Reverse osmosis (RO) water is a popular choice for those seeking purified and contaminant-free drinking water. RO systems effectively remove impurities, chemicals, and dissolved solids, providing high-quality water for everyday consumption.
However, a common question among consumers is: What is the pH of RO water? Understanding the pH level of RO water is essential because it affects not only the taste but also its compatibility with different diets and health recommendations.
In this blog, we’ll address whether RO water is acidic or alkaline and its potential health implications.
Is RO Water Acidic?
The short answer is yes—RO water tends to be slightly acidic. To understand why, we need to delve into how reverse osmosis works. During the RO process, water passes through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out contaminants, minerals, and other dissolved solids. This filtration leaves the water extremely pure, but it also removes buffering minerals like calcium and magnesium that help neutralize the water’s pH.
Without these minerals, RO water typically has a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0, making it slightly acidic. This is because pure water can more readily absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which forms carbonic acid. So, if you’re wondering if RO water is acidic, the answer is yes, though only slightly. The slight acidity is generally not harmful for consumption, but it might have implications if you’re using the water for specific purposes, like in aquariums or hydroponic systems.
Is RO Water Alkaline?
Given that RO water is usually slightly acidic, is RO water alkaline? No, it’s not naturally alkaline. However, some people prefer to add alkaline minerals back to RO water to increase its pH. This process is known as remineralization and involves adding small amounts of calcium, magnesium, or other alkaline minerals to balance the pH, bringing it closer to neutral (around 7.0) or even making it slightly alkaline (above 7.0).
Alkaline water enthusiasts believe that drinking water with a higher pH can neutralize acid in the body and provide health benefits, such as improved hydration and enhanced energy levels. While scientific research is still ongoing regarding these benefits, adding a remineralization filter to an RO system is a common practice for those looking to achieve a more balanced or alkaline pH level in their drinking water.
Get the Best Water Maker System
RO water typically has a slightly acidic pH, ranging between 5.0 and 7.0. This slight acidity is due to the removal of buffering minerals during the filtration process and the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air.
If you prefer your drinking water to be more alkaline, adding a remineralization filter is a simple solution to increase the pH. Ultimately, understanding whether RO water is acidic or alkaline can help you make informed decisions about your water quality and health.
For quality water makers and refrigeration systems, Cruise RO Water and Power are here to help. Contact us and learn more about our products.
