Clean, safe water is essential for health — but not all water purification systems are created equal. While reverse osmosis (RO) is widely marketed as a thorough purification method, stripping water of everything — including beneficial minerals — might not be the healthiest choice.
Here’s why health professionals are raising concerns about RO water, and why a filtered water tap offers a more balanced, sustainable, and body-friendly solution.
1. RO Removes Essential Minerals – Which Can Impact Long-Term Health
Reverse osmosis filters remove nearly all dissolved solids from water — including essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. But your body needs these for everything from bone density to heart function.
“Demineralised water is not advisable for long-term human consumption,” says the World Health Organization (WHO) in a 2005 report. “It may have adverse effects on the intestinal mucous membrane, metabolism and mineral homeostasis.”
Dr. Mercola, a natural health physician, adds: “Long-term consumption of RO water may contribute to mineral deficiencies and a negative pH balance, especially in people who are already at risk, such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.”
Filtered water taps, on the other hand, target harmful contaminants without stripping your water of its naturally occurring mineral content.
2. RO Water Can Be Acidic — and May Disrupt Your Body’s pH Balance
Water from reverse osmosis systems often tests between 5 and 6.5 pH, which is slightly acidic. Consistently drinking acidic water may stress your body’s ability to maintain a stable pH.
Dr. Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, explains: “Drinking low-mineral or acidic water over time may increase the risk of nutrient leaching — where minerals are pulled from bones or tissues to balance the body’s pH.”
Filtered water taps typically produce water with a more neutral pH, keeping your body in a more natural state of equilibrium.
3. Filtered Water Taps Remove the Bad — But Keep the Good
Unlike reverse osmosis, filtered water taps use targeted filtration (often activated carbon or ceramic filters) to remove harmful contaminants such as:
- Chlorine
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury)
- Microplastics
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
But they retain healthy minerals that contribute to the body’s wellbeing. They also improve taste and odour without completely sterilising the water.
According to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Cynthia Sass, “Mineral-rich water can contribute to your daily nutrient intake and is particularly important if you’re physically active or follow a plant-based diet that may already be low in magnesium and calcium.”
4. RO Systems Are Wasteful and High Maintenance
For every litre of RO-filtered water produced, 3–4 litres are wasted, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RO systems also require routine maintenance, filter replacement, and sanitisation — making them costly and resource-heavy for most households.
Filtered water taps, by contrast, are compact, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain. And they don’t produce unnecessary wastewater.
5. Flat Taste vs. Fresh, Crisp Hydration
Because RO water lacks minerals, it also lacks taste. Many people describe it as “flat” or “lifeless.”
“The minerals in natural water don’t just nourish us — they give water its taste,” says Dr. Gerald Pollack, Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. “Stripped water doesn’t energise the body in the same way.”
Filtered taps preserve the vitality and taste of natural water — without the nasties.
Conclusion: Choose Balance Over Blank Slates
While reverse osmosis has its place in highly contaminated water scenarios or industrial settings, for the average UK household it may be too much — removing vital nutrients your body needs and harming the environment in the process.
A premium filtered water tap gives you the best of both worlds:
✅ Removes what you don’t want (chlorine, lead, microplastics)
✅ Keeps what you do (calcium, magnesium, great taste)
✅ Healthier for you, easier on the planet
Want water that supports your health and lifestyle?
Explore our hand-picked range of advanced filtered water taps from brands like Franke, Zip, Billi and Hanstrom — expertly curated for kitchens that care about wellness, design and sustainability.
