RO or UV Water Purifier – Which is Better?
Comparing RO vs UV water purifier is like comparing apple with orange, i.e., they cannot be compared because these machines perform distinct functions; however, RO and UV water purifier complement each other. There are different types of water purifiers, namely RO, UV, UF water purifiers. Each can be a standalone or a combined water purifier. The quality of water determines whether you should use RO or UV water purifier.
Let’s start with RO water purifiers, the most popular option on the market currently. These filters are designed to remove most contaminants from your drinking water by passing it through a membrane that blocks out anything but clean molecules of H2O. You will also want to know about UV light and its bacteria-killing properties – which many people overlook when making their decision on how best to purify their drinking water.
To help you understand which one is ideal for you, we have simplified it further below.
RO water purifier is better to use for hard water with TDS over 500 ppm to 2000 ppm and UV water purifier is suitable to use for soft water with TDS below 200 ppm. For more information on TDS, refer the TDS chart fact sheet.
You should never use RO water purifier for soft water as this will remove all the essential natural minerals like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, etc., from the water.
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What are the pros and cons of RO and UV water purifier?
One of the main benefits of an RO water purifier is that it is an effective method for removing contaminants from your drinking water supply. The other benefit is that they are small enough to be discreetly placed as a wall-mounted/counter-top or under your sink water purifier.
The downside of a plain RO water purifier is that the membranes do have to be replaced after a specific period of time. Also, while they are good at removing contaminants, they aren’t as effective as a UV filter when it comes to bacteria.
UV filters, on the other hand, are not as effective at removing contaminants because there is no membrane. The advantage of UV, however, is that it does kill bacteria which makes it ideal for anyone who needs purified drinking water on the go or while travelling. They are also not as needlessly complicated – no installation involved.
UV water purifiers also have their downsides – namely they cannot be used if the water quality is poor or bad. Because of this, we recommend that you use a RO+UV water purifier (if TDS is more than 500 ppm).
Frequently Asked Questions
To know more on UV and RO water purifiers, we will try to answer common questions that one would have in their mind.
1. How does RO water purifier work?
An RO water purifier works by sending your drinking water through a membrane that blocks out contaminants while allowing clean filtered water to pass through. The contaminants are blocked by the membrane’s tiny holes which are 0.001 microns in size (small enough for bacteria, viruses or other undesirable elements to not be able to pass).
2. How does UV water purifier work?
UV water purifiers work by shining a UV light onto your drinking water. This kills anything living in the water and makes it safe to drink. The advantage of this system is that there are no membranes to change or replace. It also doesn’t reduce pressure like RO filters can experience. The downside is that you need to use a UV light source in order for it to work.
3. Is UV light in water purifier safe?
UV light in water purifier is very safe to use. The UV light eliminates harmful pathogens. It just resembles the boiling process. After UV light treatment, the water is safe to drink.
4. How does UV kill viruses and bacteria?
When micro-organisms gets exposed to UV light, it penetrates through the outer cell membrane of the microbes and damages its DNA thereby breaking its reproductive cycle. After sterilisation of water, it is fit for drinking.
5. Is RO water purifier good for health?
RO water purifier as such is not harmful for health; however, RO water purifier should only be used for hard water. It is strongly advised not to use RO water purifier for soft water as this will deprive water of all essential minerals, drinking of which could affect your health.
In case you plan to buy a RO or UV water purifier, please have a look at the below-listed RO and UV water purifiers. These water purifiers are popular among customers and maybe suitable for you.
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Best RO and UV Water Purifiers – Top Brands
- KENT Supreme 2020 (11111), Wall Mountable, RO + UF + TDS Control + UV in Tank, 8 L Tank, White, 20 LPH Water Purifier
- HUL Pureit Eco Water Saver Mineral RO+UV+MF wall mounted/Counter top Black 10L Water Purifier
- HUL Pureit Copper+ Mineral RO + UV + MF 7 stage Table top / Wall Mountable Black & Copper 8 litres Water Purifier
- Aquaguard Aura 7L RO+UV e-boiling + MTDS water purifier with Active Copper & Mineral Guard Technology ,8 stages of Purification (Black & Copper)
- Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Marvel RO+UV e-boiling+MTDS with Active Copper Water Purifier (White & Black)
Conclusion
Both RO and UV water purifiers are suitable for household use. Selecting the right water purifier is of utmost importance. You should select water purifier based on the quality of water. Referring the above fact sheet will help you with the selection process.