Why are Water Filters Healthier than RO?
Modern-day living prioritizes having a healthy mind and body. However, the indiscriminate use of chemicals and increasing pollution don’t spare even the necessities of life, i.e., air, water, and food, from getting contaminated. As a result, it has become crucial to install water filtration systems at home for access to clean and safe drinking water.
There are different filtration methods, such as activated carbon, granular activated carbon, ceramic, reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV), ultrafiltration (UF), and ion exchange, used in water filters. Selecting the right water filter for your home can be intimidating because some filtration systems are too expensive, and some also eliminate essential minerals while eliminating contaminants.
At a recent healthcare webinar, experts warned against the existing belief that RO drinking water is the healthiest, emphasizing the health risks it poses due to mineral depletion. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and doctors, too, have discouraged the excessive use of RO.
So, what should you do to get contaminant-free and healthy drinking water? This article describes the key differences between RO systems and other water filters and how the latter is a healthier, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative.
What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?
Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage filtration system that removes contaminants from unfiltered water. It pushes water through a microscopically small filter material.
When you install an RO system at home, it filters water through at least three stages of treatment to eliminate all types of contaminants. The semipermeable membrane’s pore size is around 0.0001 microns. It only lets small water molecules pass through and catches any large-sized contaminants, salt, and organic materials. During the final filtration stage, water flows from the membrane’s more concentrated side to the less concentrated side to give out purified drinking water.
Pros of RO systems
Many Indian households install an RO system for additional water purification. Its benefits include:
- Elimination of Nearly All Contaminants
A residential-grade reverse osmosis filter can remove up to 96% chlorine and arsenic, 90% fluoride, 99% lead and asbestos, and 83 other harmful contaminants. Its microscopic filter eliminates the larger contaminants that most water filtration systems eliminate.
But this is also possible with Rama Pure Water's multi-stage purification process. The filter performs a 2-stage purification to remove more than 95% of lead, chlorine, and chloramines and 99.99% of shigella, giardia, Salmonella Typhii, Teriganna, E.Coli, cryptosporidium, and vibrio cholera. The system, unlike an RO system, relies on gravity for its operations.
- A Safer Alternative to Bottled Water
It is a well-known fact that plastic bottles are damaging to the environment. Comparatively, RO-filtered water is safer and more environmentally friendly than the daily use of disposable plastic bottles. Empty plastic bottles pile up in landfills, and the production of plastic also results in a high carbon footprint.
Cons of RO systems
Although RO filtration is regarded as one of the most effective and safest water filtration methods, it does carry various disadvantages.
- Eliminates Healthy Minerals and Decreases pH Levels
RO filters aren’t only effective at removing dangerous contaminants. They also eliminate healthy minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, other bicarbonates, and municipally-added fluoride.
Moreover, when the filter gets rid of these minerals, the water’s pH level decreases, making it more acidic. This increased acidity is more corrosive to plumbing systems and can take away lead and copper from pipes, mixing those toxic metals in the water.
- Wastes More Water than it Purifies
Wasted water is one of the biggest demerits of RO water systems. Many studies revealed that the water wasted during reverse osmosis is between 3 and 20 times as much as the water they purify. This means RO filters are wasteful for the environment, and homeowners might also have to pay higher water bills than before.
- Slow Filtration Rate
In a RO system, water is forced to pass through the tiny apertures of the RO membrane. While this aspect makes the filtration process more thorough, it also makes it slower than other methods. RO water purification systems have pre-filters and activated carbon filters. This increases the time the filtration process takes.
- Costs More and Demands High Maintenance
The initial investment to install the devices in households and business premises is high. Moreover, after you’ve installed the RO filter, you must maintain it regularly and replace consumables frequently. If you do not maintain and clean the filtration system regularly, it can hamper the device’s efficiency and cause the quality of the water produced to decline.
The Importance of Minerals in Your Drinking Water
Tap water comprises many essential minerals, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals are vital for health and contribute to strong bones and teeth and healthy hair and skin. They also play a significant role in the body’s growth and development.
While a balanced diet comprises all essential minerals, the body absorbs minerals from water better than it absorbs minerals from food. Your body can utilize calcium and magnesium from water better due to their high bioavailability.
Most Indian households rely on RO systems for water purification. However, RO filters function in a way that not only eliminates harmful contaminants but also essential minerals from water. Rama Pure Water is a leading manufacturer of the best non-electric stainless steel filters. These devices are designed to produce clean water while retaining the essential minerals your body requires.
Benefits of Conventional Water Filters
- Cost-effective
RO systems consume high volumes of energy. But Rama Pure Water’s filtration system does not require electricity, enabling you to enjoy unmatched savings as soon as you install it. Moreover, it is ideal to fulfill your outdoor drinking water needs. Its filter does not require frequent replacements, and the maintenance expenses are also low. The body is built using 304 high-grade stainless steel for sturdiness and long-lastingness. This means you do not have to worry about changing your water filter frequently due to wear and tear. Consequently, the water filter is a more cost-effective alternative than RO systems.
- Zero water wastage
Another prominent drawback of RO systems is water wastage during filtration. The advanced filtration system of Rama Pure Water does not waste even one drop of water. It is a revolutionary system for water conservation. This is another way the system saves you money.
- Environmentally Friendly
Ceramic filters are one of the most environmentally friendly options because you can repeatedly wash and reuse them. Sediment filters don’t let particulate matter build up and clog water flow, ensuring access to clean drinking water 24/7.
Rama Pure Water’s best non-electric stainless steel filters are also environmentally friendly. They do not require electricity for operation and have no plastic use. To know more about gravity water filters and their advantages, read our blog "Rama Gravity Water Purifiers: Clean & Safe Solution."
Water Filters vs. RO Systems: A Comparative Analysis
The following table compares RO systems and conventional water filters based on various parameters:
| Parameter | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems | Water Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Method | Utilizes a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities | Different types - ceramic, gravity, UV, activated carbon, etc. |
| Contaminants Removed | Eliminates up to 99% of contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, and fluoride | Eliminates common contaminants like sediments, VOCs, chlorine, etc. |
| Pore Size | 0.0001 microns | Varies; between 0.5-5 microns |
| Water Wastage | Wastes around 3 liters of water for every 1 liter purified | No significant water waste |
| Water Pressure Requirement | Requires high water pressure | Works with regular household water pressure |
| Impact on Minerals | Removes both harmful and essential minerals | Retains essential minerals |
| Installation | Requires relatively complex installation, usually underneath the sink | Simple installation; to be placed on a countertop or attached to a faucet |
| Cost | Higher initial and maintenance cost | Lower initial cost with minimal maintenance expenses |
| Filter Replacement | RO membrane and pre-filters need replacing every 6-12 months | Require replacement yearly (depending on the type) |
| Speed | Slower filtration process | Faster filtration, depending on the type |
| Effect on Taste | Can produce very pure, but sometimes flat-tasting water | Maintains a more natural taste by retaining minerals |
| Suitable for | Areas with hard water or where chemical contaminants are a concern | Improving the taste and odor of water from municipal sources |
Conclusion
The previously prevailing notion that RO-filtered water is the healthiest choice has been busted. The filtration process eliminates essential minerals from water, increasing the likelihood of health challenges. These minerals are crucial for the body’s development and growth and help build strong teeth and bones. However, you cannot skip away the filtration process and start drinking water directly from the tap. Thus, you must opt for conventional water filters, such as ceramic, UF, and non-electric filters. These options are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Visit Rama Pure Water’s website to buy the best non-electric stainless steel water filters and enjoy peace of mind as you and your family have access to clean and safe drinking water and the benefits of essential minerals.