5 Reasons Why Your RO Water Tastes Bitter

Often, people complain that their RO water suddenly starts tasting bitter. Imagine a scenario: you’re very thirsty and you rush towards your refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. However, after taking just one sip, you don’t want to drink it anymore. The reason – it tastes bitter, like medicine!

We understand that no one likes the bitter taste, especially when it comes to water! But if you’re wondering what makes it taste bitter, then let’s find out.

In this article, we are going to expose the five main culprits behind bitter-tasting RO water.

 

What Is RO Water?

Before we tell you why does your RO water tastes bitter, let us first explain to you what exactly RO or reverse osmosis water is. In simple terms, RO water is water that is purified in a RO water filter. It goes through many stages of purification until the majority of its salts and minerals are removed.

Now, if you’re wondering how those minerals get into the water then, let us inform you that when the water seeps through the ground, it absorbs these minerals before being supplied to homes.

 

Why Does RO Water Tastes Bitter?

Now that you know what RO water is, let’s have a look at the main culprits behind bitter-tasting water.

1. Clogged Membrane

In an RO system, the water is passed by high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. The size of its pores is very small (0.0001 microns) and as a result, 90% of the impurities are eliminated.

If you don’t replace this membrane from time to time, it may get clogged and not function properly. As a result, certain dissolved solids (chlorine, sulphate, and fluoride, etc.) will not get filtered and affect the taste of your water.

 

2. High pH Level

The pH of natural water is about 7, which is neutral. However, certain gases and chemicals may alter it to make it more alkaline or acid.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the normal pH of the water varies from 6.5-8.5. But when it goes above 8.5, the water can become alkaline and have a bitter taste.

 

3. Low Mineral Content

According to a study, a lower concentration of minerals such as calcium in RO water can make it taste bitter. Most RO water purifiers eliminate 90% of dissolved solids from the water, including the minerals. What is left behind is plain, distilled water.

So we recommend you purchase a RO purifier with an in-built mineralizer (mineral enhancer). It will help in retaining the essential minerals in your water and make it taste better.

 

4. Water Pipelines

Rusted or faulty pipelines are also one of the major causes of bitter-tasting water. Certain minerals and chemicals such as copper from rusted or faulty pipes can enter the water and make it bitter. Therefore, we recommend you get your pipelines checked from time to time and prevent your water from tasting bitter.

 

5. Sense Of Taste And Smell

Though this is not a direct cause behind the bitter-tasting water, your sense of taste and smell can also alter the taste of your water. Sometimes, the water might taste bitter to you, even if that is not the case.

Especially when you’re down with fever or any other illness, you will not find the taste of water quite pleasing. So in a situation like this, ask any of your family members if they also are finding the water to taste bitter.

 

FAQs

1. How often do I have to change the membrane of my RO filter?

We recommend you replace your RO membrane every 2-3 years. Also, depending on the amount of water and sediment passed through it, you need to change it.

 

2. How can I improve the taste of my RO water?

If your water has high levels of chlorine, it can taste bitter. Therefore, we recommend you install a carbon filter in your RO water or purifier. Carbon filters can efficiently remove chlorine from your water and give it a better taste.

 

You May Also Like To Read:

Which Water Purifier Is Best For Your Health?

How To Convert Hard Water Into Soft Water?

How To Purify Borewell Water For Daily Usage?

 

Conclusion

While drinking bitter water doesn’t pose any serious health risk, it can definitely ruin your taste and leave you dehydrated.

By now, we hope you’re familiar with the main causes of bitter-tasting RO water.

For any other questions, please type them comment section below. We will be happy to help you!