Easy access to safe and clean water is essential for maintaining good health. People have been using bottled water for some time now for convenience, and RO water purifiers are becoming more common as they offer a better alternative. In this blog, we'll discuss why RO filtered water is a better choice than other filtered water options, its environmental impact, its cost-effectiveness, and how 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 packaged in plastic or glass containers and marketed as drinking water. It can come from natural sources such as springs, rivers, wells, or even treated tap water. There are several types of bottled water on the market, differentiated by their source and the benefits they offer:
Spring water: This type of bottled water comes from natural springs, where the water flows to the surface through natural filtration. Due to the geological formations it passes through, it is often attributed a unique mineral content.
Purified water: Purified bottled water is typically made from tap water, which is then filtered to remove contaminants such as chlorine, bacteria, and other chemicals. Some of the filtration methods used include reverse osmosis, distillation, and carbon filtration.
Mineral water: This water contains minerals naturally present in water, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium. It is typically extracted from the ground and may be filtered or unfiltered before being bottled and offered to consumers.
Distilled water: Bottled water that has been distilled has undergone the process of boiling and then condensing to remove particles. This process produces water that is virtually free of minerals and impurities, making it extremely pure.
Alkaline water: This type of water is water that has been enriched with other minerals to raise the pH level. It is often sold for a variety of purposes, from cleansing the body to improving hydration.
Bottled water is used primarily because it is convenient, easy to transport, and considered clean. It is widely available in supermarkets, vending machines, and convenience stores to meet the needs of people in a hurry.
The hidden reality of bottled water
Bottled water isn't as innocent as it seems and often has a sugary aftertaste. There's a pervasive perception that selling bottled water is a healthier or safer alternative to tap water, but this is often not the case.
Bottled water is often just tap water
Reports from organizations like the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) indicate that the majority of bottled water is derived from tap water. Research has shown that more than 25% of bottled water is actually filtered tap water. While it's refined through reverse osmosis or distillation, that doesn't make it any better than what you can get from your kitchen faucet.
Plastic pollution
The problem of bottled water is also linked to the problem of plastic waste and its impact on the environment. The production, distribution, and handling of plastic bottles lead to environmental pollution. It is estimated that, on average, several million plastic bottles are used every minute worldwide, of which only 30% are adequately recycled. This leads to an alarming accumulation of plastic waste, much of which ends up in landfills or the oceans, thus posing a long-term threat to the environment.
Additionally, plastic bottles are known to contaminate water with dangerous chemicals and release microplastics into the ocean. Chemicals that leach into water from plastics include bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, especially when the plastic is exposed to heat or sunlight. Research has shown that BPA and other chemicals found in plastics can cause a range of health problems, including hormone disruption and cancer.
Health risks
Bottled water can also pose certain health risks, not only because of plastic waste, but also because such water may contain chemicals that are unsafe for consumption. Most companies that offer bottled water do not provide information about the water source and the treatment methods used, leaving consumers unaware of the water they are consuming. Furthermore, some bottled water has been found to contain contaminants such as microplastics, heavy metals, and even bacteria.
The cost of bottled water
Bottled water is a convenient option, but it can be quite costly in the long run. The cost of one bottle may not seem much at first, but when you multiply it by the number of bottles consumed in a given period, it can add up. The price of bottled water can range from $1 to $3 per bottle, depending on the bottle size, brand, and where you buy it. So, if you consume just one bottle of water per day, you'll spend between $365 and $1,095 per year just on bottled water.
The cost of installing an RO (reverse osmosis) water filtration system, on the other hand, is an upfront cost, with no significant ongoing costs. Certain systems, such as the Frizzlife RO system, can be purchased for $100 to $500, and the filter also needs to be replaced periodically, costing $20 to $50 per year.Compared to the reverse osmosis filtration system, the cost of daily use of a water distiller is quite high at $1.50 per gallon.
The cost of bottled water can also fluctuate from time to time, especially during times of disaster or in regions where clean water is hard to find. During times of drought or water pollution, the price of bottled water can also rise, which can make consumers vulnerable to excessive prices. With a reverse osmosis system, you can rest assured that you'll always have clean, filtered water without having to worry about the fluctuating costs of bottled water.
The power of RO-filtered water
What is reverse osmosis (RO) technology?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment method that uses membranes for water filtration. This process uses pressure to force water through a membrane that allows only water molecules and ions to pass through, while other particles remain. This process leaves behind clean, purified water that is safe for consumption.
Reverse osmosis filtration is considered one of the best water treatment methods because it helps make water safe to drink. This process not only improves the appearance and taste of the water but also removes harmful substances.
Benefits of RO-filtered water
RO filtered water has many benefits, making it a good choice for homes and businesses looking for a water purification system.
Superior filtration
The greatest strength of RO filtration is its superior water purification. The RO membrane has very small openings that can remove particles as small as 0.0001 micrometers, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants. Some of the contaminants 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)
The water that flows through this filter is therefore free from harmful substances that can affect health.
Improved taste and smell
Reverse osmosis filtration is one of the most effective methods for improving the taste and odor of water, as it helps remove chlorine, chloramines, and other organic substances from tap water. These substances are typically associated with bad taste and odor, making tap water undrinkable. RO-filtered water eliminates these unpleasant tastes and odors, which is very refreshing.
Purity and safety
Water filtered through an RO filter is considered 100% pure. Reverse osmosis systems help remove most contaminants, providing water that's not only safe to consume but also suitable for food preparation, cleaning, and bathing. This is because the filtration system has a high capacity to remove undesirable substances in the water, such as heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses that can be hazardous to health and other household appliances like coffee makers, dishwashers, and water heaters.
RO filtered water vs. bottled water
comfort
Bottled water is a convenient choice for many consumers because of its convenience. It's readily available, portable, and can be consumed without prior processing. But RO-filtered water is equally convenient and can be easily consumed in the comfort of your own home.
Convenience of bottled water:
Ready-to-drink: Mineral water is available in ready-to-drink form, which requires no further processing. This makes it convenient for consumers to consume the water whenever they want, especially when they're in a hurry or away from home.
Portable: Water bottles are very convenient to carry, you can use them on the way to work, school or while traveling.
Variety: There is a wide variety of bottled water available on the market, including mineral water, spring water, purified water, and others, and this gives the consumer the opportunity to choose the type of water they want to consume.
RO filtered water convenience:
Unlimited supply: After installing an RO filtration system, you'll have access to clean, filtered water at home whenever you need it. No more stressing about running out of water or constantly having to buy bottled water from the store.
Fewer bottles to carry: You don't have to lug water bottles from the store or worry about running out of water. Installing a filtration system in your home is convenient because you don't have to constantly buy bottled water.
Convenient refilling: With a reverse osmosis system, you only need to refill your water bottles from the source you fill at home. This is especially helpful for a large number of drinkers in a family or even an organization, as well as for people who need to carry water to work or workout.
At first glance, it may seem more convenient to use bottled water, but with proper installation, RO filtered water can be just as convenient in the long run, without the stress of having to buy and carry bottles around.
Impact on the environment
The environmental impact of bottled water is highly controversial as it leads to plastic waste and overuse of resources.
Environmental impacts of bottled water:
Plastic waste: One of the biggest problems with using bottled water is the waste it creates. It's estimated that plastic bottles account for a large portion of the world's plastic waste, with millions of tons produced each year. Despite attempts to recycle them, many plastic bottles aren't recycled and therefore end up in landfills or oceans, causing pollution.
Resource consumption: Bottled water production consumes many resources, including water extraction, energy for bottle production, and energy for bottle transportation. Bottled water is highly harmful to the environment, leaving a large carbon footprint and being a major cause of pollution.
Environmental pollution: Although some bottles are recycled, many are not, resulting in landfill and water pollution. The production of plastic bottles also poses the risk of chemical pollution.
RO filtered water environmental impact:
Less plastic waste: The most important positive impact of using RO-filtered water on the environment is the reduction of plastic waste. Filtering water at home eliminates the need to buy water in plastic bottles. This can help protect the environment and reduce pollution.
Energy efficiency: Reverse osmosis systems require less energy, as the production and delivery of bottled water involves energy-intensive manufacturing and transportation processes. Modern reverse osmosis systems are designed to be energy-efficient, and some even incorporate sensor technology to help regulate water consumption.
Sustainable solution: A reverse osmosis system provides access to filtered water, which is beneficial because it doesn't contribute to the problem of plastic pollution. Additionally, most reverse osmosis systems are designed to last a long time, meaning they don't need to be replaced often, thus reducing the environmental impact.
In terms of environmental sustainability, RO-filtered water is clearly the best choice. It avoids the use of plastics and the associated carbon footprint associated with bottling and transporting bottled water.
Cost comparison
It's possible to spend a lot of money on bottled water, especially if you use a lot of water at home. In contrast, an RO filtration system can be more economical in the long run than constantly buying bottled water.
Cost of bottled water:
Ongoing costs: Consuming bottled water is a daily necessity that can sometimes be costly and result in a high bill, especially for larger families or people who use water frequently. A bottle of water can cost between $1 and $2, depending on the brand and type of water. Therefore, for a family of four, annual bottled water expenses can reach up to $1,000.
Hidden costs: Bottled water can also come with hidden costs. In addition to the price of the water itself, there may also be transportation or delivery costs if you regularly order bottled water.
RO filtered water costs:
Initial investment: While the initial investment for an RO system is quite expensive, it can pay off in the long run. The cost of a good reverse osmosis system ranges from $150 to $600 for a high-quality system, depending on the system's features and capacity.
Low operating costs: Once installed, the maintenance costs of an RO system are relatively low. The operating costs of a reverse osmosis system are typically between $0.30 and $0.50 per day, which equates to $100 to $180 per year. This is much cheaper than the annual cost of bottled water.
Long-term savings: In a few years, the cost of an RO system will be minimal compared to constantly purchasing bottled water. This is because RO-filtered water is a very economical option, especially for those who drink a lot of water every day, whether families or individuals.
In terms of cost, RO filtered water is much cheaper in the future, while bottled water is a constant expense that can drive up costs.
Frizzlife RO Systems: Your Trusted Water Filtration Solution
High filtration performance
Frizzlife RO systems are engineered to provide the best water purification. They filter down to the microscopic level of 0.0001 microns, meaning they can filter out hazardous substances like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and bacteria to provide your family with water that's safe to drink.
Space-saving design
The compact and elegant Frizzlife reverse osmosis systems can be easily installed under the kitchen sink and at the same time offer high-quality water filtration.
Cost-effective solution
Bottled water is a recurring expense, while Frizzlife RO systems These are not. You can get drinking water for only $0.30 a day and as much water as you want.
Environmentally friendly
By switching to a reverse osmosis system, you can significantly reduce the use of single-use plastics, reducing environmental impact and combating plastic pollution.
Real-time monitoring
One of the features that sets Frizzlife reverse osmosis systems apart is that they are equipped with intelligent sensors that provide real-time information about water quality, TDS levels, and filter lifespan, so users can be sure that the water they are drinking is safe.
Remineralization for better taste
If you prefer the taste of mineral water, some of the Frizzlife reverse osmosis systems with remineralization features are perfect for you. These systems can remove toxins and then replace important minerals like calcium and magnesium to provide you with filtered water that's clean and natural-tasting.
FAQs
Does RO water contain important minerals?
Reverse osmosis water is one of the most effective water treatment methods because it removes impurities but also removes important minerals. However, Frizzlife's RO systems feature a remineralization function that restores essential minerals to the water, making it healthy and safe for consumption. Examples include the PD600-TAM3 and PX500-A.
Is RO water healthy to drink?
Yes, RO water is safe and healthy. It removes harmful substances like chlorine, lead, and bacteria, providing purified water. Although it's "pure," Frizzlife's remineralization process adds the necessary minerals to promote health.
Is maintaining an RO system difficult?
No, because RO system maintenance is quite simple. Frizzlife reverse osmosis systems are equipped with an easy filter change mechanism and a real-time filter change reminder, so you never have to guess when it's time to change the filter. Minimal maintenance is required for efficient system operation.