Is Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Safe to Drink?
- RO removes salt, fluoride, germs
- Minerals mainly come from food
- Remineraliser improves taste
- Maintenance keeps it safe
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What Does RO Remove?
| Removed by RO | Notes |
|---|---|
| Salt (high TDS) | The main reason borehole owners use RO |
| Fluoride | Common in parts of Kenya (fluoride guide) |
| Bacteria and viruses | With intact membranes and good storage |
| Calcium and magnesium | Can be added back with a remineraliser |
Does RO Water Lack Minerals?
Yes, RO water is low in minerals. For a person eating a normal diet, food supplies far more calcium and magnesium than drinking water. Some people prefer the taste of water with minerals, which is why many systems include a remineralisation stage: RO taste and remineralisation.
Is RO Water Acidic?
RO water can read slightly lower in pH because it has little buffering. It is not harmful, and a mineral stage raises the pH. See pH of drinking water.
What Makes RO Water Unsafe?
- Filters and membranes left far past their change dates.
- Dirty storage tanks or bottles.
- No disinfection after storage in a water business (add UV or ozone).
Maintenance schedule: RO maintenance.
RO Systems
RO Under counter system, without booster pumpKSh 30,000
RO Under counter system, with booster pumpKSh 35,000
RO-400G-D02B 5-Stage RO SystemKSh 98,000
Htech 500lph Ro water purifierKSh 380,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| RO Under counter system, without booster pump | KSh 30,000 |
| RO Under counter system, with booster pump | KSh 35,000 |
| RO-400G-D02B 5-Stage RO System | KSh 98,000 |
| Htech 500lph Ro water purifier | KSh 380,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 7 October 2026).
Check Your RO Water
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| TDS Handheld Meter | KSh 6,500 |
| pH Handheld Meter | KSh 4,500 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 7 October 2026).
A TDS meter confirms the membrane is working (the TDS should drop sharply after RO).
Watch: RO purifiers and water ATMs
Frequently asked questions
Is RO water safe to drink every day?
Yes, if the system is maintained and the water is stored cleanly.
Does RO water remove minerals?
Yes. Most minerals come from food; a remineraliser can add some back for taste.
Is RO water acidic?
It can read slightly lower in pH but is not harmful; a mineral stage raises it.
Is RO water good for children?
Safe drinking water matters most; RO water from a maintained system is fine with a normal diet.
How do I know my RO is working?
Measure TDS before and after; a working membrane reduces TDS sharply.