Is Reverse Osmosis Water Good for You?

Clean, safe, and great-tasting water is a basic human need. With increasing concerns over water pollution, chemicals, and TDS levels, many households in India are turning to reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers. But one common question keeps popping up:
“Is reverse osmosis water actually good for you?”

In this blog, we’ll break it down simply—what RO water is, how it’s made, its pros and cons, and whether it’s truly safe and healthy for daily consumption. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the water that flows out of your RO system.

What Is Reverse Osmosis Water?

Reverse osmosis water is the result of a purification process where water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out dissolved salts, heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and microorganisms. It’s one of the most effective filtration technologies used globally.

An RO water purifier usually contains multiple stages—sediment filtration, carbon filtration, RO membrane filtration, and sometimes a post-filtration step such as UV, UF, or mineral cartridges.

👉 Explore all Domestic RO Systems here

Why Do People Use Reverse Osmosis Systems?

The reason why RO is so popular is simple—it can handle poor water quality, especially in places where water comes from borewells or hard water sources. Some of the things it removes include:

• Excess TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

• Arsenic, fluoride, lead, and other heavy metals

• Pesticides and industrial pollutants

• Bacteria and viruses

Many Indian cities face high TDS in their water supply, and for this reason, RO systems are a logical choice.

Is RO Water Safe for Drinking?

Yes, reverse osmosis water is safe for drinking, especially when the source water is contaminated or has high TDS. In fact, WHO and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) guidelines recommend TDS levels below 500 mg/L for safe drinking water.

Here’s how RO water ensures safety:

• It removes up to 99% of contaminants.

• It eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses.

• It reduces the risk of long-term exposure to heavy metals.

• It prevents waterborne diseases, especially in areas with poor water infrastructure.

The Concern: Does RO Water Remove Good Minerals Too?

This is the most common concern with reverse osmosis systems.

It’s true—RO doesn’t discriminate between “good” and “bad” minerals. Along with contaminants, it also filters out essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These are naturally found in water and contribute to both taste and health.

However, it's important to put things in perspective:

• The majority of our mineral intake comes from food, not water.

• WHO states that drinking water contributes only 5–20% of daily mineral intake.

• Modern RO systems now include mineral cartridges or TDS controllers that re-add essential minerals to the water after filtration.

👉 Check out RO systems with mineral filters in our Domestic Brands section

Benefits of Drinking RO Water

Let’s look at the positives of reverse osmosis water:

1. Improves Taste and Smell

RO water is free from chlorine, sulphur, iron, and other elements that cause unpleasant taste and odor.

2. Prevents Heavy Metal Exposure

Contaminants like arsenic, lead, and mercury are dangerous even in small amounts. RO systems effectively remove these.

3. Protects the Kidneys

High TDS water can put stress on kidneys over time. RO helps reduce this load.

4. Reduces Risk of Waterborne Diseases

Bacteria and viruses are removed during the RO filtration stage, offering added protection in monsoon and outbreak seasons.

5. Supports Healthy Skin and Hair

Using RO water for washing and cooking can reduce skin irritation and hair fall caused by hard water.

Drawbacks of RO Water (And How to Solve Them)

No system is perfect. Here are a few drawbacks of RO water and what you can do about them:

1. Loss of Natural Minerals

As mentioned earlier, RO removes all minerals from water. This can be fixed with:

• Mineral cartridges

• TDS adjusters

• Or mixing a small percentage of unfiltered water (under expert guidance)

2. Water Wastage

RO systems typically reject 2–3 liters of water for every 1 liter of purified water. You can reuse this reject water for:

• Mopping

• Toilet flushing

• Gardening

3. Needs Electricity

RO systems don’t work without power. If you live in an area with frequent power cuts, consider a gravity-based UF or UV purifier as a backup.

Who Should Use RO Water?

RO systems are especially recommended for:

• Areas with high TDS (>300 ppm)

• Homes using borewell or tanker water

• Households concerned with heavy metals or chemical pollutants

• People with sensitive digestive systems or kidney issues

For those using municipal water with low TDS, an RO might not be necessary. In such cases, UV or UF filters are sufficient and more eco-friendly.

How to Choose the Right RO System?

Before buying an RO purifier, keep these factors in mind:

✔️ Test the TDS level of your water

If it’s above 300–400 ppm, RO is recommended.

✔️ Look for mineral enhancement

Choose models with mineral cartridges or TDS controllers.

✔️ Check for multi-stage filtration

A good RO system includes sediment filter + carbon filter + RO membrane + UV/UF/Mineral stage.

✔️ Choose a trusted brand

Go with models from reputed brands available at RomegaMart Domestic Brands section.

✔️ Ensure after-sales service

Filters need to be replaced every 6–12 months. So pick a brand with local support and easy service access.

FAQs: Is Reverse Osmosis Water Good for You?

Q1. Is RO water better than bottled water?

Yes. RO water is purified on-site and avoids the environmental impact of plastic bottles. Plus, it's more cost-effective in the long run.

Q2. Can I give RO water to infants and elderly people?

Yes, but ensure your RO system includes a mineralizer or has a safe TDS range (80–150 ppm) to maintain a balanced mineral profile.

Q3. How much RO water should I drink daily?

You can safely consume 2–3 liters per day, just like regular water. If you’re working out or in a hot climate, drink more as needed.

Q4. Does RO water cause mineral deficiency?

Not likely. You get most minerals from food. However, if you rely heavily on water for minerals, ensure your RO has a TDS controller or mineral filter.

Q5. What is the ideal TDS level for drinking RO water?

The ideal TDS range for drinking water is 80–150 ppm. Most modern RO systems can maintain this level using internal controls.

Final Thoughts

So, is reverse osmosis water good for you? The short answer is: Yes, absolutely—when done right.

RO water is safe, clean, and removes the dangerous stuff that untreated water often carries. Yes, it removes some natural minerals too, but this can be easily fixed with a good RO system that includes mineral rebalancing.

At RomegaMart, you can explore a wide range of home RO systems, compare features, and choose trusted domestic brands that suit your needs. Whether you're concerned about your child’s health, your family’s well-being, or just want cleaner drinking water, investing in an RO purifier is a smart, healthy decision.