Key Takeaways:

• Standard RO Water: Incredibly pure but slightly acidic (low pH) because all minerals have been removed. Some people find the taste "flat" or "sharp."
• Alkaline RO Water: Achieved by adding a final filter stage that adds back healthy minerals (like calcium and magnesium), which raises the pH and makes the water less acidic.
• The Main Difference is Taste: Most people prefer the smoother, more refreshing taste of remineralized alkaline water, describing it as being similar to premium bottled spring water.
• It's an Easy Upgrade: An alkaline filter is a simple and popular add-on to any standard Reverse Osmosis system, with USA-made options available.

When you install a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, you're getting some of the purest water possible. But the process of stripping away contaminants also removes naturally occurring minerals, which affects the water's pH and taste. This leads to a popular question: should I add an alkaline remineralizing filter?

What is Standard RO Water?

A standard RO system produces water that is H₂O and very little else. Because the minerals that act as natural buffers have been removed, the water becomes slightly acidic, with a pH typically between 6.0 and 6.5. There's nothing unhealthy about this, but some people find the taste to be "empty," "sharp," or "flat" compared to what they're used to.

What is Alkaline RO Water?

To create alkaline water, we add an extra filter as the final stage of the RO system. This alkaline remineralizing filter contains a blend of natural minerals, like calcium and magnesium.

As the pure RO water passes through this filter, it dissolves these minerals, which does two things:

1. Raises the pH: The added minerals act as a buffer, raising the pH to a more neutral or slightly alkaline level (typically 7.5 to 9.0).
2. Improves the Taste: The minerals add back a subtle, pleasant flavor, eliminating the "flat" taste of standard RO water.

Health Benefits vs. Taste Preference

While there are many claims online about the health benefits of drinking alkaline water, these are not universally supported by mainstream science.

From our professional standpoint, the primary, undeniable benefit of an alkaline filter is taste. The vast majority of homeowners who try both side-by-side strongly prefer the smoother, more refreshing taste of remineralized alkaline water. It elevates the experience from just "filtered water" to "premium drinking water."

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most families, the answer is yes. The additional cost for the alkaline stage is modest, and it transforms a functional appliance into something you and your family will genuinely enjoy drinking from every day. It's the finishing touch that makes your tap water truly better than bottled.

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Reviewed by Sai Akash Tumu, TCEQ Licensed Water Treatment Specialist (#WT0007448). Our approach is to educate first. For a personalized assessment, contact us for a free consultation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Water conditions vary, and we recommend a professional on-site water test for an accurate solution. This is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer >