It is crucial for people to have easy access to safe and clean water for maintaining good health. People have been using bottled water for a while now for convenience and RO water purifiers are being used more often as they are a better option. In this blog, we will discuss why RO filtered water is a better choice than other filtered water options, the effect it has on the environment, and it how is more economical, and how the Frizzlife RO systems can be a great investment as a water filtration system.
Understanding Bottled Water
What is Bottled Water?
Bottled water can be defined as a form of water that has been packaged in plastic or glass containers and offered for drinking purposes. It may be originated from natural source like springs, rivers, wells or even treated tap water. There are several types of bottled water on the market and they differ in their source and the benefits they offer:
Spring Water: This type of bottled water comes from natural springs, where water flows to the surface through natural filtration. It is often considered to have a unique mineral content due to the geological formations it passes through.
Purified Water: Bottled water that has been purified is typically obtained from tap water which is then filtered to take out contaminants such as chlorine, bacteria and other chemicals. Some of the filtration methods that are used are reverse osmosis, distillation and carbon filtration.
Mineral Water: This water contains minerals which are present in the water, naturally including calcium, magnesium and sodium. It is usually obtained from ground storage, and may or may not be filtered before being presented to the consumers as bottled water.
Distilled Water: Bottled water that has been distilled has been through the process of boiling and then condensing to remove particles. This process gives water that is almost mineral and contaminants free thus making it very pure.
Alkaline Water: This type of water is water which has been fortified with other minerals in order to enhance the pH level of the water. It is quite commonly sold for various purposes, ranging from purifying the body to improving the hydration process.
Bottled water is mostly used because of its convenience and portability, as well as because it is considered to be clean. This is especially available at the supermarkets, vending machines, as well as convenience stores, to serve the needs of the people who are in a hurry.
The Hidden Reality of Bottled Water
Bottled water is not as innocent as it seems and often has a sugary side to it. There has been this perception that sells water in bottles is a healthier or safer alternative to water from the tap, and often this is not the case.
Bottled Water is Often Just Tap Water
Based on reports from organizations such as the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), it has been established that majority of bottled water originates from tap water. In fact, research has indicated that, more than 25 % of bottled water is actually filtered tap water. They may refine it through reverse osmosis or distillation, but this in no way makes it any more than what you can get from your kitchen tap.
Plastic Pollution
The problem of bottled water is also connected to the issue of plastic waste and its impact on the environment. The manufacturing, distribution and handling of plastic bottles cause pollution in the environment. It has been estimated that, on average, several million plastic bottles are consumed every minute across the globe and only 30% of these are being adequately recycled. This results to the accumulation of plastic wastes at an alarming rate which a large portion finds its way to landfills or the seas hence posing a long term threat to the environment.
Also, plastic bottles are known to contaminate water with dangerous chemicals, in addition to releasing microplastics into the sea. Some of the chemicals that plastics release into the water, include Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, especially when the plastic is exposed to heat or sunlight. Research has indicated that, BPA and other chemicals found in plastics can cause a list of health problems, such as hormone disruption and cancer.
Health Risks
Bottled water can also pose certain health risks; not only because of the plastic waste, but also because such water might contain chemicals that are not safe for consumption. Most of the bottled water companies do not provide information about the source of water and the treatment methods used, which makes consumers unknow about the nature of water they are consuming. Also, some of the bottled waters have been detected to contain contaminants like microplastics, heavy metals and even bacteria.
The Cost of Bottled Water
Bottled water is a convenient option, but it can be rather costly if used in the long run. The cost of a bottle may not seem like much at all, but when multiplied by the number of bottles used in a given period, it can really set you back. Bottled water can be priced anywhere between $1 and $3 per bottle based on the size of the bottle, the brand and the place of purchase. Thus, if you are only consuming one bottle of water per day, you will spend from $365 to $1,095 a year on mineral water only.
On the other hand, the expense of putting in an RO (reverse osmosis) water filtration system is a capital cost and there are no significant expenses thereafter. Certain systems, such as the Frizzlife RO system, can be bought at a price range of $100 - $500 and filter replacements are also needed every now and then at a cost of $20 – $50 per year. When compared to the RO filtration system, the cost of using water distiller on a daily basis is $1.50 per gallon which is quite expensive.
Also, the cost of bottled water can also change from time to time, especially during the disaster period or in regions where clean water is hard to find. In times of drought or water pollution issues, the price of bottled water can also increase which may make the consumers vulnerable to overcharging. Thus, by employing an RO system, you are always assured of clean and filtered water at any given time without having to worry about the fluctuating costs like in the case of bottled water.
The Power of RO Filtered Water
What is Reverse Osmosis (RO) Technology?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water treatment method which involves the use of membranes to filter water. The process involves the use of pressure to force water through a membrane which only allows the passage of water molecules together with the ions while ensuring that other particles are left behind. This process leaves behind clean and purified water that is safe for consumption.
RO filtration is considered as one of the best methods for water purification as it helps to make the water safe for drinking. This process not only enhances the look and taste of water but also removes harmful substances.
Advantages of RO Filtered Water
RO filtered water has a lot of advantages and that is why it is a good choice for households and businesses in search of a water purification system.
Superior Filtration
The most significant strength of RO filtration is that it provides the best water purification. The RO membrane has very small apertures which can remove particles as small as 0.0001 microns hence providing very effective removal of a large number of contaminants. Some of the contaminants that it effectively removes include:
Heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury)
Chemicals (e.g., chlorine, fluoride, pesticides)
Microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses)
Salts and dissolved solids (TDS)
Thus, the water through this filter is free from any hazardous substances that can be dangerous to the health.
Improved Taste and Odor
RO filtration is one of the most effective ways of enhancing the taste and odor of water, as it helps in getting rid of chlorine, chloramines and other organic substances present in tap water. These are substances that are usually associated with bad taste and odor, and thus make the water to be unpalatable to drink from the tap. With RO filtered water, you do not get that unpleasant taste or smell which is quite refreshing.
Purity and Safety
Water that has been filtered through RO filter is considered to be 100% pure. RO systems help in removing most of the pollutants, hence providing water that is not only safe to consume but also suitable for preparation of food, cleaning and bathing. This is because the filtration system has a high capacity of removing substances that are undesirable in the water, such as heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses, that can be dangerous to the health and other household appliances including coffee makers, dishwashers, and water heaters.
RO Filtered Water VS Bottled Water
Convenience
Bottled water has been a convenient choice for many consumers due to the convenience that it offers. It is easily available in the market, portable and can be consumed without any prior processing. But RO filtered water is equally convenient and can be easily accessed within the premise of one’s home.
Bottled Water Convenience:
Ready to Drink: Mineral water is available in a ready to drink form that is readily available in the market without any further processing, which makes it convenient for consumers to consume the water, whenever they want to especially when they are in a hurry, or when they are away from the comfort of their homes.
Portable: Water bottles are very convenient to carry around, you can use them when you are going to work, school, or when you are traveling.
Variety: There is a large variety of bottled water on the market, these include mineral water, spring water, purified water among others, and this gives the consumer an opportunity to select the type of water they desire to take.
RO Filtered Water Convenience:
Unlimited Supply: After installing an RO filtration system, you will have an access to clean filtered water, anytime you want, at home. You don’t have to stress about having none, or having to, keep on buying bottled water from the store.
Fewer Bottles to Carry: It is not necessary to drag bottles of water from the store, or to be concerned about the water supply running out. Having a filtration system installed inside the home is convenient, since one does not have to make frequent purchases of bottled water.
Convenient Refills: In the case of an RO system, all you have to do is to replenish your water bottles from the source that you fill at home. This is especially helpful for large number of drinkers in a family, or even in an organization, as well as for people who need to take water with them at work or when they are training.
On the face of it, it is more convenient to use bottled water, but with the right installation, RO filtered water can be as convenient in the long run without the stress of having to buy and carry around bottles.
Environmental Impact
The issue of environmental effect of bottled water is quite contentious; given that it leads to plastic waste and over use of resources.
Bottled Water Environmental Impact:
Plastic Waste: One of the significant problems with the use of bottled water is that it creates waste. It is estimated that plastic bottles account for a large part of plastic waste in the world, and millions of tons of it is produced every year. While there are attempts to recycle, many plastic bottles are not recycled, and therefore find their way into landfills or the oceans resulting to pollution.
Resource Consumption: The production of bottled water entails the use of many resources, such as water extraction, energy for production of the bottles and energy used to transport the bottles. Water bottled is very harmful to the environment, since it has a large carbon footprint and is a major cause of pollution.
Pollution: Although some of the bottles are recycled, many are not, and this leads to pollution of landfills and waterways. Also, manufacturing of plastic bottles is a process which poses a danger of polluting the environment with chemicals.
RO Filtered Water Environmental Impact:
Less Plastic Waste: The most significant positive impact of using RO filtered water on the environment, is the minimization of plastic waste. In this way, when you filter water at home, you do not need to buy bottled water in plastic containers. This can therefore help in saving the environment, and reduce one’s impact on the environment.
Energy Efficiency: RO systems require less energy as the production and delivery of bottled water does involve manufacturing and transportation processes which are energy intensive. Modern RO systems are developed to be energy conserving and some of them may even have sensor technology that helps in regulating water consumption.
Sustainable Solution: It is possible to use an RO system to access filtered water which is advantageous, since it does not contribute to the plastic pollution problem. Furthermore, most RO systems are built to last, which means that they do not need to be replaced often and therefore reduce the pressure on the environment.
In the context of environmental sustainability, it is clear that RO filtered water is the best choice. This is because it eliminates the use of plastics and the associated carbon footprint of bottling and transporting bottled water.
Cost Comparison
It is possible to spend a lot of money on water bottles, particularly if one uses a lot of water in the house. In contrast, an RO filtration system can be more economical in the long run than continuously purchasing bottled water.
Bottled Water Cost:
Ongoing Expenses: The consumption of bottled water is an everyday need that can sometimes be costly and can rack up a significant bill, particularly for larger families or people who consume water frequently. A bottle of water can be anywhere between $1 to $2 based on the particular brand and the type of water. Annual expenditure on bottled water for a family of four can therefore be as high as $1,000.
Hidden Costs: Bottled water can also come with hidden costs. Besides the price of the water itself, you may also be spending on transportation or delivery charges if you have bottled water delivered regularly.
RO Filtered Water Cost:
Initial Investment: Even though the initial investment for RO system is rather expensive, it can be beneficial in the future. The cost of a good RO system varies from $150 to $600 for a high-quality system depending on the features that the unit has and the capacity of the unit.
Low Operating Costs: After installation, the maintenance costs of an RO system are rather low. The operating costs of an RO system are usually between $0.30 and $0.50 per day which translates to $100 to $180 in a year. This is much cheaper as compared to the annual cost of bottled water.
Long-Term Savings: In a couple of years, the expense of having an RO system will be quite minimal, as compared to the constant purchase of bottled water. This is because RO filtered water is a very economical option, particularly for those who drink a lot of water in a day, whether it be families or individuals.
As for the cost, RO filtered water is much cheaper in the future, while bottled water is a constant spend which can rack up the costs.
Frizzlife RO Systems: Your Trusted Water Filtration Solution
High Filtration Performance
Frizzlife RO systems have been developed to offer the best water purification. They filter down to the microscopic level of 0.0001 microns which means they can filter out dangerous substances, including lead, chlorine, fluoride and bacteria to give your family water that is safe to drink.
Space-Saving Design
Compact and sleek, Frizzlife RO systems are very easy to install under the kitchen sink and at the same time provide high-quality water filtration.
Cost-Effective Solution
Bottled water is a recurring expense while Frizzlife RO systems are not. You can get drinking water for as low as $0.30 a day and as much water as you want.
Eco-Friendly
This means that when you switch to using an RO system, you can significantly cut down on the use of single-use plastics which will reduce your impact on the environment and fight against plastic pollution.
Real-Time Monitoring
The following are some of the features that make Frizzlife RO systems stand out; these are the systems that are fitted with smart sensors which provide real time information on water quality, TDS levels and filter life thus putting the user’s mind at ease that the water they are drinking is safe for consumption.
Remineralization for a Better Taste
If you prefer the taste of mineral water, then some of the Frizzlife RO systems that have remineralisation features will be perfect for you. This is because these systems can remove toxins and then replace essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium to give you filtered water that is clean and tastes natural.
FAQs
1. Does RO Water Have Essential Minerals?
RO water is one of the most effective water treatment methods as it gets rid of contaminants but it also removes essential minerals as well. However, Frizzlife RO systems have a remineralization feature that adds essential minerals back into the water, making it healthy and safe for consumption. For example, PD600-TAM3, PX500-A.
2. Is RO Water Healthy to Drink?
Yes, RO water is safe and healthy. It gets rid of dangerous substances such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria, which makes it provide purified water. Although it is ‘pure,’ Frizzlife remineralization adds back the necessary minerals for healthier benefits.
3. Is maintaining an RO system difficult?
It is not, since the RO system’s maintenance is rather straightforward. Frizzlife RO systems come with a simple filter change mechanism and real-time filter replacement reminder, so you never have to guess when it is time to change the filter. The only care needed for the system to operate efficiently is minimal.