Have you ever wondered what the difference is between reverse osmosis and deionized water filtration? And have you questioned if one is better for you than the other? Some people swear by RO water, and others are adamant that DI is the way to go, but it can be difficult to form an opinion about either without all the facts. So here is everything you need to know about RO water, DI, and the benefits and disadvantages of both.
Reverse Osmosis Water
You may be familiar with the process of osmosis, which is a natural phenomenon whereby a solution moves from an area of lower concentration, passes through a semipermeable membrane, and moves into an area of higher concentration. Reverse osmosis is a forced process that uses a similar method to filter water, because when the water passes through the RO membrane, it leaves salt and other contaminants behind. RO water, therefore, has been filtered of impurities such as:
- Detergents
- Chlorine (thanks to the carbon filter)
- Arsenic
- Nitrites and nitrates
- Radium
Deionized Water
On the other hand, when you drink DI water, you're drinking water that has gone through an ion exchange process to remove contaminants. To be more precise, the contaminants aren’t removed, but rather replaced with less harmful molecules. The deionization process is superb at removing contaminants and minerals, including sodium, copper, and iron. With this type of system, therefore, there is no extensive filtration unit, and the water is purified on-demand.
The Good and The Bad
- The good: Both reverse osmosis and deionized water are relatively free of mineral contaminants. RO filtration systems typically go one step further, and also remove things like chlorine, fluoride, and sand. Because of this, DI and RO water are perfect for cleaning, because they don’t leave behind mineral deposits that cause streaking and staining.
- The bad: Both of these types of water have been stripped of their mineral content, and that includes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which humans need to survive. As such, these types of demineralized waters are not recommended for long-term consumption.
- The ugly: DI water, in particular, isn't necessarily safe to drink just because it’s been purified of minerals because no stage in the process is designed to remove dissolved solids, bacteria, or particulate from the water. Moreover, this type of water can leach contaminants from its environment, such as metal pipes.
Whether you want to install a new water filter, have your sewer lines serviced, or need help with seasonal maintenance or repairs for your plumbing system, Cajun Maintenance in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA is here to help. Call today at (225)-372-2444 to find out more about our services, and what we can do to help you get the water flowing in and out of your house a little better.