Beyond Purification: Refine Your RO Water with Structure & Minerals - Water Wisdom - Mayu Water Blog

In this article

Beyond Purification: Refine Your RO Water with Structure & Minerals

Go beyond filtration with a complete water treatment method that restructures and remineralizes water.

Mayu Logo
By Staff Writer
a man in a white shirt is posing for a picture
Edited by Jovan Mijailović

Published July 19, 2024.

A person pouring filtered water in a glass for health benefits.

You've invested in a top-of-the-line water filter, confident you're providing your family with the cleanest, safest water possible. But what if that crystal-clear water is missing something vital?

Traditional filtration systems excel at removing contaminants, but they often strip water of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

By drinking "pure" water, you might be depriving yourself of these key nutrients. The solution lies in going beyond filtration, and there are advanced water treatment methods that may help you do that.

» Filter and remineralize your water using a full cycle approach

What Is Filtration and How Does It Work?

Filtration is the first step in cleaning water. It removes three main types of contaminants:

  1. Biological: Germs and bacteria that cause diseases. Chlorine is added to kill these but must be removed before drinking.
  2. Chemical: Harmful substances from industrial waste that seep into groundwater.
  3. Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles found even in bottled water.

Current filtration systems, like those using active carbon, remove chlorine and other contaminants. But, they also separate beneficial minerals. The U.S. tests for only some known contaminants, which is why there's a need for devices that remove only harmful substances

» Explore the best water pitcher filters

Stages of Water Treatment

  1. This stage removes large particles and debris from the water, preparing the water for further purification stages.
  2. During secondary treatment, filtration targets smaller particles and dissolved substances that weren't previously removed.
  3. In the tertiary stage, advanced technologies like reverse osmosis or UV filtration achieve the highest level of water purity. They remove any remaining microorganisms and chemicals.

» Check out the best filters for hard water

Benefits of Filtering Water

  • Health Benefits: The filters ensure that the water is safe to drink by removing contaminants that can cause diseases.
  • Proper hydration: They improve hydration, which results in more energy and better cognition. But to truly maximize the benefits, you should add essential minerals. They support cellular function and lead to better overall health.
  • Environmental Impact: Filtration systems reduce the reliance on bottled water, decreasing plastic waste.
  • Economic Benefits: As a cost effective alternative, these devices can save you money over time, as you won't rely on buying bottled water.

» Discover eco-friendly plastic bottle alternatives



Types of Filtration Methods

Water treatment employs various filtration methods, each with unique applications and effectiveness:

Mechanical Filtration

This type of filtration physically removes particles, typically using screens made from different materials. For example, sand filters trap particles as water flows through the device's bed. Those made of cloth function similarly. Both are suitable for pre-treatment in municipal water systems.

This method is effective for eliminating large particulates but cannot remove dissolved substances or microorganisms.

» Learn more about water filter lifetime and how to maintain them

Chemical Filtration

To neutralize contaminants, chemical filtration may use activated carbon. It filters contaminants like chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) onto its surface, effectively removing tastes, odors, and some chemicals—but not pathogens.

It may also use ion exchange units to replace undesirable ions—calcium and magnesium—with more benign ones like sodium. The process effectively softens water and removes heavy metals.

» Discover the healthiest types of water to drink

Biological Filtration

Although it's slower and requires careful management, this method is effective in filtering out organic pollutants in wastewater. For example, if you point a UV light on a bacteria or virus, it can destroy it. But, these types of devices may have limited effectiveness against chemical contaminants.

Another contraption used in this type of filtration is a ceramic filter with fine pores that trap pathogens. This filter is suitable for portable water purification.

Why Only Filtering Water Isn’t Enough

While filtration removes impurities, it can also leave water tasting flat or lacking the subtle minerals found in natural springs. The MAYU Water Full Cycle Kit takes the treatment a step further by mimicking the revitalizing properties found in nature.

It uses a 4-stage countertop reverse osmosis (RO) system to achieve a high level of purification. This removes a wide range of contaminants, including:

  • Sediment: Sand, silt, and other particles that can make water cloudy and unpleasant to drink.
  • Chlorine: Used for disinfection but can affect taste and odor.
  • Impurities: Lead, arsenic, and other unwanted chemicals.

Following the RO process, the cycle takes center stage. Inspired by the natural flow of rivers and streams, the MAYU Swirl replicates this movement within a carafe that structures water molecules and balances the pH level.

Filtered water is safe to drink water, but it may lack essential minerals found in natural spring water. The last step of the MAYU Full Cycle includes adding electrolyte drops to restore these crucial nutrients for your body.



Mineral-Rich Future of Clean Water

Clean water is essential, but true hydration goes beyond mere filtration. While traditional methods effectively remove contaminants, they often strip away beneficial minerals crucial for our health.

Remineralization addresses this flaw, providing water that's clean and nutritionally beneficial. While some may argue that mineral content in water is insignificant, growing research supports its importance for health and hydration efficiency. [1]

By embracing a holistic approach, you can unlock the full potential of our most essential resource—taking a significant step towards improved overall health and well-being.

» Restructure and remineralize your water and improve your health



References:

  1. S. Quattrini, “Natural mineral waters: chemical characteristics and health effects,” Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, Jan. 2016, doi: 10.11138/ccmbm/2016.13.3.173. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318167/


Disclaimer: Our content serves informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace the advice and services of qualified healthcare professionals. We strongly recommend consulting with appropriately trained individuals or reputable healthcare providers for specific medical needs.