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Why Does RO Water Taste Flat? Remineralisation Explained
Quick answer: RO removes most dissolved minerals, so the water can taste flat and be slightly acidic. A remineralisation stage (a mineral or calcite cartridge after the RO) adds back a small amount of calcium and magnesium and raises the pH, giving a fresher taste that many customers prefer. Water that tastes bitter or salty after RO usually means the membrane needs attention.
Key facts
- Flat taste = very low TDS after RO (normal)
- A mineral cartridge adds calcium/magnesium and lifts pH
- Salty or bitter taste after RO usually means a membrane problem
- Keep taste consistent: customers notice changes
Common taste problems
| Taste | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flat, empty | Very low TDS after RO | Add a mineral stage |
| Slightly sour | Low pH after RO | Calcite/mineral stage |
| Salty | Worn or damaged membrane | Check TDS; service or replace membrane |
| Plastic or musty | Old carbon filter, dirty tank | Change carbon, clean tank |
Filters and cartridges
Polypropylene Sediment Filter Cartridges 10″ Big BlueKSh 350
Polypropylene Sediment Filter Cartridges 20″ SlimlineKSh 700
Taste & Odour Removal CartridgeKSh 1,200
Carbon Block Coconut Shell Big Blue Cartridges (1um)KSh 1,300
Standard/Slimline Clear Plastic Filter HousingsKSh 1,600
Standard/Slimline Blue Plastic Filter Housings 10″KSh 1,900| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene Sediment Filter Cartridges 10″ Big Blue | – | KSh 350 |
| Polypropylene Sediment Filter Cartridges 20″ Slimline | – | KSh 700 |
| Taste & Odour Removal Cartridge | – | KSh 1,200 |
| Carbon Block Coconut Shell Big Blue Cartridges (1um) | – | KSh 1,300 |
| Standard/Slimline Clear Plastic Filter Housings | – | KSh 1,600 |
| Standard/Slimline Blue Plastic Filter Housings 10″ | – | KSh 1,900 |
| Blue Plastic Filter Housings 20″ | – | KSh 3,500 |
| Hydra filter body | – | KSh 7,500 |
| End Port 2514(2.5"seamless) Stainless Steel Membrane Housing | – | KSh 9,825 |
| End Port 4014 (4"seamless) Stainless Steel Membrane Housing | – | KSh 10,218 |
| FRP Membrane Housings | – | KSh 10,800 |
| 4080 (4"with seam) Stainless Steel Membrane Housing | – | KSh 12,576 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Water treatment components.
RO purifiers
| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20Lph DOMESTIC WATER PURIFIER | 20 LPH | KSh 35,000 |
| 80ltrs/hr DOMESTIC WATER PURIFIER | 80 L | KSh 100,000 |
| UF Under Counter System (5 Stage) | – | KSh 17,000 |
| RO Under counter system, without booster pump | – | KSh 30,000 |
| RO Under counter system, with booster pump | – | KSh 35,000 |
| 7 stage Domestic water purifier | – | KSh 42,000 |
| RO-400G-D02B 5-Stage RO System | – | KSh 98,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: RO water purifiers price list.
Related: safe TDS levels and RO maintenance.
Watch: ro purifiers and water atms
Frequently asked questions
Is flat-tasting RO water safe?
Yes. It is simply low in minerals; a mineral stage improves the taste.
Does remineralisation make water unsafe?
No. It adds small amounts of minerals after purification.
Why does my RO water taste salty?
Usually a worn membrane; check the TDS and service it.
Should a refill business add minerals?
Many do, for a consistent taste customers like; keep it consistent.