This is the most crucial question. While municipal drinking water is treated to be safe for consumption, it still contains low levels of minerals, chemicals, and microbes like bacteria and endotoxins. Our digestive systems can handle these because our gut acts as a barrier.

In hemodialysis, water comes into direct contact with a patient's blood across the semi-permeable membrane of the dialyzer. This membrane is incredibly efficient at removing toxins from the blood, but it works both ways. Contaminants from the water can easily pass directly into the patient's bloodstream, bypassing the body's natural defenses. Even small amounts of substances like chlorine, fluoride, aluminum, or bacteria can cause severe complications, from infections and high blood pressure to long-term organ damage or fatal reactions.

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