Introduction:

In today’s world, clean drinking water is essential for our health and well-being. That’s why many turn to Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems. But are they truly the best choice? Are there alternatives that offer safer and healthier options?

Join us on a captivating exploration as we delve into the truth about RO water. We’ll uncover its hidden risks and unveil alternative solutions that could revolutionize the way we think about water purification. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and make informed decisions about your water quality!

Unveiling Reverse Osmosis (RO): How Does It Work?

RO systems have gained immense popularity for their ability to remove impurities from water by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing impurities and contaminants. However, despite its reputation for purifying water effectively, RO systems come with their fair share of downsides, so, Let’s take a step back from the RO frenzy and examine its drawbacks:

1. Mineral Stripping: One of the most significant drawbacks of RO systems is their tendency to strip the water of essential minerals such as Calcium, magnesium, and other vital minerals, which are crucial for maintaining health, often, resulting in demineralized water.
2. pH Imbalance: The pH balance of RO water tends to be acidic due to the removal of alkaline minerals, which impacts the body’s pH balance and contributes to digestive issues and overall health concerns.

Let’s further explore the need and the limitations of RO systems and why they might not be the ultimate solution after all.

The Debate: Do You Actually Need an RO system?

Prepare to have your beliefs about RO systems shaken to the core. Did you know that a significant number of homes in India may not even need an RO system? It’s true! Thanks to the widespread availability of municipal water, treated using advanced technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Ultraviolet (UV) filtration, the necessity of RO systems is being called into question.

Here’s the kicker: RO systems may actually be detrimental in households where the water TDS (Total Dissolved Sediments) is already below 500. Why? Because it can result in highly demineralized acidic water, which isn’t exactly the healthiest option.

But wait, there’s more! Remember the days when RO systems seemed like a lifeline? Well, Back then, less than 50% of urban households had access to municipal water, according to the World Bank’s Report on Urban Water Supply in India, 2011. Fast forward to today, and things have changed dramatically. Thanks to initiatives like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), approximately 74% of urban households now have access to municipal water, with a staggering 93% in Delhi!

And get this: Much like other states where municipal water is primarily sourced from rivers, Delhi’s water, predominantly sourced from the Yamuna River, already boasts a low TDS level of 350-400, according to the Delhi Jal Board, and thus after purification, the municipal water that is supplied to houses boasts a TDS within the range 125-250 mg/L. When filtered through a purifier to remove impurities, and added with essential minerals such as Calcium, magnesium and other vital minerals, the water that is delivered is a much healthier version of water fit for consumption as compared with the demineralized and Acidic Water delivered by stand-alone RO systems installed in households.

Now, in order to rethink how we purify water, we need to embark on a journey through Governmental regulations and municipal water quality:

1. Minimum TDS Requirement: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended banning RO systems where Total Dissolved Sediments (TDS) levels in water is below 500 mg/l. This raises questions about the necessity of RO in areas with good TDS levels, such as those supplied with municipal water. Moreover, it is stated in NGT hearing, that the need for stand-alone ROs arises only in areas where water is primarily sourced from underground water sources such as Bore wells since such water has high TDS levels, certainly higher than 500 mg/L.

an Article in The Times of India and the Hearing before the National Green Tribunal (NGT):

2. Municipal Water Quality: Municipal water undergoes stringent filtration processes, making it safe and often free from harmful contaminants [The Times of India]. In fact, a significant percentage of households, both rural and urban, rely on municipal water without the need for RO filtration. In regions where water is supplied through municipal sources, which typically undergo treatment processes, the NGT’s recommendation questions the need for additional RO filtration. Municipal water treatment facilities are designed to meet quality standards, making the use of RO systems redundant in such areas.
3.  Regulations and Concerns: NGT’s directives emphasize using the right technology based on water TDS levels for water purification. This raises awareness about the adverse effects of demineralized water on public health, advocating for a balanced approach in water purification methods. In fact, The Tribunal has ordered the manufacturers of packaged water to maintain a minimum TDS of 150 mg/L, whereas typically ROs in households produce water with TDS 80 mg/L, moreover, it has been made compulsory for RO brands to relay the information that the ROs need to be installed only in such places where the TDS of water exceeds 500 mg/L.

Hearing before the National Green Tribunal (NGT):

The Hidden Dangers of RO Water: Health Risks and Regulatory Concerns

Step into the world of RO (Reverse Osmosis) water, and you might find yourself in for a shock. While RO systems are hailed for their ability to purify water, recent revelations from reputable sources like WHO, The Times of India, The Economic Times and websites such as that of ATLA suggest a darker side to this seemingly pure liquid.

Let’s break it down:                                       

1. Deprivation of Essential Minerals (Source: The Times of India): RO systems not only remove contaminants but also strip awaybeneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral depletion can lead to fatigue, compromised immunity, and even cardiovascular problems.
2. Serious Side Effects in Just a Few Months (Source: The Economic Times ): According to a WHO warning, consuming RO water for even a short period can lead to significant health issues. Studies conducted on populations in Czechoslovakia and Slovakia revealed complaints of cardiovascular disorders, tiredness, weakness, and muscular cramps within weeks or months of using RO systems.

      3. Disruption of Body’s Natural Balance (Source: The Economic Times): RO water’s electrolyte dilution throws off the body’s natural balance, compromising vital organ functions and leading to symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and impaired heart rate. Long-term consumption of demineralized water can have serious repercussions on health.

      4. Risk Factor for Various Diseases (Source: The Times of India): Recent studies suggest that RO water may increase the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, gastric ulcers, and complications in new borns and infants. The lack of essential minerals in RO water may contribute to these health concerns.

       5. Loss of Essential Elements During Cooking (Source: ATLA): RO water’s mineral-stripping properties extend to cooking, causing substantial losses of essential elements from food. This can lead to deficiencies in vital nutrients like magnesium and calcium, further exacerbating health risks.

In light of these findings, it’s clear that RO water may not be as pure and beneficial as once thought. WHO and healthcare professionals caution against excessive reliance on RO systems, emphasizing the importance of maintaining essential mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, in drinking water [WHO Health Warnings on RO Water]. This scientific caution underscores the need for a balanced approach to water purification.

Thus, due to the persisting need for removal of certain impurities from the water without altering the TDS and demineralizing the water. A better and a much more cost-efficient solution has been introduced in the form of Hikaso Hydrogen/Alkaline Gravity Water Purifier.

Introducing a Healthier Alternative: The Hikaso Gravity Purifier 

As discussed above, the municipal water supplied in Indian cities like Delhi usually has a TDS of 125-250, wherein the RO system with its dangers is not the ultimate solution after all, thus, this indispensable need of the hour demands an innovation, and this innovation has been launched by ‘Hikaso’ in the form of The Hikaso Alkaline/Hydrogen Gravity Water Purifier that works exceptionally well with water having TDS till 300 mg/L.

This innovative water purification solution offers a range of benefits that address the limitations of traditional RO systems.

1. Multi-Stage Purification: With a comprehensive 7-stage purification process, the Gravity Purifier ensures the removal of contaminants while retaining essential minerals. This ensures that the water gets purified while maintaining a healthy mineral balance beneficial for health.
2. Hydrogen-Infused Water: The Hikaso Gravity Purifier produces mineral-rich water infused with hydrogen. This unique combination not only enhances hydration but also provides antioxidant properties, boosts metabolism, and supports overall well-being.
3. Alkaline pH Balance: Unlike RO water, which tends to be acidic, the Gravity Purifier harnesses the power of gravity, yielding water with a harmonious alkaline balance. Such water boasts a pH level carefully calibrated to support not only optimal health but also enhanced digestion and other health benefits of Alkaline water.
4. Easy Installation and Convenience: Designed for ease of use, the Gravity Purifier requires no electricity and can be conveniently installed on your kitchen countertop, providing access to clean and healthy drinking water at your fingertips.

Now the Questions arise:

What about the areas that have water with the TDS level more than 300 mg/L?

Are people in such areas doomed to drink the water with high TDS to avoid the depletion of the necessary minerals?

What about the people whose bodies have adapted to drink water with such low TDS  that they might not be comfortable abandoning the RO system?

Well, fear not! ‘Hikaso’ has once again come up with an alternative to the demineralizing traditional RO systems in the form its exclusive range of ‘ R.O. Health Machines’, offering 10-stages of water purification and enhancement.

🌊 Introducing Our Exclusive HEALTH MACHINE H2 RO Systems: Redefining Hydration for Health-Conscious Consumers!

Elevate your hydration experience with our cutting-edge ‘RO HEALTH MACHINES’. Crafted with precision and innovation, these machines are designed to deliver unparalleled purity and health benefits with every sip.

Key Feature:

10-Stage Filtration and Enhancement Process: Our Health Machines employ an advanced 10-stage purification and enhancement process, ensuring that your water is free from impurities and contaminants, as well as rich with minerals, providing you with water that’s as pure as nature intended.

Let’s walk through the step-wise process of filtration and enhancement:         

1. 2 Stage Pre-Filter: Begin your journey to pure hydration with our dual pre-filter system, removing large particles and sediment from your water, ensuring a clean start.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Next, water undergoes the transformative process of reverse osmosis, effectively removing dissolved impurities, heavy metals, and contaminants, leaving behind only pure, refreshing water molecules.
3. Ultra Filtration (UF): Further refinement occurs as water passes through the ultra -filtration stage, where even microscopic particles and bacteria are eliminated, guaranteeing water of unmatched clarity and purity.
4. Ultra Violet (UV) Sterilization: Our UV sterilization step ensures the destruction of harmful microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria, safeguarding your health with every sip.
5. TDS Level Adjustor: Maintain optimal TDS levels in your water with our precision TDS level adjustor, ensuring that essential minerals are retained while undesirable impurities are removed.
6. Active Copper Tube: Experience the added benefits of copper-infused water as it flows through our active copper tube, renowned for its antimicrobial properties and potential health benefits.
7. Mineral Enriched Alkaline Water: Immerse yourself in the goodness of mineral-enriched alkaline water, replenishing your body with essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium for enhanced hydration and well-being.
8. ORP (Negative Oxidation Reduction Potential) Water: Enjoy the antioxidant properties of negative ORP water, combating free radicals and promoting cellular health and rejuvenation.
9. Molecular Hydrogen infusion: Finally, experience the ultimate in water enhancement with molecular hydrogen infusion, unlocking a plethora of health benefits including boosted immunity, enhanced metabolism, and detoxification.

From purification to enhancement, each step in our 10-stage process is meticulously crafted to deliver water that not only hydrates but nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

Embrace purity, embrace health. Choose our R.O. HEALTH MACHINES and discover the difference that pure, alkaline and minerals-enriched water can make in your life.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Optimal Health

As we conclude, the era of unquestioningly relying on Reverse Osmosis (RO) water is swiftly fading away, making space for a new era of careful scrutiny, thorough research, and health-conscious decisions. Despite their ability to effectively eliminate contaminants, RO systems are increasingly criticized for their tendency to remove essential minerals, souring the experience for health-conscious individuals.

But fear not! The tide is turning, and with it comes a wave of alternatives like the Hikaso Gravity Purifier and the Hikaso R.O. Health machines, offering not just pure water, but water enriched with essential minerals. It’s like upgrading from a basic sedan to a luxury SUV for your hydration needs. Moreover, they doesn’t just clean water, they add back those important minerals in the water too, thus, re-mineralizing the demineralized water of the RO, making it even better for you. Therefore, even if the situation demands of the use of RO, then the RO water further passed on through the Gravity Water purifier will make the water Hydrogen-infused, Alkaline, mineral-enriched and thus, finally healthy.

So, let’s not just drink whatever water comes our way. Let’s think about what’s best for us, considering things like water quality and what experts say. Together, let’s raise a glass (of mineral-rich water!) to making smart choices for our health and the health of future generations. Cheers to a healthier tomorrow!

Citations:-

• The Times Of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/problem-only-where-borewells-are-being-used/articleshow/69570087.cms
• World bank Article on Urban Water Supply In India, dated 2011 – https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2011/09/22/urban-water-supply-india
• Observer Research Foundation – https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/water-supply-improvements-in-indian-cities
• Blog on Reverse Osmosis Water Exposed – Scientists Issue Warning, ATLA – https://atlawater.com/blogs/discover/reverse-osmosis-water-filter-health#:~:text=When%20used%20for%20cooking%2C%20reverse,70%25%2C%20cobalt%2086%25).
• Article on ‘Why pure RO drinking water is not healthy for you: Doctors, WHO raise health warning’, THE ECONOMIC TIMES [INDUSTRY] – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/why-pure-ro-drinking-water-is-not-healthy-for-you-doctors-who-raise-health-warning/articleshow/108808759.cms?from=mdr
• Article in the Reader’s Blog of The Times Of India on ‘Dangers of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water’ – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/ezhil/dangers-of-reverse-osmosis-ro-water-24279/
• Hearing BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI, Dated : 01.12.2021Friends through its General Secretary Applicant Versus Ministry of Water Resources Respondent(s) – https://greentribunal.gov.in/gen_pdf_test.php?filepath=L25ndF9kb2N1bWVudHMvbmd0L2Nhc2Vkb2MvanVkZ2VtZW50cy9ERUxISS8yMDIxLTEyLTAxLzE2Mzg1MjI5MzU4OTQxMTMxODc2MWE5ZTAzNzkwZjYwLnBkZg==