Feeling Worried That RO “Removes The Good Stuff”?

If you already use a reverse osmosis (RO) system, you probably love how clean the water tastes.                                                                                                                                                                      

Then someone says, “RO removes all the good minerals too,” and suddenly you are not so sure anymore.

That is exactly the concern we hear every week from Edmonton homeowners:

• “Is RO water too pure to be healthy?”
• “Are my kids missing out on minerals?”
• “Why does the water taste so flat now?”

This blog is our honest, practical answer to those questions.

Yes, RO strips out minerals like calcium and magnesium.

No, that does not mean you need to give up RO.

For most homes, the smartest solution is to keep the purity of RO, then add back a small amount of minerals in a controlled way. The easiest way to do that is with a calcite remineralization cartridge that we install after your RO system.

It is a simple upgrade, usually about an extra $100 with installation, but it solves a big part of the “RO removes good stuff” story.

Thinking about upgrading your RO system? Get a quick quote for adding a calcite remineralization cartridge in Edmonton. Book Your RO Remineralization Upgrade 

Quick Summary: What Remineralization Actually Does

• RO removes almost everything from water, including helpful minerals.
• That is why RO water can taste flat, a little acidic, or “too clean”.
• Remineralization adds back a small dose of calcium and magnesium.
• This improves taste, balances pH, and gives water a smoother feel.
• A calcite cartridge does this automatically for every glass from your RO tap.

So you keep the purity benefits of RO, but the water tastes like a natural spring instead of plain distilled water.

The RO Trade Off: Pure Water, But Flat Taste

Edmonton homeowners usually turn to RO for very good reasons:

• They want to reduce chlorine taste and odor.
• They want to cut down total dissolved solids (TDS).
• They want an extra level of protection for drinking and cooking water.

RO does a fantastic job at that. The membrane removes tiny particles, many contaminants, and most dissolved minerals. The result is very low TDS water that looks crystal clear.

The downside is hidden in that last part: “most dissolved minerals”.

Those minerals are the same calcium and magnesium that:

• Give water a natural “body” or mouthfeel
• Add a very light, pleasant taste
• Help balance the pH so the water is not too aggressive

When RO removes almost all of them, the water can start to feel:

• Flat or bland
• A bit “thin” in the mouth
• Slightly acidic in some setups

People describe it in different ways. The common theme is that something feels missing.

Remineralization is simply the step that gives some of that “missing” character back, without undoing the purification work the RO system has already done.

If you’re curious about local water quality factors affecting remineralization, See our EPCOR water report breakdown

Are Minerals In Water Really That Important?

Most of your calcium and magnesium should come from food, not water. However, water does contribute a little, and for many families, that “little” still matters.

Remineralizing RO water:

• Adds back a modest amount of calcium and magnesium.
• Helps support overall mineral intake alongside a normal diet.
• Reassures anyone who feels uneasy about drinking completely demineralized water every day.

If you have kids, elderly family members, or anyone who asks, “Is this water still healthy?” a remineralization filter is an easy way to answer that concern with confidence.

A useful way to think about it:

• RO gives you a very clean “blank slate”.
• Remineralization lets you draw in a light, healthy amount of minerals on top of that blank slate.

Why A Calcite Cartridge Is The Easiest Solution

There are two main ways to remineralize RO water:

1. A built-in remineralization filter (usually with calcite media).
2. Manual mineral drops that you add to each glass or jug.

Both can work. In real life, most Edmonton families choose the first option.

What Is A Calcite Cartridge?

A calcite cartridge is a compact inline filter that sits after your RO membrane, usually as the final stage before the drinking water faucet.

Inside the cartridge is a medium made with calcium carbonate. In some designs, it is blended with a small amount of magnesium media. As purified RO water flows through, it slowly dissolves a controlled amount of these minerals.

The result:

• pH is nudged up toward neutral or gently alkaline.
• Taste becomes smoother, fresher, and less “empty”.
• The water feels more like natural spring water and less like distilled water.

Because the process is gradual and controlled, TDS stays low. Your water is still much purer than standard tap water, just no longer completely stripped.

Why Customers Like It

Most Edmonton homeowners prefer a calcite cartridge because:

• It works automatically on every drop that reaches the RO tap.
• There is nothing to measure, pour, or remember each time you fill a glass.
• Taste and mineral level stay consistent day to day.
• It is a familiar, proven technology that pairs well with standard RO systems.

From a practical point of view, it is a “set it and forget it” solution. Once installed, the only job is to replace the cartridge roughly every 6 to 12 months, usually at the same time as your regular RO filter change.

For our customers, we typically price this upgrade at around $100 when added to an RO install, including the cartridge and the extra labour. For the improvement in taste and peace of mind, it is one of the easiest add-ons to justify.

What About Mineral Drops?

Mineral drops are still an option, and some people like them because they feel very “hands on”.

You buy a small bottle of concentrated minerals and add a few drops to each:

• Glass
• Water bottle
• Pitcher in the fridge

Pros:

• No installation required.
• Easy to travel with.

Limitations:

• You must remember to add them every single time.
• It is easy to be inconsistent, so one glass tastes great and the next tastes flat.
• Over time, buying bottles of drops can cost more than a simple filter cartridge.

In our experience, households start with good intentions, then slowly drift back to plain RO water because life gets busy. That is why, for most customers who want a long-term solution, we still recommend the calcite cartridge as the primary remineralization tool.

If you love the idea of extra customization, you can always use both: an inline calcite filter for a solid baseline, then a few drops of a favourite magnesium supplement in specific drinks when you feel like it.

What Actually Changes In Your Water?

Here is what you can expect after adding a calcite cartridge to your RO setup:

• Taste
  • Water tastes cleaner but not empty. Many people say it reminds them of good bottled spring water instead of hospital-style distilled water.
    
• Mouthfeel
  • The water feels “wetter”, less sharp, and more satisfying. People tend to drink more water without forcing themselves.
    
• pH balance
  • The water becomes closer to neutral or gently alkaline. That also makes it less likely to pick up a metallic taste from plumbing.
    
• TDS reading
  • Numbers on a TDS meter will rise a little compared to pure RO, which is normal. You have added some dissolved minerals back on purpose. It will still be well below typical Edmonton tap water.

You still keep:

• The contaminant reduction of your RO membrane.
• The improvement in taste and smell from pre-filters.
• The protection for coffee makers, kettles, and ice makers that use RO water.

Does Remineralization Affect The Rest Of Your Plumbing?

No.

This is an important point for anyone who also uses a water softener or who worries about scale.

The remineralization stage sits only on the RO side. It affects:

• The RO storage tank
• The dedicated RO drinking faucet
• Any fridge line that is fed by RO

It does not change:

• Your shower water
• Laundry
• Toilets
• Dishwashers that are not connected to the RO line

Why Professional Installation Matters

On paper, adding a calcite filter looks simple. In real homes, getting it right still needs a bit of know-how.

When we add a remineralization stage for a Water Softener Edmonton customer, we:

1. Look at the existing RO system and storage tank size.
2. Check your typical use (family size and daily water habits).
3. Choose the right type and size of calcite cartridge for that setup.
4. Install it in the correct position after the membrane and carbon post filter.
5. Flush and test so you can taste the difference on the spot.

Sizing matters because:

• Too little media and the effect is barely noticeable.
• Too much media or too long a contact time, and pH can drift higher than ideal.

Our goal is a balanced result. Water should taste lively and smooth, not chalky or overly alkaline. That is why we always test after installation and adjust if needed.

We also line up the remineralization cartridge with your regular RO filter schedule. For most homes, a simple annual change keeps taste and mineral levels consistent.

How This Fits Into Your Overall Water Setup

If you are an Edmonton homeowner with:

• A water softener on the main line, and
• A dedicated RO system for drinking,

Then, a calcite cartridge is the final piece that ties everything together.

You get:

• Soft water in the whole house to protect appliances and fixtures.
• RO purified water at the kitchen tap for maximum safety and clarity.
• Remineralized RO water that actually tastes great and feels natural to drink.

This is also a helpful answer to anyone who says, “RO takes everything out, even the good stuff.” You can simply say:

“Yes, and then we add a touch of those good minerals back at the tap, in a controlled way.”

That is a strong, simple story for your own peace of mind and for guests, tenants, or family members who ask questions.

Learn how RO compares to other purification methods in our expert breakdown: Reverse Osmosis vs Ion Exchange – What Makes Sense for Edmonton Homes? 

How a Water Softener Edmonton Can Help

Because we already design and install complete systems in the Edmonton area, adding remineralization is a natural part of what we do.

We can:

• Retrofit an existing RO unit with a calcite cartridge.
• Include remineralization with any new RO install from the start.
• Test and adjust to make sure the taste and pH are right for your home.
• Remind you when it is time to change the remineralization cartridge.

For most families, the add-on cost is around $100 with installation. There is no change to your day-to-day routine, except that the water coming from your RO tap suddenly tastes better, feels smoother, and gives you that extra bit of confidence.

Want To See If Remineralization Is Right For You?

Here is a simple at-home taste experiment you can try before you call us:

1. Pour a glass of your current RO water.
2. Pour a second glass of the same RO water.
3. Add a pinch of a good mineral salt or a couple of drops of a mineral solution to the second glass.
4. Taste them side by side.

If you prefer the second glass, remineralization is going to feel like a very natural upgrade.

When you are ready, reach out to Water Softener Edmonton and ask about adding a calcite remineralization cartridge to your RO system. We will look at your current setup, walk you through options, and give you a clear price before any work starts.

You have already invested in cleaner, safer water, and this is the small, smart finishing touch that makes every sip taste the way it should.

If you’re planning a whole-home upgrade, explore our guide on water softener technologies used in Edmonton homes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to remineralize RO water?

Yes, if your RO water tastes flat, acidic, or “too pure,” remineralization improves taste, pH, and mouthfeel.

2. What minerals are added back during RO water remineralization?

Primarily calcium and magnesium, the same minerals found in natural spring water.

3. Can RO water be too pure?

Yes. Very low TDS water can taste bland and may feel less refreshing. Remineralization solves this.

4. How often should the remineralization filter be replaced?

Typically, every 6–12 months, depending on usage.

5. Does remineralization affect contaminant removal?

No. It happens after the RO membrane, so purification remains untouched.

6. Is a calcite filter better than mineral drops?

A calcite filter is automatic, consistent, and cost-effective, while drops are manual and easy to forget.

7. Does this upgrade work with any RO system in Edmonton?

Yes, most standard RO units support a calcite cartridge installation.