Why RO water tastes different
RO removes much of the dissolved mineral content that contributes to the taste and buffering of ordinary tap water. DWI notes that RO changes the natural properties of water and recommends adding minerals back when RO-treated water is used for drinking. In domestic systems, manufacturers address this in different ways.
Three approaches
Passive mineral cartridge
Water passes through media such as calcite or mixed mineral media. Output varies with contact time, water chemistry and cartridge age, so the label on the cartridge is not necessarily the composition in every glass.
Controlled dosing
A machine meters a prepared mineral concentrate into purified water. This can produce a more defined profile if the dosing system is accurate. Sküma's MY Bases are an example of a proprietary human-oriented dosing approach.
Blending
Some systems blend an appropriate portion of water back into the permeate. This raises mineral content without a separate mineral cartridge, but it also changes contaminant reduction and must be part of the system's intended design.
Does remineralisation make water “healthier”?
That claim needs much more care than marketing often gives it. Water contributes minerals to the diet, but food is a major source of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Remineralisation can be entirely reasonable for taste and water chemistry without needing to promise special health effects.
What about alkaline water?
Raising pH is a measurable chemical change; broad claims about “neutralising the body” are another matter. Blood pH is tightly regulated physiologically. Judge an alkaline profile by its actual composition, taste and suitability rather than assuming a higher pH number is automatically better.
Sküma MY Bases
Sküma currently publishes distinct Soft, Plus and Alkaline profiles. Its own published figures show that the Alkaline profile is much more potassium-rich than the other profiles. These are formulated for people. We found no manufacturer statement establishing them as veterinary formulations, which is why our pet guide does not call them pet-safe.
How to choose
If you like plain RO water and your system is designed to dispense it, you may value simplicity. If you dislike the flat taste, remineralisation is worth trying. If you have a medically prescribed mineral/electrolyte restriction, discuss the actual finished-water composition with your healthcare professional rather than relying on words such as “soft”, “plus” or “alkaline”.
Sources and further reading
For factual claims that matter to health, regulation or product performance, we prefer primary and official sources. Useful references for this guide include:
Related guides
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is written for a UK audience. Always follow current supplier, regulator, manufacturer and healthcare advice where it applies.