When it comes to pure drinking water, two options usually come to mind: reverse osmosis (RO) water and distilled water. While both types of water are considered highly pure, they are a bit different. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between reverse osmosis and distilled water and help you decide which one is better for your needs
What is Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants, ions, and larger particles from water. RO systems typically include multiple stages of filtration, such as:
Sediment filter (removes dirt and rust)
Carbon filter (removes chlorine and organic compounds)
RO membrane (removes dissolved solids like lead, arsenic, nitrates)
Post-carbon filter (improves taste and odor)
The result is clean, crisp water that’s free from most impurities but still retains some beneficial minerals depending on the system.
What is Distilled Water?
Distillation, on the other hand, involves boiling water to produce steam. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form in a separate container, leaving behind most contaminants, minerals, and impurities. The process removes:
Heavy metals
Microorganisms
Most dissolved solids
Minerals (even the good ones)
What you get is extremely pure water—perhaps too pure for daily drinking, as it lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Which One is Better for Drinking?
For everyday hydration, reverse osmosis water is generally preferred, especially if your RO system includes a remineralization filter to add back healthy minerals. It tastes better, is energy-efficient, and provides excellent protection against contaminants.
Distilled water is often used in laboratories, medical settings, or appliances like steam irons—places where absolutely mineral-free water is required. However, for regular drinking, it may not be ideal due to its lack of minerals and flat taste.
Final Thoughts
While both RO and distilled water are excellent at removing harmful substances, they are not interchangeable. Reverse osmosis water is a more practical and balanced choice for daily drinking, offering high purity with optional mineral content and better taste.
If you're looking for a reliable countertop RO system for your RV, Ecoviva countertop RO water filter is a top choice. It offers:
✅ 6-in-1 filtration technology to remove contaminants efficiently
✅ Easy setup with no complicated installation required
✅ Fast filtration speed to provide clean water on demand
✅ Compact design that fits perfectly in small spaces like RVs
✅ 3:1 pure water to wastewater ratio for less waste
✅Four temperature options, from cold to hot
✅UV sterilization for extra protection