Upyogi Baatein – Ayurvedic Health Tips in Hindi

In this post, we’ll examine how RO water purifiers work, the potential benefits of using them, the drawbacks, and whether they are good or bad for your health.

What is an RO Water Purifier?

An RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifier works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities. The membrane filters out contaminants like bacteria, viruses, salts, heavy metals, and chemicals from the water. This process leaves behind cleaner and purer water, which is then collected in a storage tank.

RO purifiers are particularly useful in areas where the water supply is contaminated with dissolved solids, chlorine, or microbial pollutants. They are capable of removing harmful substances that can affect our health, making them an attractive option for families concerned about water quality.

How RO Water Purifiers Work

1. Pre-filtration: The water first passes through pre-filters to remove larger particles, dust, and chlorine, which helps protect the membrane.
2. Reverse Osmosis: The water is pushed through the RO membrane, which filters out contaminants like heavy metals (lead, arsenic), salts, and microorganisms.
3. Post-filtration: After the RO process, the water may pass through an additional mineral filter to improve taste and re-mineralize the water (if applicable).
4. UV filtration: Some RO purifiers are equipped with UV lights to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses in the water.

Benefits of RO Water Purifiers

1. Removes Harmful Contaminants

One of the biggest advantages of using an RO water purifier is its ability to remove harmful contaminants from the water, including:

• Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are commonly found in contaminated water. These metals are toxic to humans and can cause long-term health issues, including kidney damage, neurological problems, and developmental issues in children.
• Salts: High levels of dissolved salts can affect the taste of water and pose health risks, especially for individuals with kidney disease or those at risk of high blood pressure.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect water, but prolonged exposure to high levels of chlorine can lead to various health issues like respiratory problems and skin irritation.
• Pesticides and Chemicals: RO purifiers remove pesticides and harmful chemicals that may leach into water from agricultural runoff or industrial waste, offering additional protection from waterborne pollutants.

2. Removes Bacteria and Viruses

RO water purifiers, especially those with UV filtration, are effective at eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that may be present in the water. This is particularly important in areas where the water supply is at risk of microbial contamination due to inadequate sanitation or sewage issues.

3. Improved Taste and Odor

By removing chlorine, bacteria, and other impurities, RO water often tastes fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant. It also removes any unpleasant odors caused by chemicals or pollutants.

4. Safe Drinking Water

RO purifiers offer peace of mind by providing water that is free from harmful contaminants, which is especially important for children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.

The Drawbacks: Is RO Water Harmful to Health?

While RO water purifiers have many advantages, there are some drawbacks and concerns regarding their long-term effects on health, particularly in relation to the removal of essential minerals and the environmental impact.

1. Removal of Essential Minerals

RO purification removes not only harmful contaminants but also beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are naturally present in drinking water. These minerals are important for maintaining bone health, heart function, and overall well-being.

• Low Mineral Content: Since RO water is low in minerals, prolonged consumption of demineralized water may lead to a mineral deficiency over time, especially if your diet does not provide sufficient replacement. While the body can get minerals from food, water is also a significant source of electrolytes and trace minerals.
• Some modern RO purifiers come with a mineral cartridge that adds back essential minerals after filtration. These purifiers help maintain the natural balance of minerals in the water.

2. Alkalinity Issues

RO water tends to be slightly acidic due to the removal of minerals like calcium and magnesium that help neutralize acidity. Drinking acidic water over time can have an impact on your body’s pH balance. However, this issue can be mitigated by using an RO system that has a post-mineralization filter that adds alkaline minerals to balance the pH.

3. Water Wastage

One of the significant drawbacks of RO systems is water wastage. For every liter of purified water produced, an RO system typically discards 3-4 liters of water as waste during the filtration process. This can be a concern in areas facing water scarcity or for environmentally conscious consumers.

• Efficiency Improvements: Newer models have improved water conservation techniques, but the waste ratio is still higher compared to other filtration methods.

4. Maintenance Cost and Complexity

RO systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The membranes and filters need to be replaced periodically, and failure to do so can lead to reduced filtration efficiency and the potential growth of bacteria or fungi in the filters.

• Regular maintenance also comes with an additional cost, and improper maintenance may cause a buildup of contaminants, which can reduce the effectiveness of the purifier.

How to Ensure RO Water is Beneficial to Your Health

1. Choose an RO System with Mineralization: If you’re concerned about the removal of essential minerals, opt for an RO purifier that includes a mineral filter or alkaline water feature to ensure you still get essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
2. Ensure Regular Maintenance: To avoid harmful buildup and ensure efficient filtration, maintain your RO system by replacing filters and membranes as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Use Re-mineralizing Solutions: Some people choose to add a mineral drops solution or a re-mineralizing filter after the RO filtration process to restore beneficial minerals and adjust the pH balance.
4. Consider Alternatives: If you’re not convinced about the mineral loss with RO water, you can explore other water purifiers, such as UV purifiers, activated carbon filters, or UF (Ultrafiltration) systems, which don’t remove minerals but still offer good filtration for common contaminants.

Conclusion: Are RO Water Purifiers Good or Bad for Health?

The answer is not straightforward — it depends on the quality of your water source and your health needs.

• RO water purifiers are excellent for purifying water in areas where the water is contaminated with harmful substances such as heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and chlorine.
• However, long-term consumption of RO-purified water may lead to mineral deficiencies, especially if your diet lacks sufficient minerals. It’s important to choose an RO system with mineralization capabilities or supplement your water with mineral-rich foods.

If you live in an area with safe, clean water, you may not need an RO system, and a basic filtration system like an activated carbon filter may suffice. But for areas with unsafe drinking water, RO purifiers provide an essential solution for ensuring clean, safe drinking water.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance — ensuring the water you drink is clean while maintaining the right mineral content for your health.