When looking for ways to purify your water to ensure that it’s safe and healthy, you might have come across the terms; reverse osmosis and distillation.
The two terms refer to water purification methods that provide contaminant-free water but through different ways.
But now, the big question is – can you use reverse osmosis water instead of distilled water? Yes, In fact, reverse osmosis alkaline water is the best substitute you can get for distilled water.
Reverse osmosis water has a crisp and refreshing taste, is healthy, safe, and useful for almost everything.
Care to learn more about reverse osmosis and distilled water? Continue reading.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is the water you get after distillation takes place. Distillation is the process of boiling water at a perfect temperature to become steam.
And since the process is all about boiling water at high temperatures, it gets rid of bacteria, viruses, germs, and other contaminants from your water.
Unfortunately, distillation also removes all minerals from the water as well.
Although distilled water sounds like an excellent option for drinking as it’s free of contaminants, minerals, and chemicals that might be present in your tap water, it’s actually not the best.
It lacks essential minerals and electrolytes that your body needs to remain healthy.
Benefits of Distilled Water
- It contains fewer minerals than tap water hence more suitable for consumption to individuals with specific medical conditions. It is also excellent for those undergoing medication that can, in some way, interfere with mineral absorption.
- It’s beneficial for your skin and hair, especially if living in a place where tap water is rich in fluoride or chlorine.
- Best water for people with weak immune systems.
- It’s the best for aquariums, lab experiments, and medical devices.
What is Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse osmosis water comes from reverse osmosis, a water purification process that uses high pressure to filter water through a special RO membrane. Fortunately, there are many home filtration options to ensure the water you drink at home is properly filtered and safe for consumption.
RO systems contain several filtration stages that remove contaminants from your water. The system also boasts a mineral filter that adds essential minerals back into your water.
This water is very healthy to drink and tends to have a refreshing and crisp taste.
Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water
- It contains essential minerals that are useful to the body
- RO water is free of harmful chemicals, pathogens, bacteria, and other contaminants, thus a safe and healthy option.
- Reverse osmosis water tastes great.
- It’s good for the environment.
Reasons Why You Should Use Reverse Osmosis Instead of Distilled Water
Both RO and distilled water are healthier than tap water as they are free of impurities. However, unlike distilled water, RO water is beneficial to your health as it contains essential minerals that are good for your health.
Reverse osmosis water is rich in calcium and magnesium, which are quite helpful to pregnant women as they reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.
The water is also beneficial to individuals with thyroid problems as it can regulate their body’s chemical balance.
Also, unlike distilled water, RO water is free of chlorine.
Other Substitutes of Distilled Water
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Spring Water
You can also use spring water instead of distilled water as it is clean and healthy and makes an excellent substitute as well.
Spring water comes from naturally occurring springs/underground wells and contains minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
And now that this water comes from a natural source, you can actually drink it from the source. In fact, it’s usually bottled at the source.
The water doesn’t require chemicals or additives to make it cleaner but undergoes simple filtration to remove any lingering contaminants.
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Mineral Water
Mineral water makes a great alternative to distilled water. It also comes from underground sources and is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfate, and potassium.
The water contains between 200 and 250 PPM of total dissolved solids. And although it’s not the cleanest for cooking, mineral water is cleaner than tap water.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is RO water the same as distilled water?
No, although both types of water are pure, reverse osmosis water is a healthier option as it contains essential minerals. On the other hand, distilled water is pure but stripped of all minerals.
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Is it okay to drink distilled water?
It’s okay to drink distilled water since it’s pure. You should, however, know that the water might have a bland taste due to lack of minerals.
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Which is the healthier option, distilled water or reverse osmosis water?
Although clean, safe, and pure, distilled water can’t outdo reverse osmosis water.RO water is healthier as it has added minerals, which you can’t get in distilled water.
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Is drinking reverse osmosis water good for you?
Drinking RO water is good for you as it contains minerals that are essential for your body. It is cleaner and safer than healthy water thus safe to drink.
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What can you use instead of distilled water?
You can choose to use reverse osmosis water, spring water, or mineral water.
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Does reverse osmosis water taste like bottled water?
No, reverse osmosis water tastes better than bottled water. Minerals present in this water give it a crisp, refreshing taste.
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How much water do reverse osmosis systems waste?
Most RO systems waste about 3 gallons to produce a gallon of water. The introduction of zero waste technology has brought relief to users as it eliminates the problem by recycling the water back to the household’s plumbing.
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Can I use RO water in a humidifier?
Although distilled water is the best to use in a humidifier, you can also use reverse osmosis water in the unit.
Conclusion
Distilled and reverse osmosis water are forms of purified water that will help keep you hydrated all day long. While distilled water is free of impurities and minerals, RO water is rich in essential minerals, thus delicious and the best for drinking.
So yes, you can use reverse osmosis water instead of distilled water. It is actually the healthier option and will encourage you to drink more water during the day.
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