The decision to purchase a proper water purifier to use in your home is one of the biggest choices that you make concerning the health of the family. There is also a very high variation in the water quality of different areas in India. There are those areas that contain hard water that is rich in TDS, whereas others are affected by bacterial contamination, muddy water, or chemical pollutants. This is the reason why everyone who is buying a home asks a question
RO vs UV vs UF, which was better?
In order to make the correct decision, one has to know how each type of technology functions, the nature of the water it is intended to be used with, and the type of maintenance it has to have.
RO vs UV vs UF – Key Differences
| Feature | RO | UV | UF |
| Removes high TDS | Yes | No | No |
| Removes bacteria & viruses | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Removes heavy metals | Yes | No | No |
| Works on borewell & tanker water | Yes | No | No |
| Needs electricity | Yes | Yes | No |
| Water wastage | Yes | No | No |
| Best for Indian water | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Learning the Three Technologies.
However, until we compare them, we shall know what happens to RO, UV, and UF.
1. RO (Reverse Osmosis)
The RO technology operates by forcing the water across a semi-permeable membrane that eliminates the dissolved salt, heavy metals, chemicals and other polluting substances. It is the most sophisticated method of purification applied at homes.
RO can remove:
- High TDS (salts and hardness)
- Metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury that are heavy.
- Bacteria and viruses
- Fluoride and nitrates
- Bad taste and odor
2. UV (Ultraviolet)
UV purification involves utilisation of ultraviolet light in killing bacteria, viruses and microorganisms in water. It fails to take away dissolved salts or chemicals. It only disinfects the water.
UV can remove:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Germs and microorganisms
But it cannot remove:
- TDS
- Heavy metals
- Chemicals
- Hardness
3. UF (Ultrafiltration)
UF operates with a hollow fiber membrane which filters dirt, mud, bacteria and cysts. It is not electrically powered and it does not eliminate dissolved salts.
UF can remove:
- Bacteria
- Dirt and mud
- Some microorganisms
- But it cannot remove:
- TDS
- Chemicals
- Heavy metals
Viruses (some very small ones may go through)
What Water would work with what purifier?
This is the most significant consideration.
Use RO if:
- Your water is borwell or tanker.
- TDS is above 300
- Water tastes salty or bitter
- There is fluoride, arsenic or heavy metals in your area.
- RO is the safest in the majority of Indian cities and towns.
Use UV if:
You have municipal water
TDS is below 300
Water appears transparent and might be having bacteria.
UV is also only effective when the water is already safe.
Use UF if:
- Water source is municipal.
- It has low TDS
- Only dirt or mud can be seen.
- UF can only be applied in low risks water sources.
- RO is preferable in most of the Indian homes.
Over 70 percent of the households in India are served by borewell, tanker or mixed water supply. High TDS, salts, rust and heavy metals normally exist in this water. UV and UF just can not cope with such contamination.
In the removal of dissolved impurities leading to kidney stones, stomach problems and chronic health problems, only RO technology can be applied.
There are also modern RO systems which have:
UV for double protection
UF for extra filtration
Mineral cartridges to replace the good minerals.
This renders RO to be the most comprehensive water purification system.
Taste and Health Comparison
RO water is light, fresh and clean. It eliminates resentment due to over salts and chemicals.
In case of high TDS in the water, UV treatment might still leave it salty or metallic.
The UF-treated water can appear clean but it is possible that it has some harmful chemicals that cannot be observed or tasted.
RO water is the safest to use in families having children, children with elderly people, or a patient.
Maintenance and Running Cost.
RO needs replacement of filters and membrane, and it is also the most secure. By using the AMC plans, it makes maintenance cheaper and easier.
UV and UF are cheaper to maintain, yet your water content is not good hence they cannot save your health.
It is never a good idea to save on a purifier and spend more on doctor visits.
Final Thought
In case you are residing in India and you do not know whether your water is of good quality, RO water purifier is the most appropriate and safe one that can be used in your home.
UV and UF can only be applicable in selected environments where there is low TSS and chemical contamination of water.
RO + UV + UF combination is offered to most Indian households and gives them the best protection, good tastes, and ultimate peace of mind.
Clean water is not a luxury that is a need. The purifier you select now will safeguard the health of your family in the future.