How to Improve the Taste of Borehole Water After RO Purification (Kenya Guide)
Borehole water in Kenya is a lifeline for thousands of homes and businesses, especially in areas with unreliable municipal water. But while Reverse Osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective purification methods, many people notice that the taste of RO-treated borehole water can feel flat, bland, or even unpleasant.
So, how do you improve the taste of borehole water after RO purification? Let’s break it down into simple, practical steps.
🧪 Why Does RO Water Taste Bland or Unpleasant?
Reverse Osmosis removes up to 99% of dissolved salts, minerals, and impurities from water. While this makes water clean and safe, it also strips out natural minerals like calcium and magnesium that give water a pleasant taste.
Additionally:
Borehole water may have sulphur (rotten egg smell) or high iron content, both of which affect flavor.
A worn-out RO membrane or filters can also leave residual tastes behind.
✅ Top Ways to Improve the Taste of RO Borehole Water
1. Add a Post-Carbon Filter (Polishing Filter)
This is the #1 solution to improve taste.
A post-carbon filter is usually the last stage in a multi-stage RO system.
It removes odors and enhances the flavor of water by absorbing gases and volatile organic compounds.
💡 Pro Tip: If your system doesn’t already have one, ask your technician or supplier to add a T33 carbon filter at the end of your RO unit.
2. Use a Mineral Cartridge (Remineralizer)
RO removes healthy minerals, so adding them back improves both taste and health.
A remineralizer reintroduces essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Benefits:
Balances pH (reduces acidity)
Adds a crisp, refreshing taste
Helps maintain electrolyte levels in the body
Best practice: Use a calcite filter or alkaline mineral filter as the final stage in your RO system.
3. Ensure Proper Pre-Filtration for Borehole Water
Borehole water often contains high iron, manganese, and sulphur, which affect taste even after RO.
Use a dedicated pre-treatment system:
Iron removal filter
Activated carbon filter
Sand/media filter
Chlorine injector or UV system (for bacteria or rotten-egg odor)
💡 Recommended vendor: Protech Water and Solar Equipment Company in Kenya offers borehole-specific filtration solutions before RO units.
4. Regularly Replace Your RO Filters and Membrane
Old, clogged filters can make water taste:
Metallic
Moldy
Like plastic or chemicals
Replace these components:
Sediment filter: Every 6–12 months
Carbon filter: Every 6–12 months
RO membrane: Every 2–3 years (or sooner if TDS levels rise)
5. Store RO Water Properly
Even clean RO water can pick up unpleasant flavors if stored poorly.
Do this:
Use glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic containers
Clean your water storage tank every 2–4 weeks
Store in a cool, shaded area
6. Adjust the TDS Level (Controlled Mineral Addition)
RO systems reduce TDS to 0–30 ppm, which may be too low for taste.
Use a TDS controller or blending valve to mix a small amount of raw or filtered water back into the RO output to raise TDS to 80–150 ppm.
This keeps the water safe and naturally flavored.
7. Add Lemon, Cucumber, or Mint (Natural Taste Boosters)
If you don’t want to install filters or buy extra hardware, try this:
Add a few slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint leaves to your drinking water jug.
Let it sit for 30–60 minutes in the fridge.
This adds flavor and also encourages higher daily water intake.
⚙️ Sample RO System Upgrade for Better Taste (Kenya)
Here’s what a complete taste-enhancing setup might look like:
Borehole Water →
Iron Filter / Carbon Filter →
RO System (5–7 stage) →
T33 Carbon Polishing Filter →
Remineralization Cartridge →
Clean Storage Tank
💡 Where to get it: Contact Protech Water and Solar Equipment Company. They customize filtration systems for borehole water, including taste-boosting upgrades.
📌 Final Thoughts
RO systems are fantastic for purifying water, especially from boreholes. But if the end result tastes flat, you don’t have to settle. Whether it’s installing a carbon post-filter, adding minerals, or tweaking your setup, improving the taste is easy and affordable.
🎯 Takeaway:
If your RO water tastes “off,” the solution is not replacing your system—it’s upgrading it smartly.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is RO water without minerals safe to drink?
A: Yes, it’s safe, but remineralizing makes it healthier and tastier.
Q2: Can I add table salt to RO water to improve taste?
A: No. Salt adds sodium, not essential minerals, and can damage your health over time.
Q3: How much does a post-carbon filter cost in Kenya?
A: Between KES 1,000 and KES 3,000, depending on quality and brand.
Q4: Will boiling RO water improve its taste?
A: Not really. Boiling removes gases but won’t add back minerals or flavor.
Q5: Where can I buy taste-enhancing RO components in Kenya?
A: Get in touch with Protech Water and Solar Equipment Company for authentic filters and expert guidance.