Should You Remineralize Watermaker Water?

Removing salt and impurities from seawater yields a fresh supply, but some feel that this water may lack certain beneficial elements. This article delves into whether it makes sense to reintroduce minerals and why many boaters find the topic worth exploring.

By the end, you’ll see if incorporating certain nutrients can enhance both taste and potential health benefits. Keep reading to learn about the core reasons behind mineral enrichment and practical ways to achieve it.

Why Consider Adding Minerals?

One reason people explore the practice of adding beneficial minerals back into the output of a marine desalination device is taste. Water stripped of most minerals can feel flat on the palate. By reintroducing certain elements, it’s possible to achieve a smoother, more refreshing flavor that many prefer, especially during extended voyages at sea.

Beyond taste, some boaters look at the broader health implications of relying on ultrapure water. Although the body obtains critical nutrients primarily through food, a small proportion can come from the water we drink. Understanding the considerations around reintroducing minerals to the water that emerges from a watermaking system can help balance any nutritional gap across long journeys.

In certain cases, maintaining a mineral-rich supply may also be beneficial for cooking and beverage preparation. Hot drinks and recipes can taste more rounded if the water retains substances like calcium or magnesium. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the type of diet you follow, but having an awareness of potential benefits can help you decide more confidently.

Which Minerals Matter Most?

Not all minerals are created equal when you’re trying to enrich your fresh supply with trace elements once it has been purified on board. Calcium, for example, is often highlighted for its role in bone health, while magnesium contributes to muscle function and nerve operation. In small amounts, these two minerals can also influence the taste and feel of your water, enabling a more pleasant overall drinking experience.

Potassium is also often on the list of helpful additions. Though typically obtained through daily meals, a trace amount in your onboard supply may enhance the water’s overall mineral balance. Similarly, sodium can be beneficial, but it’s wise to manage sodium levels carefully. Even though watermaker-treated output is pristine, adding more sodium should align with your dietary objectives.

Trace minerals such as zinc and iron might also be considered, though these are generally sourced from foods. Deciding which elements to add ultimately depends on personal health goals and any dietary restrictions. By focusing on what you value most—be it improved flavor, potential nutritional benefits, or overall water quality—you can tailor your remineralization approach to suit your needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy.

How to Restore Minerals Effectively

If you find yourself evaluating the reasoning behind whether or not to bring minerals back to your purified water supply from an onboard system, there are a few different approaches. One straightforward method is the use of specialized mineral drops that can be added directly to your holding tank. These drops usually contain a blend of essential minerals, allowing you to quickly enrich the water without complex equipment.

Another option is to incorporate a cartridge-based remineralization filter. After your water has passed through the reverse osmosis process, it can then flow through a dedicated filter housing that gradually dissolves specific minerals. This method ensures a consistent mineral content for every liter, taking guesswork out of manual dosing and simplifying the chore of recalculating quantities each time you refill.

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, blending a small portion of unpurified seawater or using carefully measured salts might be viable. However, it’s crucial to measure carefully and avoid overcomplicating matters. In every case, success depends on matching your chosen method to personal taste preferences and nutritional goals. Simple solutions often deliver reliable results, especially when consistency is your priority.

In Conclusion

Remineralizing your watermaker-treated supply can improve taste and potentially enhance mineral intake, but the decision varies based on personal preferences and dietary needs. By carefully selecting which elements to add and choosing a straightforward method, you can customize your onboard water to match your desired flavor profile and health goals.

If you’re ready to enhance your experience out on the water, our specialists at Eco Sistems USA are here to help. Get a free quote for a marine watermaker and discover how our reliable solutions can elevate your sailing adventures.