When you search for the best way to get the nutrients your body needs, the top answer is clear: food. A balanced diet provides vitamins and minerals in the forms your body can actually absorb and use. Supplements can help fill in gaps, but nutrition is meant to come from meals, not your glass of water.
So why bring this up on a water treatment blog? Because many homeowners come to us with a concern about reverse osmosis (RO) systems. They’ve heard that RO “strips too much” from their water and leaves them without vital minerals. For some individuals with unique medical needs, that’s a discussion to have with a healthcare professional. But for most people, this worry is misplaced.
What’s Really in Your Water?
When installing a reverse osmosis system, one of the first things we measure is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — everything in the water that isn’t pure H₂O. Water earns the nickname “the universal solvent” because it picks up particles, minerals, and contaminants everywhere it flows.
Some of these dissolved substances are harmless or even beneficial. Others are regulated at the municipal level because of their health risks. Depending on your source, your water may contain any of the following:
- Microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Legionella, or E. Coli
- Disinfection byproducts like bromate and haloacetic acids
- Heavy metals including lead, mercury, arsenic, or thallium
- Chemicals like benzene and cyanide
- Radioactive elements such as uranium
Public water treatment plants work to keep these contaminants within acceptable limits. But if you use a private well, you’re responsible for monitoring and addressing what’s in your water. Do you know what you’re drinking?
The Truth About Minerals in Water
In our region, well water often contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron. While these are essential nutrients in the right amounts, they aren’t best absorbed through water. At elevated levels, they cause staining, scaling, and costly damage to plumbing and appliances.
Excessive minerals can also have negative health effects. Too much calcium has been linked to kidney problems, while high magnesium can cause diarrhea, nausea, or irregular heartbeat. In other words, “more” isn’t always better.
It’s far more effective to rely on nutrient-rich foods for your body’s needs — and on your water system to deliver clean, contaminant-free water.
Why Reverse Osmosis Makes Sense
Reverse osmosis systems excel at removing dissolved solids, ensuring your water is clear of the contaminants you don’t want. When paired with the right setup, they give you confidence that every glass you pour is refreshing, pure, and dependable.
Getting nutrients from your dinner plate and hydration from your water glass is the balance your body — and your home — deserves.
For more information on the reverse osmosis systems we use, contact us.
