RODI- can I drink from the barrel if my pipes freeze?

SallyWho · Feb 16, 2021

I'm in part of the country experiencing subzero temps that doesn't usually deal with weather like this. Water mains are bursting around town, and I've had my faucets dribbling 24/7 for days. I was just thinking about having drinking water handy in case my number comes up and my pipes freeze or a nearby water main breaks. I've filled some jugs from the dribbling sinks, but I also conveniently have 40 gallons of RODI water in my barrel. I know it's not safe to drink as is, but is there anything i could add to it to make it safe for drinking? I've got plans in place for my tank if I lose power, but I'm not quite as prepared for losing water service.

Jeepguy242 · Feb 16, 2021

Why is rodi water not safe to drink.

Gtinnel · Feb 16, 2021

I realize you're not supposed to drink rodi water, but many years ago I drank it all the time before I found out it was a bad idea. In an emergency I would drink it and not think anything of it.

Gtinnel · Feb 16, 2021

Jeepguy242 said:
Why is rodi water not safe to drink.

It can strip your body of minerals and nutrients. It is generally recommended not to drink rodi water.

Marten · Feb 16, 2021

If I had to drink RO/DI water, I would add some powdered Gatorade or something similar to remineralize it.

PicassoClown04 · Feb 16, 2021

Lol don’t worry about it, we only drink RODI water in my house (long story). I’ve been drinking only RODI for 8 years and I’m suffering no ill effects from it at all. Drink up!

Hasted · Feb 16, 2021

A bit off topic, but if you have a bathtub you can fill it with water to use for various things.

mehaffydr · Feb 16, 2021

It will not do you any harm to drink it in an emergency. The concerns about stripping you of minerals takes a long time. I would not do it for extended periods like months but a few days or even a week is not an issue.

mdb_talon · Feb 16, 2021

No harm at all. Even the concerns about drinking it longterm are more about theory and rare circumstances where water is a key source of minerals in a diet(generally not the case in most of the world)

X-37B · Feb 16, 2021

I would rather drink chemicaly treated city water loaded with chlorine, chloromines, flouride, and on and on.
I too have been drinking it for years.
Their are alot of theories but none that have proven its bad for you.

Gtinnel · Feb 16, 2021

I drank it for about a year or so and never noticed any ill effects. Also, it is supposedly ok to drink the water after the RO stage but before the DI, which I never understood because I am often getting 0tds after the membrane too.

SallyWho · Feb 16, 2021

Marten said:
If I had to drink RO/DI water, I would add some powdered Gatorade or something similar to remineralize it.

I do have some electrolyte tablets that I bought for triathlon training! So long as I don't mind my drinking water tasting like strawberry lemonade....