Is Your "Pure" Water Too Pure? The Hidden Downsides of RO & Distilled Water

You’ve invested in a reverse osmosis system or regularly buy distilled water, thinking you're making the healthiest choice. After all, it's free of contaminants, chlorine, and all those nasty things found in tap water, right? While RO and distilled water are indeed incredibly clean, they are also demineralized – meaning they're stripped of almost everything, including beneficial minerals.

Consuming only demineralized water over the long term isn't a universally agreed-upon danger, especially for those with a balanced diet. However, there are several important considerations and potential downsides you should be aware of.

1. The Mineral Deficiency Dilemma

Natural water sources, whether from a spring or a treated municipal supply, often contain essential electrolyte minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium (see our Blue Jug minerals here). These contribute to your daily mineral intake, supporting everything from bone health to nerve function.

• The Problem: Both reverse osmosis and distillation processes remove up to 99% of these naturally occurring minerals.

• The Impact: If your diet isn't perfectly balanced and rich in these minerals, you could be missing out on a significant "supplemental" source that Blue Jug or spring water normally provides. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even raised concerns about the long-term consumption of demineralized water contributing to mineral imbalances.

2. The "Leaching" Effect on Your Body

This is a topic of ongoing scientific discussion. The theory suggests that because demineralized water is so "empty" (lacking dissolved solids), it actively seeks to achieve equilibrium by drawing minerals from your body's tissues.

• The Idea: Pure water acts like a mild solvent, potentially causing your body to excrete more vital electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium through urine.

• The Reality: While your body is incredibly efficient at maintaining its internal balance, some studies indicate that drinking demineralized water can indeed increase the excretion of certain minerals.

3. Acidity and pH Balance

Demineralized water tends to be more acidic than natural water sources.

• The Chemistry: When ultra-pure water is exposed to air, it readily absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), which then forms a weak carbonic acid.

• The pH: As a result, RO and distilled water can have a pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. While your stomach acid is far more potent, some individuals report mild digestive discomfort or have long-term concerns about potential impacts on dental enamel from consistently drinking slightly acidic water.

4. Flavor (or Lack Thereof) and Palatability

Minerals aren't just good for you; they also give water its distinctive taste. This is why Blue Jug water tastes so good.

• The Taste: Distilled water is famously described as "flat," "bland," or "dead." RO water is often cleaner but can still taste somewhat "hollow."

• The Consequence: Because it lacks a refreshing taste, some people find they drink less demineralized water, potentially leading to mild, chronic dehydration simply because the water isn't as enjoyable.

The minerals found in Blue Jug water give it life. It is water the way it’s meant to be.

5. Potential for Container Leaching

Demineralized water is "aggressive" in its search for dissolved solids, making it more prone to interacting with its storage container.

• Plastic Concerns: It may pull chemicals like BPA or phthalates from certain plastics more readily than mineralized water.

• Metal Corrosion: A critical warning: never run RO water through copper pipes, as it can corrode the metal and lead to copper toxicity.

Alkaline water, like Blue Jug water, does not leach from plastic containers.

The Bottom Line: Moderation and Remineralization are Key

Drinking demineralized water occasionally is unlikely to cause harm. The problems arise from exclusive, long-term consumption without proper dietary compensation.

Many people who use RO systems or distill their own water choose to remineralize it. This can be done through:

• Adding specialized remineralization filters after the RO membrane, like our Blue Jug remineralizer.

• Using mineral drops specifically designed for water.

• Adding a tiny pinch of high-quality sea salt or a slice of lemon to your glass.

By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices about the water you drink and ensure you're getting all the benefits without the hidden downsides.