subject: Problems With Pure Water [print this page] Reverse osmosis filtering systems can produce nearly pristine and pure water. However, there are problems with pure water that many of us do not know. For example, the water treated by reverse osmosis is completely free of minerals and nutrients that makes water truly beneficial for us. So in this sense, one of the problems with pure water is that it is too pure.
More problems with pure water include reverse osmosis treatments not removing chlorine from the water system. Chlorine is one of the reasons we get filter treatment in the first place. While chlorine will kill most bacteria in water, it will also lead to digestive problems in humans if too much is ingested.
Reverse osmosis causes more problems with pure water than it fixes. Cyst spores are tiny, the size of a speck of dust. They are resistant to all large scale disinfection methods. They can only be effectively removed with sub-micron sized particle filter. Ingesting cyst spores can lead to digestive problems. Reverse osmosis systems, when they function properly, can stop cysts. However, the membranes tear easily and you will not know if it happens. Manufacturers of reverse osmosis units do not have a regular schedule for maintanence so you never know if you are really being protected.
As an alternative, you can find a carbon and multi-resin block that can include a sub-micron sized membrane to take care of the cysts. These filtration systems are usually good for six months or 500 gallons, whichever comes first. Carbon filtration systems are certified to reduce cysts by 99%. Replacements for these filters are quite inexpensive and can be found either on the internet or at hardware stores. They are also easily replaceable.
