Reverse osmosis (RO) is a filtration process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove nearly all dissolved solids, contaminants, and impurities. This high level of purification effectively removes substances like heavy metals and pathogens, resulting in water that is exceptionally clean. However, this thorough filtration also strips the water of beneficial naturally occurring minerals, leaving it with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content. Restoring these lost elements produces water that is not only pure but also balanced and palatable. This article provides natural, do-it-yourself methods to safely and effectively restore these essential components to your RO water.
Why RO Water Needs Mineral Restoration
Consuming water with a low concentration of dissolved solids presents two primary concerns: taste and long-term balance. Demineralized water often registers as slightly acidic, which can give it a “flat” or unappealing flavor that discourages adequate hydration. Restoring minerals like calcium and magnesium helps to buffer the water, raising its pH and enhancing its flavor profile to a more refreshing, natural taste.
The lack of dissolved solids also means the water is more chemically aggressive, or corrosive, which can potentially affect plumbing over time. While the human body obtains the majority of its mineral requirements from food, water can be a supplementary source for certain elements. The World Health Organization has noted that demineralized water can be slightly corrosive and is deficient in healthy minerals. Adding minerals back ensures the water is less aggressive and contributes to a healthier mineral balance.
Natural Methods for Remineralization
Adding concentrated drops derived from ancient sea beds is a common natural technique. These liquid concentrates are rich in electrolytes and trace elements, containing a blend of sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium, among other minerals. This allows for precise control over the final mineral content. Users simply add a few drops per glass or liter, which makes this method highly adjustable to personal preference.
Another accessible method uses small amounts of natural salts, such as Himalayan pink salt or high-quality sea salt, to restore trace minerals. Himalayan salt is prized for its high content of trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, alongside sodium chloride. A very small pinch per glass or about one-quarter teaspoon per gallon is typically enough to improve the taste and neutralize the water’s pH without making it taste noticeably salty. Care must be taken to avoid over-mineralization, as even a slight excess can be overwhelming.
Passive remineralization can be achieved by placing mineral stones or balls into a water reservoir or pitcher. These materials, often composed of mineral-rich elements, slowly release calcium and magnesium into the water as it flows over or sits with them. While this method is less precise than drops, it offers a gentle, continuous way to infuse the water with minerals. Alkaline water pitchers also use media that infuses minerals like calcium and magnesium into the purified water, which is a simple and effective option for small batches.
Essential Minerals and Target Levels
The two elements that are most important to restore are calcium and magnesium, which play substantial roles in the body. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and supports muscle contraction and nervous system function. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, muscle function, and heart health.
Natural sources for these elements can be used in a DIY approach, though they require careful measurement. Food-grade calcium carbonate powder or magnesium chloride flakes, also known as Epsom salts, can be dissolved into the water. The World Health Organization suggests target minimums of at least 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium and 10 mg/L of magnesium to contribute to daily intake.
Maintaining a healthy balance between the two is important, as an excessive amount of one mineral can hinder the absorption of the other. The goal is to elevate the water’s pH to a neutral to slightly alkaline range, ideally between 6.5 and 8.0. This balanced ratio ensures that the water is both pleasant to drink and supportive of bodily functions.
Monitoring and Maintaining Water Quality
To ensure the safety and consistency of your remineralized water, regular testing is a necessary step. The most important metric to monitor is the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which measures the concentration of all minerals and salts in the water. A simple handheld TDS meter can be used to track the mineral content before and after the remineralization process.
Pure RO water typically has a TDS reading close to zero, but a healthy and palatable range for remineralized drinking water is generally considered to be between 50 and 150 parts per million (ppm). Testing the pH level with simple pH strips or a meter is also advisable to confirm the water is within the desired range. Checking these parameters regularly helps verify the effectiveness of the chosen method and prevents the risk of over-mineralization.
Excessive mineral content can make the water taste unpleasant and may pose a risk of over-supplementation. For instance, too much magnesium can have a laxative effect. By consistently monitoring TDS and pH, you can maintain a steady, beneficial mineral profile that ensures both purity and quality.