the Composition of Water from Live Water Dispensers

Q: the Composition of Water from Live Water Dispensers

Ms. <br>Shui： The reasons against drinking RO (reverse osmosis) water and distilled water are primarily due to the lack of natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are present in natural water. <br>Proponents of "living water" claim that it contains beneficial minerals

What are the components of the water filtered by the Living Water dispenser?

Hello, recently there was an email stating that "reverse osmosis water and distilled water are the least drinkable." We have switched to drinking water filtered by a living water dispenser.
We conducted a simple experiment: we planted the same type of flowers in three cups containing different types of water: tap water, RO water, and living water.
Over a three-week period, we recorded the results weekly.
The flowers in the living water lasted the longest; however, we are concerned that if someone raises issues about the safety of drinking this water after a period of time, we wouldn't know what to do.

Miss Shui, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/26

Dr. Tang Weili reply Nutrition

Ms.
Shui: The reasons against drinking RO (reverse osmosis) water and distilled water are primarily due to the lack of natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are present in natural water.
Proponents of "living water" claim that it contains beneficial minerals found in natural water while filtering out impurities.
However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the health benefits of such water for the human body or living organisms, and many controversies remain.

Reply Date: 2004/07/26

More Info

Understanding the composition of water from live water dispensers is essential for making informed decisions about our hydration choices. The recent email you received claiming that reverse osmosis (RO) and distilled water are the least suitable for drinking raises several points worth discussing.
First, let's clarify what these types of water are. Reverse osmosis water is produced by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes impurities, including minerals, contaminants, and microorganisms. Distilled water is created by boiling water and then condensing the steam back into a liquid, which also removes most impurities and minerals. While both RO and distilled water are very pure, they lack essential minerals that are beneficial for health, such as calcium and magnesium.

On the other hand, "live water" or "alkaline water" typically refers to water that has been treated to increase its pH level, often through the addition of minerals. Proponents of live water claim that it has health benefits, including better hydration and antioxidant properties. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
In your experiment with the three types of water (tap water, RO water, and live water), the observation that the plants watered with live water thrived the longest could be attributed to the presence of minerals that promote plant growth. However, it's important to note that plant health does not directly correlate with human health. While plants may thrive on certain types of water, our bodies have different needs.

When it comes to drinking water, the most critical factor is ensuring that it is safe and free from harmful contaminants. Tap water in many regions is treated and monitored for safety, making it a viable option for hydration. However, the quality of tap water can vary based on location and local infrastructure. If you are concerned about contaminants in your tap water, using a filtration system can help improve its quality.

Regarding the safety of live water, it is crucial to understand the source and treatment process of the water. If the live water dispenser uses a reliable filtration system and regularly maintains its equipment, the water may be safe to drink. However, if there are any doubts about the source or treatment process, it is advisable to consult with local health authorities or conduct water quality tests.

In summary, while live water may have some benefits, it is essential to consider the overall safety and quality of the water you consume. Drinking water should be free from contaminants and should ideally contain essential minerals for optimal health. If you have concerns about the water you are drinking, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional or a water quality expert. Always prioritize safety and quality when making hydration choices, and stay informed about the water you consume.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Alcohol Disinfection in Shared Water Dispensers

Hello, Doctor: I currently share a water dispenser with other residents on the same floor. I used 75% alcohol, classified as a type B disinfectant, to spray for disinfection. However, I later realized that my alcohol spray nozzle produced a heavier mist, and I may have used too m...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If 75% alcohol is accidentally ingested, the primary concern is alcohol poisoning, especially in children. The general recommendation is to drink a large amount of water. However, unless a significant amount was sprayed during disinfection, ingesting a small amount should ...

Is Drinking Distilled Water Daily Safe for Your Kidneys?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if drinking more than 1500cc of distilled water made from tap water every day at the workplace has any adverse effects on the human body, especially the kidneys? Is it safe to consume this type of water regularly? If not, are there any methods t...

Dr. Wang Ruomei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Water contains trace elements necessary for the human body, such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus found in minerals. Distilled water, while effective in eliminating bacteria, raises concerns about the potential reduction of trace elements in the water. 2. To reduce bacte...

Understanding Water Intoxication and Its Effects on Kidney Health

In the past couple of days, I accidentally consumed 3000-4000 cc of water, but I have since controlled my intake to 1500 cc. However, I am experiencing some symptoms of thirst, and today I went to the bathroom three times, with one instance of clear urine. Could this possibly ind...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It shouldn't be a problem; just replenish lost fluids as needed. Urine color should normally be light yellow or resemble water. Wishing you good health.

Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently around 50 and is gradually declining. Aside from controlling her...

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...