How Important Is the RO Remineralization Filter?

Last updated on May 30th, 2025 at 01:07 pm

Reverse osmosis (RO) is an exceptional method for purifying water stripping it of contaminants, heavy metals, bacteria, and dissolved salts. However, in its effectiveness, it also removes essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial to human health and contribute to water’s taste and pH balance. This is where the RO remineralization filter becomes critically important.

What Is a Remineralization Filter in an RO System?

A remineralization filter also referred to as a post-carbon alkaline filter, is a specialized cartridge installed after the RO membrane and carbon filters. It reintroduces trace minerals back into the purified water, most commonly calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, which help:

• Improve the taste and mouthfeel of the water
• Balance the pH level, shifting from acidic to neutral or mildly alkaline
• Support bone health, cardiovascular function, and electrolyte balance
• Enhance water’s antioxidant properties in some advanced filter models

The Impact of Demineralized Water on Health

Although RO water is microbiologically safe, prolonged consumption of demineralized water may have unintended consequences:

• Electrolyte imbalance: Lack of magnesium and calcium can disrupt cellular functions.
• Leaching of essential minerals: Reverse osmosis (RO) water can pull minerals from food and even from the body, increasing the risk of mineral deficiencies.
• Acidic pH levels: Pure RO water often has a pH below 7, which could cause digestive discomfort and dental erosion.

Numerous studies and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations emphasize the importance of mineral content in drinking water. A properly functioning RO remineralization filter ensures compliance with health standards and user well-being.

Key Benefits of Using a RO Remineralization Filter

1. Balanced pH for Digestive Comfort

RO-purified water usually falls into the acidic range of 5.0 to 6.5. Remineralization filters raise the pH to a more neutral or mildly alkaline level, typically between 7.0 and 8.5. This helps to:

• Reduce acid reflux
• Improve hydration efficiency
• Enhance nutrient absorption

2. Enhanced Taste and Odor Neutralization

Pure RO water can taste flat or metallic due to the absence of minerals. Adding calcium and magnesium imparts a crisp, natural taste, mimicking the taste of spring water and making it more enjoyable for everyday consumption.

3. Mineral Enrichment for Health Support

Reintroducing minerals offers more than just taste improvements. Each cup of remineralized water contains bioavailable forms of:

• Calcium – Essential for bones, teeth, and nerve function
• Magnesium – Regulates muscle function, blood sugar, and energy production
• Potassium – Supports heart rhythm and blood pressure stability

These trace levels contribute to daily intake requirements, especially in low-mineral diets.

4. Protection Against Equipment Corrosion

Low-mineral RO water is aggressive and may corrode metal plumbing or storage tanks over time. Remineralization reduces this aggressiveness, extending the lifespan of:

• Water dispensers
• Metal pipes
• Storage tanks
• Household appliances

5. Ideal for Aquariums, Hydroponics, and Brewing

For those using RO systems in specialty applications, remineralization ensures the water meets the needs of:

• Aquatic life needs stable hardness and pH
• Hydroponic systems requiring calcium and magnesium for nutrient solutions
• Brewing processes where mineral profile impacts flavor extraction and fermentation

Types of RO Remineralization Filters

RO remineralization filters vary in design, capacity, and mineral composition. Common types include:

1. Inline Alkaline Filters

These are compact cartridges installed after the reverse osmosis (RO) tank. They typically contain:

• Calcite (calcium carbonate)
• Corosex (magnesium oxide)
• Optional far infrared ceramics for antioxidant enhancement

2. Multi-Stage Mineral Boosting Filters

These advanced filters offer layered remineralization, combining:

• Calcium carbonate
• Magnesium oxide
• Potassium stones
• Tourmaline, zeolite, and main stone for added trace elements

3. Remineralization + pH Balancing Cartridges

These filters are tailored for users seeking alkaline water with antioxidant properties, often used in health-conscious homes.

When to Replace a Remineralization Filter

Like other cartridges in an RO system, remineralization filters have a lifespan, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on:

• Daily water consumption
• Source water quality
• Filter media type

Failing to replace the remineralization filter on time can result in:

• Drop in pH stabilization
• Loss of mineral content
• Deterioration of taste quality

Is RO Remineralization Necessary for Everyone?

While remineralization is highly recommended, its necessity depends on:

• Dietary habits – Those with mineral-rich diets may not need additional intake through water.
• Health conditions – Individuals with kidney disorders may require low mineral water under medical guidance.
• Infant formula preparation – Pediatricians often recommend non-remineralized reverse osmosis (RO) water for sensitive infants.

However, for general adult use, particularly in regions with soft water or poor diets, a remineralization filter offers significant health advantages.

What to Look for When Choosing a Remineralization Filter

When selecting a remineralization filter, consider:

• NSF/ANSI 42 or 61 certifications
• Filter media composition and mineral purity
• pH adjustment range
• Ease of replacement and compatibility with your existing RO system
• Flow rate impact on the overall system

Conclusion: The Value of Remineralized RO Water

Incorporating a remineralization filter into your RO system is not just about improving taste—it’s about restoring the balance of nature in every glass of water. It delivers:

• Health-conscious hydration
• pH stability
• Improved appliance lifespan
• Tangible nutritional benefits

As consumers become more aware of what’s missing in pure water, remineralization filters are transitioning from an optional add-on to an essential component of modern water purification systems.

Saying you have drinking water from an RO filter gives many people somewhat a sense of security of health. What does one mean when they say pure drinking water? It definitely does not mean completely pure water with just hydrogen and oxygen. Many people believe that water free of any chemical, residual, mineral and contaminant is pure and safe drinking water. Even though it is true to an extent, it is not necessarily healthy for us.

A water free from every mineral, contaminant, chemical, microorganisms, TDS, and sediments is high purity water. This water is used in research labs for the purpose of research in chemicals. This water does not have any ions or electrolytes to make it an ideal solvent for experiments. However, the same water cannot be used for drinking because of lack of minerals and electrolytes. If done, it can be harmful to an extent, leading to death.

Scientists have proven it over and over again that water especially the one we drink is a carrier of various minerals that are actually beneficial to human health. What are these minerals? These are mainly lead, calcium and magnesium which are present in huge quantities in our water supply. And even though we get a good dose of these minerals from organic sources, here is how drinking water minerals and salts help you grow.

1. A drinking water with a higher percentage of minerals in it has proven to decrease the chances of cancer and heart diseases. In U.S. alone a good 10-25% decrease in cancer deaths was reported.
2. Though these are not the only source of minerals in our body, the inorganic sources, at consumption, assure a low risk of mineral deficiency like lead and magnesium.
3. Although the presence of these minerals in higher amounts are not advisable as they can cause various problems, a properly purified water will have to have a decent level of these minerals.
4. When we consume water with less or no minerals, the body tries to compensate for the less amount of mineral received by taking out minerals from body tissues. However, this ends up creating a bigger problem than before and does not allow our body to function properly.
5. In many countries, it was found that the lack of minerals in water leads to many mineral deficient diseases in people including magnesium and lead.

Minerals are needed in water, maybe not in bigger amounts but the complete absence of minerals in water also is not advisable. While Reverse Osmosis filter was said to make the water we drank devoid of these minerals, steps were taken to ensure it does not happen. Companies started adding remineralization filters as a 4th or 5th stage filter to fill the purified water with healthy minerals. This saw a big change in the health of an individual and so companies like Ampac USA have ever since used these to ensure the safety of people consuming drinking water. The company also produces water treatment equipment on a larger scale since the past 25 years and therefore has gained expertise over time. In case you are looking for an RO water filter, feel free to call us anytime.