals to clean the water, and there's no single-use plastic involved in the process.
However, despite the benefits outlined above, reverse osmosis water results in water that's completely free of minerals, even those minerals from tap water that may be healthy. As there are some essential minerals your drinking water should have, reverse osmosis water should be remineralized to add these back. As one of the healthiest ways to remineralize your RO water, consider using Essential Mineral Drops to get the job done.
By adding minerals to your water in the form of drops, you'll be opting for a simple way to ensure you're getting all the health benefits your body needs from your drinking water.
Water Softener
Water softeners work to reduce the hardness of your water by removing certain minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause the water to be hard and replacing them with ones that make it softer. As opposed to reverse osmosis, water softeners do preserve some minerals in water that are good for you.
Water softeners use an ion exchange process. The resin beads inside the water softener trap calcium and magnesium molecules and replace them with sodium and potassium. Once the resin beads are full of calcium and magnesium, a very concentrated sodium or potassium solution removes the hard minerals from the beads.
Benefits of Using a Water Softener
Good for appliances: Soft water is an appliance-friendly solution, as it prevents the damaging effects of hard water on dishwashers, heaters, ice makers, coffee machines, and washing machines. Hard water causes scale to build up on the inside of these appliances, which reduces their efficiency and lifespan.Shinier dishes: Hard water causes a cloudy appearance on dishes as soon as they dry. Water softeners resolve this problem by removing the minerals that cause this cloudy film. Softer water also fuses more efficiently with detergents and soaps, meaning there's more cleaning action.Reduced clogged pipes: The calcium and magnesium minerals in hard water form a scale build-up that eventually clogs your pipes. This can cause irreversible damage to your plumbing system, whereas soft water has no detrimental effects on pipes and plumbing.Softer hair and skin: Water softeners are very beneficial for your skin and hair if you use soft water for showering or bathing. The minerals that make water hard prevent it from being completely soluble in soaps, resulting in soap residue. Using soft water means your skin holds moisture easier because it contains fewer minerals that usually prevent this absorption. What's more, soft water will balance the pH of your hair, making it softer and shinier.
» Compare different water types: learn which is the healthiest for you
RO vs. Water Softener: Choose the Healthiest Option
Both reverse osmosis and water softeners are useful in their specific areas. While water softeners don't work to purify water, they do prevent other serious issues like plumbing damage. However, when it comes to drinking water, reverse osmosis systems are better for filtering it from harmful contaminants, but they also remove the essential minerals that your body needs.
That's why it's important to remineralize your reverse osmosis water with drops like Mayu's Essential Mineral Drops, which will provide you with a simple and convenient way to ensure you're drinking the healthiest water available.