Water Purifier Buying Guide – 2020 India

We are dependent on water purifiers for safe, pure, and healthy drinking water for daily consumption. Water purifiers are an important part of every household. If you are looking out to buy one, we are here to help you with our detailed water purifier buying guide that will help you make an informed decision. Before we move on to the water purifier buying guide, let us first know what exactly is a water purifier and why it is a necessity.

What Is a Water Purifier?

A water purifier is an appliance that removes undesirable chemicals, suspended solids, gases, and biological contaminants from water. The aim is to provide a water fit for consumption (drinking water). Most water is infected and purified to be fit for human consumption. It may also be used for other purposes, including chemical, medical, pharma as well as industrial uses.

Water Purifier Buying Guide

Water is as essential as air. It is impossible to imagine life without water. Luckily, we have enough water on earth, but not all is drinkable. For consumption, clean and pure water is essential, and a water purifier can help eliminate all the impurities.

Let’s consider the important aspects of the water purifier buying guide.

Types of Water Purifiers

There are three types of water purifiers available in the market. Each has its own process of water purification. You can choose the one that fits your requirements. The types of water purifiers are:

RO Water Purifier

It is the most common type of water purifier used in Indian households. It is convenient and easy to use. This water purifier is effective when the TDS rating is between 200 to 2000 ppm. The RO water purifier reduces the hardness of the water by removing excess calcium and magnesium salts. The water purifier removes fluoride, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants.

UV Water Purifier

As the name suggests, this type of water purifier uses ultraviolet rays to purify the water. It is the fastest way of disinfecting water. The UV water purifiers are not capable of removing sterilized microorganisms, dissolved organic as well as inorganic particles.

Gravity Based Water Purifier

This water purifier is also known as a non-electric water purifier. It uses the pressure filtration process to remove the impurities. These water purifiers do not require electricity and are the least expensive. You can even carry them from one place to another.

Source of Drinking Water in Urban India

Before you purchase a water purifier, it is essential to know the source of water for purification.

In India, water is available from these sources:

Municipal water

If the water is supplied from a river, lake, or Municipal Corporation and has a TDS level between 0 to 200 ppm, then a gravity-based or non-electric or UV water purifier can be preferred.

Groundwater

If the water source is ground well and has a TDS between 200 to 2000 ppm, then consider buying an RO water purifier to remove all the impurities and make water fit for consumption.

Multiple Sources

If the water is supplied to your home from different sources like municipal and ground well, having different TDS levels, then consider installing an RO water purifier.

Water Quality in Urban India

Water differs from place to place. There are two types of water quality, and for choosing a water purifier, you need to know the quality of water supplied at your home.

Soft Water

Water with a TDS level between 150 to 300 ppm is known as soft water. Consider buying a UV or gravity-based water purifier if your home is supplied with soft water.

Hard Water

If the TDS level of water is above 300 ppm, then the water is considered hard and should be purified using a RO water purifier.

Types of Impurities Found in Water in Urban India

The types of impurities found in the water supply to your home depend on the source and distribution medium. As you know, the most common sources of water are bore wells, lakes, rivers, municipal water supply, and harvested rainwater.

The most common types of impurities found in water are:

The water from borewell has higher TDS when compared to water from rivers, lakes, and harvested rainwater. Groundwater and borewell water may also contain impurities and harmful chemicals like arsenic and lead. Water stored in the tanks or piped supply is more susceptible to biological contamination.

Water Purifier Installation

Most water purifiers are heavy, other than the non-electric ones. Before you pick one, ensure to know the dimensions. Also, make sure you know where you are going to wall mount it in your kitchen. When you wall mount a water purifier, you will require inlets for water supply and electricity. Ensure there is a continuous supply of water at a good pressure. This is a necessity when the purifier is mounted high on the wall.

Water Pressure Needed for Water Purifiers

Before you purchase a water purifier, check the water pressure. The purifier usually requires a water pressure of anything between 5-40 PSI to work effectively. The best way to calculate the water pressure is to see how many floors below you are from the terrace. The water pressure every ten feet from the top is 5PSI. For example, if you live on the 7th floor of a ten-story building, then the pressure will be 15 PSI. Likewise, if you live on the 1st floor, the pressure would be 45 PSI. For homes having low water pressure, a booster pump is required.

Filter and Cartridge

It is important to make sure that the purifier you wish to buy comes with sediment and activated carbon as its pre and post-filters. The sediment eliminates dust, dirt, and coarse particles from the water. On the other hand, activated carbon has antibacterial properties that are essential in getting rid of the volatile elements and the foul smell. The Biotron cartridge in the water purifier is an added benefit that breaks down the molecules of water and lets you enjoy freshwater. The mineral cartridge retains the minerals and also improves the taste as well as maintains the pH level of water.

Indicators on Water Purifiers

It is important to have indicators and alerts in the water purifier you buy. The UV fail indicator notifies you when it’s time to change the lamp. The filter change alert notifies you when it’s time to change the filters. Also, the purification on alert notifies you of the purification procedure. On the other hand, the full tank indicator tells you when the tank is full.

Water Wastage

Make sure that the purifier you wish to purchase does not waste any water during the purification process. Some water purifiers come with a child lock feature to prevent wastage of water.

Price of Water Purifiers

Price is an important factor to consider. Water purifiers come in different price ranges. If you have a price constraint, then the UF, UV, and non-electric purifiers are a good option. The multi-stage purifiers such as RO+UV+UF and RO+UV are expensive.

Brand and Warranty for Water Purifiers

Choosing a good brand is essential. This ensures that the water purifier is of good quality. Also, make sure that the purifier has a warranty of at least one year. Kent offers a 1-year warranty and three-year free service.

After-Sales Service on Water Purifiers

It is essential to buy a water purifier of a brand that offers good after-sales service. If you face any problems with the purifier, the after-sales service will be helpful.

TDS Level in Water

It is important to know the Total Dissolved Solids level of water because our body requires some of these salts and minerals for growth. Thus, you need to make sure not to eradicate them completely from drinking water.

What are the acceptable TDS levels?

• Below 300 – Excellent
• Between 300 – 600 – Good
• Between 600 – 900 – Fair
• Between 900 – 1200 – Poor
• Above 1200 – Unfit for consumption

The above-mentioned TDS levels are indicative. In the regular course, the ground level and other sources have a TDS level of under 900. According to the above table, a TDS level of 900 is fair. But it is not fit for consumption because of the level of individual elements of TDS is more crucial than general TDS. It may also happen that the TDS level in water is 300, but it is unfit for consumption because of the high concentration of mercury and arsenic in it. This is why water purifiers play a crucial role in purifying the water and making it fit for consumption.

When to Choose RO Water Purifiers?

You should choose to buy a RO water purifier only if the water contains dissolved solids like lead, arsenic, and fluoride that can cause health problems. How can you know if the water contains these harmful components? Not many people do this, but it is best to get the water tested in laboratories. Look for labs in your area on Google.

When to Choose UV Water Filter?

When the water contains waterborne disease-causing bacteria and pathogens, opt for a UV water purifier. Also, in case the water contains dissolved solids with bacteria and pathogens, then opt for the RO+UV water purifier.

When to Choose Non-Electric Water Purifiers?

Choose to buy a non-electric water purifier when:

• You cannot install a water purifier for any reason like water pressure, electricity, etc.
• You keep on relocating your home from one city to another
• You have a limited budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Water Purifier Is Better RO or UV?

RO water purifier is most commonly used in Indian households. RO provides a high level of purification. It is assumed that the RO purifier is better than UV.

Is RO Water Harmful?

The RO technology filters remove 99% of all the dissolved salts, bacteria, organic molecules, and harmful contaminants from drinking water, making it fit for consumption.

Is It Ok To Drink Rainwater?

Most times, rainwater is safe to drink and might be even safer than public water. Only the rain that has directly fallen from the sky can be collected to drink. It would be better if you could also boil the rainwater.

What Are the Dangers of Drinking Distilled Water?

The risk of drinking distilled water is the lack of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. Many people find the taste of distilled water flat and unappealing.

We understand that the water purifier is an important kitchen appliance, and thus, we have tried to create this water purifier buying guide to help you make an informed decision.