Alkaline Water vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which is Better?

February 08, 2024 3 min read

Alkaline Water vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which is Better?

Reverse osmosis water earned itself the reputation of being the purest drinking water on the market. A review like that is hard to top, many believe. However, does being the “purest” make it the healthiest? The most cost efficient? While reverse osmosis water has a superior filter, alkaline water challenges it for the title of healthiest drinking water.With so many people opting for healthier living habits, it’s important to know which type of water is best for you. This article will compare reverse osmosis water and alkaline water to help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs.

What is reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis water undergoes an intensive filtration process that involves water pressure. During this process, the water is forced through microscopic holes that filter out both visible and dissolved contaminants from the water. This process earns reverse osmosis (also known as RO) the “most effective form of water filtration” (1). An RO system removes all contaminants from water, including PFAS, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants. However, these systems will also remove helpful minerals like calcium and magnesium. 

What is alkaline water?

Alkaline water refers to water that has gone through an ionization (also called alkalization) process to maintain or add healthy minerals to the water. These minerals, known as alkaline minerals, raise the water’s pH, bringing along with it a slew of health benefits. Alkaline minerals include sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and the body relies on these minerals to keep the body functioning properly. 

It is important to note that alkaline filters are not all created equal. Many focus on just increasing the water’s pH without focusing as much on the purification of the water. To ensure your water is free from harmful contaminants like PFAS, heavy metals, Chromium-6, and 99.9% of other contaminants, try a filter from Seychelle. These filters are independently lab-tested to make sure your water is not only full of minerals, but also free of everything else. 

What are the benefits of alkaline and RO water?

Both alkaline and reverse osmosis water have benefits, and many of them overlap. Reverse osmosis water gives you the peace of mind that your water will be impurity-free, every time (2). This is true of Seychelle alkaline water, but not true of every type of alkaline water, so that is something to keep in mind. 

Additionally, reverse osmosis water and alkaline water are both cost-effective in the long term. However, installing an RO filter is a much larger cost up front than investing in an alkaline water filter. Installing a reverse osmosis filter is typically a few thousand dollars, whereas purchasing a Seychelle pH water pitcher is under one hundred dollars (3). 

Drinking either form of water gives you the health benefits of drinking water, but alkaline water comes with additional health benefits due to the presence of alkaline minerals in the water. More research is constantly being conducted on the benefits of alkaline water, but currently it is agreed that alkaline water helps with digestion, may reduce heartburn, and balance the body’s pH levels. 

Can RO water be alkalized?

For someone wondering how to reap the benefits of both RO and alkaline water, it is possible. Reverse osmosis water can be alkalized, which would reintroduce alkaline minerals back into the filtered water. This would allow for the most purified water to transform into the healthiest, mineral-filled water. 

The Wrap-Up

Reverse osmosis water and alkaline water both come with their own benefits, and both are great choices in terms of drinking. RO water filters out every impurity–those that will harm and those that will help the body. Alkaline water, on the other hand, keeps in healthy minerals that come with their own health benefits. To ensure any water you drink, whether it be RO, tap, or bottled, has the minerals your body needs to flourish, consider running it through a Seychelle water pitcher. With Seychelle, drinking water becomes even healthier. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which water is best for drinking, RO or alkaline?

Both waters are safe for drinking. Alkaline water, however, contains healthy minerals that RO water filters out, leading many to choose to drink alkaline water. 

What are the disadvantages of reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis systems require an expensive installation process, and many notice it tastes more “flat” than other types of water (2). 

Is reverse osmosis water the healthiest?

No. Reverse osmosis water is perfectly safe to drink and filters out almost all impurities, but it does not have the healthy minerals that alkaline water has.  

References

  1. Chauncey Crial and Samantha Allen,Forbes Home,https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/reverse-osmosis-water-pros-cons/
  2. American Home Water & Air,https://americanhomewater.com/6-key-benefits-of-reverse-osmosis-water/ 
  3. Home Advisor,https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/reverse-osmosis-system/