Water comes in many forms and is processed through different methods. Reverse osmosis and alkaline water are two popular options that people use. While both aim to filter water, they take unique approaches.
In this blog post, we will cover seven potential differences between reverse osmosis and alkaline water.
7 Major Differences Between Reverse Osmosis and Alkaline Water
Reverse osmosis and alkaline water are different in how they clean water and what’s left behind. Knowing the differences may help you pick which kind agrees more with your health needs and flavor likes.
- Filtration Mechanism
Reverse osmosis uses a special filter to clean water. A pump pushes tap water through tiny holes in the filter membrane. This lets out just water molecules, blocking other stuff like minerals and chemicals. It gets the water very clean, but to some, it tastes bland without minerals.
Alkaline water works differently. The alkaline water filter uses special ionizers that efficiently add necessary minerals like calcium back to the water, resulting in increased alkalinity. It doesn’t remove all junk like reverse osmosis. However, the minerals boost pH levels for those wanting less acidity in their drinks.
- pH Level
pH measures acidity and alkalinity from 0 to 14. Reverse osmosis filters minerals, leaving its water around a balanced 7 pH. But alkaline water stands apart, as it employs electricity and extra minerals to increase pH above neutral, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5.
This makes it more alkaline than regular tap water. The higher pH means it may help balance natural acid in our bodies better than water with a 7 pH. Alkaline water has a higher pH for those wanting a more basic drink.
- Mineral Content
The minerals in water affect the taste and how it may help you. Reverse osmosis uses a strong filter to clean out almost everything dissolved in the water, including good minerals like calcium and magnesium. Because of this, RO water is often very low or has none of these nutrients. It’s left with just hydrogen and oxygen.
Alkaline water takes a different path. It uses electricity to split the water, then adds certain minerals back in like calcium and magnesium. This gives alkaline water its own special mineral makeup that provides these minerals to the body along with making the pH higher.
The added minerals are part of what sets alkaline water apart from regular water and could offer benefits to health that RO water can’t match.
- Water Taste
The minerals in water affect the flavor. Reverse osmosis cleans out almost all dissolved minerals, so RO water is very pure but also kind of “boring” tasting to some people. With nothing else dissolved inside, RO water may seem bland compared to other types.
But alkaline water goes through electricity and adds certain minerals back in, which can improve the taste. Minerals like calcium give alkaline water a smoother, slightly sweeter savor that’s nicer than RO water.
The balanced minerals make alkaline water more satisfying and rejuvenating to drink for those looking for flavor and nutrients beyond just plain H2O in their drinks.
- Health Claims
Both RO water and alkaline water are sold as being good for you. RO focuses on getting rid of junk so you get clean, pure water. But they don’t say much about minerals or pH levels being better for your health. Alkaline water is marketed differently.
People selling it say the higher pH helps balance the acid in the body better. They also say minerals like calcium and magnesium could help keep you hydrated and rid your body of toxins. But there isn’t strong proof these claims are true.
Most doctors would like to see more research directly showing alkaline water is healthier than regular water. For now, the health benefits of alkaline water over other kinds aren’t fully proven.
- Cost and Maintenance
Both reverse osmosis and alkaline water systems require an initial investment, but their costs can vary significantly over time. RO units are generally more affordable upfront but require replacing the filter cartridges every 6-12 months to keep performing effectively. These filter replacements add to the long-term expenses.
Alkaline systems carry a higher device cost but have lower ongoing filter costs since they don’t remove as many substances. However, their ionizer plates may need periodic cleaning or replacing.
Overall, RO tends to be less expensive if you own the unit for many years, while alkaline water can offer savings if you replace the system less often. Proper maintenance helps lower costs and maximize the service life of either choice.
- Water Waste Production
Both RO and alkaline water systems make some extra water that’s wasted. But RO units waste a lot more, about half of all the water that goes into them. That’s because RO uses pressure to force water through a filter, leaving more dissolved stuff behind.
Alkaline systems waste less, usually just 5 to 10% of the water that goes in. That’s because electrolysis separates the water in a way that doesn’t lose as much, compared to how RO filters work. Less waste is better when you’re choosing one for your home.
- Environmental Impact
RO and alkaline water systems don’t impact the earth in the same way. RO needs a lot of power to push water through filters and ends up with huge amounts of wasted water. This puts more pressure on water sources and waste treatment.
Alkaline systems are better for the environment since they don’t waste as much and use less electricity. But you also have to think about making and shipping the systems. Overall, alkaline water makers are usually easier on the planet compared to RO when you look at the full picture.
Final Words:
Reverse osmosis and alkaline water filters aim to clean drinking water, but use different methods. RO filters water through fine membranes to remove minerals, while alkaline filters add minerals and raise pH. Considering the filtration process, mineral levels, taste, health claims, costs, and green effects can help you choose the right water for your needs.