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RO Water Purifier vs UV Water Purifier: Which is Better?
What's the difference between RO and UV purifying technologies? This guide breaks it down
Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar
14 June 2019
Houzz India Contributor. Internationally published architecture, design and art journalist. www.mangomonk.com
Houzz India Contributor. Internationally published architecture, design and art journalist.... More
Today, most of India’s tap water is not considered potable, thanks to a rapid depletion of groundwater, contamination of surface water and infrastructural gaps in safe water delivery. In light of these developments, most Indians install point-of-use devices for water purification in their homes. With reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) systems ruling the water purification market, choosing between the two technologies can be a baffling feat, especially with factors such as underlying water source, waste-water production, maintenance and costs serving as important considerations for purchase. This guide attempts to understand the differences between RO and UV, and highlight the pros and cons of each.
RO water purifiers
RO water purifiers work on reverse osmosis (RO) technology. They employ a semi-permeable RO membrane to move molecules from an area of higher solute concentration to one of lower solute concentration. The RO membrane serves as a barrier for impurities, contaminants and dissolved solids, trapping them across its surface.
Note: As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable upper limit for TDS (total dissolved solids) in potable water is 500 milligrams/litre.
Find a professional to help pick the best water purifier for you
RO water purifiers work on reverse osmosis (RO) technology. They employ a semi-permeable RO membrane to move molecules from an area of higher solute concentration to one of lower solute concentration. The RO membrane serves as a barrier for impurities, contaminants and dissolved solids, trapping them across its surface.
Note: As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable upper limit for TDS (total dissolved solids) in potable water is 500 milligrams/litre.
Find a professional to help pick the best water purifier for you
Price range
RO purifiers run a spectrum of prices, with basic models starting at ₹6000 and uber-sophisticated ones, with advanced technology and features, ranging up to ₹35,000.
Annual maintenance costs
Maintenance costs for RO purifiers are significantly higher than those for their UV counterparts, primarily because RO technology has multiple filters which must be changed yearly. On an average, annual RO maintenance costs are about ₹4500–5500. Quarterly visits by way of an annual maintenance contract can minimise long-term maintenance costs.
RO purifiers run a spectrum of prices, with basic models starting at ₹6000 and uber-sophisticated ones, with advanced technology and features, ranging up to ₹35,000.
Annual maintenance costs
Maintenance costs for RO purifiers are significantly higher than those for their UV counterparts, primarily because RO technology has multiple filters which must be changed yearly. On an average, annual RO maintenance costs are about ₹4500–5500. Quarterly visits by way of an annual maintenance contract can minimise long-term maintenance costs.
Pros:
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- Claims to remove dissolved salts from water.
- Refines the taste, smell and appearance of water.
- Effective in processing dirty and muddy water.
- Eliminates heavy metals from water.
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- Suitable for all water types, especially hard water and water with elevated TDS levels.
- Serves as a barrier against microbes, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
- Usually comes with a storage tank.
Cons:
- Produces considerable amounts of waste water.
- Typical purification time is longer than UV.
- Typically larger than UV purifiers, making placement a possible issue.
- More expensive than UV purifiers.
UV water purifiers
UV water purifiers use ultraviolet rays from a UV light source to screen water for microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and germs. The process helps annihilate microbes and parasites in water.
UV water purifiers use ultraviolet rays from a UV light source to screen water for microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and germs. The process helps annihilate microbes and parasites in water.
Price range
UV purifiers are typically priced between ₹5000 and ₹15,000, but as with RO, you’ll find a range of prices in the market, reflective of brand, model and features.
Annual maintenance costs
UV water purifiers are less expensive to maintain than RO models, with annual costs amounting to ₹1000–2000.
UV purifiers are typically priced between ₹5000 and ₹15,000, but as with RO, you’ll find a range of prices in the market, reflective of brand, model and features.
Annual maintenance costs
UV water purifiers are less expensive to maintain than RO models, with annual costs amounting to ₹1000–2000.
Pros:
- Environment-friendly with zero water waste.
- Takes less time to purify water compared to RO models.
- Does not rob water of essential minerals.
- Annihilates all microbes including bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
- More economical than RO purifiers.
Cons:
- Does not eliminate dissolved solids.
- Does not refine the taste of hard water.
- Usually comes without a storage tank.
The final verdict
The decision between RO and UV technology should be based on factors such as the underlying water source, long-term maintenance costs and environmental sensitivity. While RO is advisable for hard water with high TDS levels, it is associated with excessive water wastage and higher costs, among other factors. Conversely, UV is considered environmentally friendly and economical, both in terms of upfront investment and maintenance, but is not recommended for treating water with excessive amounts of dissolved solids. With each technology presenting its own pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide what works for your lifestyle, budget and family.
The decision between RO and UV technology should be based on factors such as the underlying water source, long-term maintenance costs and environmental sensitivity. While RO is advisable for hard water with high TDS levels, it is associated with excessive water wastage and higher costs, among other factors. Conversely, UV is considered environmentally friendly and economical, both in terms of upfront investment and maintenance, but is not recommended for treating water with excessive amounts of dissolved solids. With each technology presenting its own pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide what works for your lifestyle, budget and family.
Disclaimer: The responsibility of further due diligence and research before purchase of mentioned appliances for water purification lies with the reader.
Read more:
7 Ways to a Dust-Free Home
A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers
How to Choose a Home Water Filtering System
Tell us:
What water purifier do you have? What were the considerations behind your decision? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
7 Ways to a Dust-Free Home
A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers
How to Choose a Home Water Filtering System
Tell us:
What water purifier do you have? What were the considerations behind your decision? Tell us in Comments below.
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