Most people know that mineral water benefits our health and that the trace minerals that are naturally present in our drinking water also improve its taste. Mineral revitalization water purification systems are a new addition to home filtration units. This article explains why such systems are required and whether there are any better alternatives.
You see, there are often contaminants in our tap water that we would be much better off without. There are, however, naturally occurring minerals in the water that are essential for our health. The many mineral water benefits are well known. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are vital to the proper functioning of the human body. Sodium helps to maintain the balance of water in the body and iron deficiency causes anemia. These minerals can also help to maintain the pH of drinking water, preserving the acid-base balance.
Some filtering techniques work to remove these elements, thus reducing the mineral water benefits. Reverse osmosis, for example, a 50 year old filtration technology, designed originally for industrial use, de-mineralizes the water.
It involves the use of a series of porous membranes. Anything heavier than, or larger than, a water-molecule is removed, and that includes most minerals. Anything smaller or lighter passes through the membranes. Strictly speaking, it cannot actually be called a purifier, because it does not remove bacterial or chemical contaminants.
Knowing this, companies that sell these systems for home use came up with a new concept. Mineral revitalization water purification systems profess to replace all of the minerals that are taken out during filtering, while adding even more of the mineral water benefits you might not be getting otherwise.
So, let us think about this for a second. First we have a filtration system that, besides its other numerous flaws, removes everything that is beneficial. Now, because of this, the consumer is being asked to purchase something that will replace what was taken out. If it sounds like a rip off, it probably is.
How would you feel if you were to pay a landscaper to mow your lawn and he proceeded to remove all of the grass, sod and soil? He then returns with new grass, soil and sod, and proceeds to charge you extra. It might sound incredible, but that is just what the makers of reverse osmosis filters and mineral revitalization water purification systems are selling to consumers. It is a sort of self-perpetuating business that adds an unnecessary step, and then expects the customer to pay extra for it.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to reverse osmosis filters and mineral revitalization water purification systems. There are many units on the market today whose technology is such that they are able to remove harmful contaminants while preserving the mineral water benefits. Activated charcoal and multi-media filters are at the forefront of this technology. They are easy to use and install, and are relatively inexpensive. They eliminate the extra step of having to replace what the system should not have removed in the first place.
