Reverse Osmosis Water Vs. Bottled Water

We all want to drink water that tastes great and is safe for our bodies. At Shelton’s Water, we know that for a long time, buying cases of bottled water seemed like the only way to get clean water at home. But is it really the best choice?

There’s a powerful contender that’s changing how people hydrate: Reverse Osmosis (RO). If you’re tired of lugging heavy plastic bottles from the grocery store, it might be time to look at the differences between reverse osmosis water and bottled water. Today, we’ll break down how they compare so you can decide what is best for your home.

Quick Facts: Reverse Osmosis Vs. Bottled Water

• Cost— Reverse osmosis water costs pennies per gallon, while bottled water can cost hundreds of dollars a year.
• Purity — RO systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and bacteria.
• Waste — A home RO system eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, which helps the environment.
• Convenience — RO systems provide unlimited purified water right from your kitchen sink.

A reverse osmosis water system is a specialized filtration unit installed in your home, usually under the kitchen sink. Unlike a standard water pitcher filter, which only improves taste, an RO system is designed to purify water at a much deeper level.

We often recommend high-quality Kinetico systems because they provide a constant supply of clean water without the hassle of bottles. Think of it as having a miniature water treatment plant right in your own kitchen.

You might be wondering, “How does reverse osmosis work?” It sounds complicated, but you’d be surprised how simple the process is!

In an RO system, water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane, think of it as a very thin net. This membrane has tiny holes so small that only pure water molecules can squeeze through.

As water is forced through this membrane, contaminants such as salts, metals and chemicals are left behind and flushed away. The result is crystal-clear water that flows out of that dedicated faucet.

“Is drinking reverse osmosis water good for you?” is one of the most common questions we hear at Shelton’s. The short answer is yes. Because the filtration process is so strong, RO water is incredibly pure. Here are a few reasons why it is a healthy choice:

Superior Contaminant Removal

Tap water can sometimes travel through old pipes that add lead or other metals. Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing these harmful substances. It also filters out modern concerns like PFAS (forever chemicals) and pharmaceutical residues that standard city treatment might miss.

Better Hydration

Many people find that RO water tastes cleaner and fresher than tap water. When water tastes good, you’re likely to drink more of it. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your body.

Some people worry that RO removes healthy minerals. While it’s true that the process removes minerals along with contaminants, a balanced diet provides the vast majority of minerals your body needs. The benefit of removing harmful chemicals far outweighs the loss of a tiny amount of minerals in your water.

Bottled water is often marketed as “pure spring water,” but the truth can be murky.

• Regulation —Bottled water is regulated by the FDA as a food product, but the testing requirements are sometimes less strict than those for municipal tap water.
• Microplastics —Recent studies have found that many popular brands of bottled water contain tiny plastic particles (microplastics).
• Cost —If you spend $20 a week on bottled water, that’s over $1,000 a year! An RO system pays for itself quickly by cutting this cost out of your budget.

If you’re looking for a reliable alternative to bottled water, a reverse osmosis system is the clear winner.

By installing a system with Shelton’s Water, you get the convenience of bottled-quality water without the waste. You no longer have to worry about running out of water or filling up your recycling bin with empty plastic bottles.

Your family deserves the cleanest water possible. If you’re ready to stop buying bottles and start enjoying pure water from your tap, we can help.

Contact Shelton’s Water today to learn more about our residential reverse osmosis systems and find the perfect fit for your home.