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have faith in your GI system...it usually figures out what to absorb.

The issue with deionized water isn't what your GI system will or will not absorb. The issue is that the water may absorb minerals and nutrients from you.

I have to imagine that this is easily combated if it proves to be a significant factor. Worse case scenario, now that you have water that doesn't make you violently ill, you have more energy to farm/eat nutrient rich foods?

If you are just drinking water and not eating, then this could be a problem, but then you have other problems anyway.

If we are talking about installing these to rural parts of Africa, having to eat more may be a valid consern.

We are talking about trace quantities of salts though. You could get around any measurable problem by passing the water through a large box full of pebbles. Also, water is for agriculture as well as drinking, so this should increase the stability of food supply anyway.

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