Boiled Water vs RO Water

 

According to UNICEF, 2.2 billion people in the world still lack access to safely managed water services. Under these situations, most people still boil their water to ensure it is safe for drinking. Boiling water has been the traditional way of purifying drinking water. However, with the new age advancements in water purification technology, drinking clean water has not only been made easy but also safer. Of these new methods, RO (Reverse Osmosis) is the most popular method. So how do you think boiling water stacks up against RO treated water? Let’s find out.

Boiled Water: Overview & Benefits

• Is boiled water safe to drink?

Boiling water kills most pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This makes it safe to drink when there is no better way of purification available. However, when water is contaminated with elements like chlorine, fluoride, mercury, lead, and pesticides, etc., boiling water cannot remove them. Further boiling water is not always a convenient solution to purify water and if you ever tasted water that has been boiled, you know how different the water tastes and not for the better.

RO Water: Overview & Benefits

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the process of forcing water through a semipermeable membrane such that it passes through while leaving behind dissolved salts that alter the TDS of water, heavy metals like arsenic, lead, etc., and chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, etc.

RO filtration involves a multi-step filtration process where the water is passed through various filters like carbon filter, and RO membrane, to give water that is free of any taste, odor, and of course contaminants. 

Is RO Water Good for Drinking?

Yes, RO water is optimal for drinking due to its ability to remove a diverse array of contaminants. With the rising concern over water quality in urban areas, RO systems have become a preferred choice for many households. They can efficiently address the challenges posed by:

• Poor Water Quality: Urban water sources may be susceptible to contamination from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and aging infrastructure. RO systems effectively tackle these issues, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
• Health Benefits: Drinking RO-purified water can help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and long-term health issues associated with consuming contaminated water. It provides peace of mind, knowing that harmful substances have been filtered out.

Boiled Water vs RO Water: Detailed Comparison

 

Each with its own set of merits and limitations, understanding the differences between boiling and reverse osmosis can help you make an informed decision about what suits your needs.

Comparison Points

1. Effectiveness: Pathogen Removal vs. Contaminant Removal

• Boiled Water: Boiling water is effective at killing pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it does not remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, chemicals, or chlorine, which may still be present in the water.
• RO Water: RO purification is designed to remove a broader spectrum of contaminants. In addition to pathogens, it effectively eliminates chemicals, heavy metals, dissolved salts, and other impurities.

2. Cost & Maintenance: Boiling Cost vs. RO System Maintenance

• Boiled Water: The cost of boiling water largely depends on fuel or energy consumption. While boiling is a low-cost method upfront, it can be inefficient over time, especially if large quantities of water are required.
• RO Water: RO systems require an initial investment and ongoing maintenance, including filter replacements. However, they can save money in the long run by reducing the need for bottled water and providing a steady supply of purified water.

3. Environmental Impact: Energy Use for Boiling vs. Water Waste in RO

• Boiled Water: Boiling water consumes energy, which can contribute to your overall carbon footprint.
• RO Water: While RO systems can waste some water during the purification process (typically 3-4 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of purified water), advancements in technology have led to more efficient systems that minimize this waste.

Comparison Points	Boiled Water	RO Water
Effectiveness	Kills pathogens; does not remove chemicals /heavy metals	Removes pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, and dissolved salts
Cost & Maintenance	Low upfront cost, but ongoing energy costs can add up	Higher initial investment; filter replacement needed for maintenance
Environmental Impact	Energy consumption; no water waste	Water waste during purification; energy use for pumping

 

Use Cases: When to Use Each Method

Boiling Water

• Emergency Situations: Ideal for natural disasters or temporary contamination alerts when water quality is uncertain.
• Pathogen Concerns: Effective for eliminating harmful microbes during outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera or typhoid.

RO Water

• Regular Household Use: Best for daily consumption in urban areas with contaminated tap water, ensuring safe drinking and cooking water.
• Chemical Contamination: Recommended when there are high levels of chemicals, heavy metals, or TDS in the water supply, providing comprehensive filtration for safety.

 

FAQs

1. Is boiled water good for health?
   Yes, boiled water is generally safe to drink as it effectively kills most bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. However, it doesn't remove chemical contaminants or dissolved solids.
2. Does boiling water purify it completely?
   No, boiling water does not purify it completely. While it kills pathogens, it doesn't eliminate chemicals, heavy metals, or other impurities.
3. What are the benefits of RO water?
   RO water is highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and dissolved salts. It improves water taste and quality, making it safer for drinking and cooking.
4. Can boiling water remove all impurities?
   No, boiling water cannot remove all impurities. It mainly targets pathogens but leaves behind dissolved solids and some chemicals, making it less effective than advanced filtration methods like RO.