Planning on investing in a new water purifier for your home? The options today are endless with purifiers using a range of technologies from RO (Reverse Osmosis) to UV (Ultraviolet) to UF (Ultrafiltration). While these can sound very complicated and can be mistaken for marketing strategies, these are crucial methods of water purification and without exaggeration, can prove to be life-saving. But what are these technologies and how to choose a water purifier that suits your needs? Let’s do a deep dive into the most popular ones - the RO and UV filtration systems.
Understanding RO Water Purification
RO purifiers employ the technique of Reverse Osmosis. Reverse Osmosis is a process which uses a semi permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, impurities, and contaminants, leaving behind just water molecules.
RO purification can remove up to 99% water contaminants, including harmful elements like lead, fluorides, pesticides, PFAs (Polyfluoroalkyl substances) etc.
Components of an RO Purifier
An RO purifier typically consists of three main components:
- Sediment Filter: This is the pre-filtration step which involves straining out larger particles like dirt, sand, and rust.
- Carbon Filter: This filter removes organic impurities, chlorine, and odour from the water.
- RO Membrane: This is the semipermeable filter mentioned above. It filters out water by removing the additional impurities.
Best Use Cases for RO Purifiers
RO purifiers are ideal for:
- High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): Water with TDS level above 500 ppm is not fit for drinking. If you live in areas that supply such water, an RO purifier is a perfect choice.
- Hard Water: RO systems can soften hard water by removing calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale buildup in appliances and plumbing.
- Metal and Chemical Contaminants: If you're worried about heavy metals, chemicals, or other dissolved impurities in your water, an RO purifier can be of great help.
What are UV Water Purifiers and how do they work?
Ultraviolet purifiers, as the name suggests, use ultraviolet light to destroy harmful microbes like bacteria and viruses. UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can effectively damage the DNA of microorganisms. When these harmful microbes are exposed to UV light, their ability to reproduce is destroyed, making them harmless.
Best Use Cases for UV Purifiers
UV water purifiers are ideal for:
- Chemical-Free Disinfection: Offer a non-chemical method for water purification, preserving the taste and quality of water.
- Biological Contaminants: If you are primarily concerned about pathogens in your drinking water, go for a UV water purifier.
RO vs UV: Key Differences
|
Feature |
Reverse Osmosis (RO) |
Ultraviolet (UV) |
|
Water Purification Process |
Removes dissolved salts, minerals, and chemicals through a semipermeable membrane. |
Uses ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms. |
|
Effectiveness |
Excellent for removing dissolved impurities, and chemicals |
Highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses |
|
Water Wastage |
Typically wastes more water |
Minimal water wastage |
|
Health Considerations |
Ends up removing essential minerals along with contaminants |
Retains essential minerals |
Which is Better: RO or UV?
- Choosing Purifiers based on Water Quality:
If your area has high TDS in the water, then RO should be preferred over UV and for low TDS water, UV will do the job.
- Combination of Both (RO + UV Hybrid):
With so many brands mixing a range of technologies, it is not a RO vs UV option anymore. Brands like Lustral water offer water purifiers with hybrid technologies to include RO, UV and even UF. A hybrid purifier offers the combined benefit of removing the contaminants along with harmful microbes. This means enhanced safety and quality of your water.
FAQs: Addressing Common Queries
What is the Full Form of UV in Water Purifiers?
UV stands for Ultraviolet, a type of light used to kill or deactivate bacteria and viruses.
Which is Better, RO or UV?
It depends on the water quality. RO is better for high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) water, while UV is suitable for low TDS water that contains biological contaminants.
Can RO and UV Be Used Together?
Yes, RO and UV can be effectively combined in hybrid systems for comprehensive water purification, addressing both chemical and biological contaminants.
Does UV Purifier Remove TDS?
No, UV purifiers only treat biological contaminants and do not reduce TDS levels. They do not filter out dissolved solids.
Is RO Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, RO water is safe to drink, but it's recommended to re-mineralize it to ensure it contains essential minerals for health.
Choosing the right water purifier—whether it's RO, UV, or a hybrid system—depends on your specific water quality needs. While RO is ideal for areas with high TDS levels, UV is perfect for low TDS water with biological contaminants. For comprehensive purification, consider a hybrid system that combines both technologies for optimal safety and quality.
Remember to regularly test your water quality to ensure your purifier effectively meets health standards. Investing in a reliable water purification system not only protects your health but also enhances the taste of your drinking water. Make the smart choice today for you and your family—secure your water quality with the right purifier!
