Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are designed to remove a significant portion of minerals from water due to the fact that the filters do not recognize particle types but size. While it is true that RO systems can eliminate many minerals present in water, it does not remove 100% of minerals.
To address the concern of mineral loss in RO-treated water, some RO systems also offer additional stages or filters that reintroduce minerals back into the water after the initial filtration process. These can be in the form of remineralization filters or alkaline filters, which add minerals and adjust the pH of the water to make it slightly more alkaline.
There are many contaminants that are the same size particle as healthy minerals so if you want to drink the healthiest water possible you should purify your water then reintroduce minerals back onto water through a "remineralizing cartridge" which usually gets replaced every 6-8 months and remineralize your drinking water prior to consumption. We have standard filter housing type cartridges and inline remineralizing cartridges.
The effectiveness of mineral removal depends on the specific RO system and its configuration. In general, RO membranes are capable of removing a wide range of dissolved minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and trace elements. However, some minerals may pass through the membrane to some extent.
It's important to note that minerals are essential for our body's health, and they are commonly obtained from the food we consume. While drinking water can contribute to mineral intake, the majority of our mineral requirements are typically fulfilled through a well-balanced diet. Thus, the mineral content in drinking water is generally not a primary source of essential minerals. Unless your source of water is unusually low on minerals and your water tastes flat after it's processed through a RO system, it might not be necessary for you to buy a remineralizing cartridge. If you're not sure, go ahead and email us with questions.
If you have specific concerns about mineral content in your drinking water, you can consider using a water quality testing kit or consult with a water treatment specialist to determine the best course of action for your needs.