How to choose which type of water purifier is best for home

Which type of water purifier is best for health

Choosing a water purifier for your home depends on the water quality, family size, and the available technology. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right choice:

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1. Analyze Your Water Supply

Municipal/Soft Water: 

Low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), but might have chlorine, sediments, and bacteria.

Borewell/Hard Water: 

High TDS with dissolved salts, minerals, and sometimes heavy metals.

Mixed Water Supply: 

Combination of both, depending on the region.

You can test your water’s TDS level with a TDS meter (under 300 ppm is considered safe for consumption).

2. Choose the Appropriate Purification Technology

Based on your water quality, here are some common technologies:

RO (Reverse Osmosis): 

Ideal for high TDS water (above 300 ppm) to remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, and chemicals.

UV (Ultraviolet): 

Suitable for water with low TDS but microbial contamination. UV light kills bacteria and viruses.

UF (Ultrafiltration): 

Works well for low TDS water with bacteria and viruses but not for dissolved salts.

RO + UV/UF: 

A combination of technologies is useful for water with both high TDS and microbial contamination.

Activated Carbon Filters: 

Useful to remove chlorine, pesticides, and odors. Typically, included in most purifiers.

3. Consider Storage and Capacity

Small Families (2-3 people): 

5-7 liters of storage is generally sufficient.

Large Families (4+ people): 

opt for an 8–10-liter storage capacity.

4. Look Into Maintenance Costs

RO membranes and filters need regular replacement (6-12 months).

Inquire about the availability and cost of maintenance and filter replacement.

5. Check for Essential Features

Mineralizer: 

Some purifiers restore essential minerals to improve water taste.

TDS Controller: 

Balances the water’s TDS levels post-purification.

Filter Change Alerts: 

These alerts help you keep track of maintenance needs.

Water Saving Technology: 

Some purifiers reduce water wastage, a common issue with RO systems.

6. Certifications and Brand Reputation

Ensure that the purifier meets safety and performance certifications such as NSF, WQA, or BIS. Choosing a reliable brand with a good warranty and service network ensures peace of mind.

7. Budget Consideration

Basic UV/UF purifiers are affordable and best for low TDS water.

RO systems with added features (UV, TDS controllers) are more expensive but necessary for hard water.

8. Evaluate Water Wastage

RO purifiers tend to waste water during purification. If water scarcity is a concern, look for models with less wastage or with water recovery technology.

By analyzing your water source, understanding the purification technology, and checking key features, you can pick the most suitable water purifier for your home.