While buying a water purifier, there are so many factors you should consider to ensure you choose the right one for your daily needs. Here’s a guide to help you:
1. Water Quality
– Assess Your Water Source: Determine the quality of your water source (municipal supply, borewell, etc.).
– Contaminants: Identify the contaminants in your water (bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, etc.).
2. Types of Water Purifiers
– Reverse Osmosis (RO): Ideal for areas with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and contaminants.
– Ultraviolet (UV): Effective for eliminating bacteria and viruses, suitable for areas with low TDS.
– Ultrafiltration (UF):Works without electricity, and is good for removing bacteria and cysts, but is not effective against dissolved salts.
– Activated Carbon: Removes chlorine, bad taste, and odour, effective for municipal water supplies.
– Gravity-Based: Doesn’t require electricity, uses activated carbon and UF, suitable for areas with low TDS.
3. Capacity
– Choose a purifier with a capacity that matches your household’s daily water consumption.
4. Maintenance and Cost
– Consider the cost of replacement filters and regular maintenance.
– Check the warranty and after-sales service provided by the manufacturer.
5. Certifications
– Look for certifications from health and safety organizations to ensure the purifier meets quality standards (e.g., NSF, WQA).
6. Additional Features
– Storage Tank: Useful for areas with irregular water supply.
– Indicator for Filter Change: Helps in timely replacement of filters.
– Energy Efficiency: Consider purifiers with energy-saving features if you are concerned about electricity consumption.
7. Brand and Reviews
– Research brands and read customer reviews to understand the reliability and performance of different models.
Some of the Popular Brands are:
– Kent
– Aquaguard
– Pureit
– Livpure
– AO Smith
Steps to Purchase
- Research: Gather information on the types of purifiers and brands.
- Compare Models: Compare features, prices, and reviews of shortlisted models.
- Check Offers: Look for deals and offers both online and offline.
4. Warranty and Service: Ensure the product comes with a good warranty and reliable service.
Do you have any specific requirements or constraints (budget, specific contaminants to filter, etc.)? This can help narrow down the options further.
Next
Borewell water can have specific characteristics that you need to consider when choosing a water purifier. Here are some common characteristics of borewell water:
1. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
– Borewell water often has a high TDS level, which includes minerals, salts, and metals.
– High TDS can affect the taste and hardness of water.
2. Hardness
– Borewell water is typically hard due to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts.
– Hard water can cause scaling in appliances and plumbing.
3. Presence of Heavy Metals
– Borewell water may contain heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and fluoride, which can be harmful to health.
4. Microbial Contamination
– Borewell water can have bacterial and viral contamination, especially if the borewell is shallow or poorly maintained.
5. Iron and Manganese
– Iron and manganese can be present in high concentrations, causing a metallic taste and staining of fixtures and laundry.
6. Nitrate Contamination
– In agricultural areas, borewell water can be contaminated with nitrates from fertilizers, which are harmful, especially to infants.
7. Salinity
– Borewell water in coastal regions may have high salinity levels due to seawater intrusion.
Suitable Water Purifier for Borewell Water
Given these characteristics, a combination of purification technologies is often required:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO):
– RO systems are effective in reducing TDS, hardness, and heavy metals.
– They also remove nitrates, fluoride, and other contaminants.
2. Ultraviolet (UV):
– UV purification can disinfect water by killing bacteria and viruses.
– Useful as a secondary purification stage after RO.
3. Activated Carbon Filter:
– Removes chlorine, and organic compounds, and improves taste and odour.
– Often combined with RO systems.
4. Pre-Sediment Filter:
– Removes large particles and sediments, protecting the RO membrane and enhancing its life.
Recommended Steps
1. Water Testing:
– Get your borewell water tested to identify the specific contaminants and their concentrations.
2. Choose a Purifier:
– Based on the test results, select a purifier with the appropriate combination of RO, UV, and activated carbon filters.
– Look for models specifically designed for high TDS and heavy metal removal.
3. Maintenance:
– Regularly replace filters and membranes as recommended by the manufacturer.
– Ensure periodic servicing to maintain the efficiency of the purifier.
By understanding the characteristics of your borewell water, you can make an informed decision to select a suitable water purifier that ensures safe and clean drinking water for your household.
Next
Supply water, also known as municipal or tap water, varies in quality depending on the source and treatment processes used by local water authorities. Here are some common characteristics of supply water:
1. Chlorination
– Municipal water is often chlorinated to kill bacteria and viruses.
– Chlorine can impart a distinct taste and odour to the water.
2. Moderate Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
– Supply water generally has a moderate level of TDS, which includes dissolved minerals and salts.
– The TDS level is usually within the acceptable range set by local water quality standards.
3. Microbial Safety
– Treated municipal water is generally safe from microbial contamination due to chlorination and other disinfection processes.
– However, there can be occasional breaches in the system leading to contamination.
4. Presence of Chemicals
– Supply water may contain residual chemicals from the treatment process, such as chlorine, chloramines, and sometimes fluoride.
– In some areas, additional chemicals like lead and copper can leach into the water from old pipes and plumbing.
5. Sediments and Particulates
– Aging infrastructure can result in the presence of rust, sediments, and particulates in the water supply.
6. pH Level
– Municipal water typically has a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, usually maintained between 6.5 and 8.5.
Suitable Water Purifier for Supply Water
Considering these characteristics, the following types of water purifiers are suitable for municipal supply water:
1. Activated Carbon Filter:
– Removes chlorine, chloramines, and organic compounds.
– Improves taste and odour of the water.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) Purifier:
– Provides an additional layer of protection against bacteria and viruses.
– Useful if there are concerns about occasional microbial contamination.
3. Sediment Filter:
– Captures rust, sediments, and particulates.
– Helps protect other filtration stages in the purifier.
4. Reverse Osmosis (RO):
– Not always necessary to supply water with low to moderate TDS but can be used if TDS levels are high.
– Provides comprehensive filtration, including heavy metals and dissolved salts.
5. UF (Ultrafiltration):
– Effective for removing bacteria, cysts, and some viruses without the need for electricity.
– Maintains essential minerals in the water.
Recommended Steps
1. Water Quality Assessment:
– Check the latest water quality report from your local water authority.
– Conduct a home water test if you have specific concerns about contaminants.
2. Choose a Purifier:
– Based on the water quality report, select a purifier that addresses your specific concerns.
– For most municipal water supplies, a combination of activated carbon, sediment, and UV filters is sufficient.
– Consider an RO system if the TDS levels are high or if you have specific contaminants that need removal.
3. Maintenance:
– Regularly replace filters and UV lamps as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
– Periodic maintenance ensures the purifier continues to provide safe and clean water.
By understanding the characteristics of your supply water, you can choose an appropriate water purifier that meets your needs and ensures safe drinking water for your household.
When selecting a water purifier, it’s essential to check several features and specifications to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides safe, clean drinking water. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
Key Features to Check
- Purification Technology:
- RO (Reverse Osmosis): Reduces TDS, heavy metals, and dissolved salts.
- UV (Ultraviolet): Kills bacteria and viruses.
- UF (Ultrafiltration): Removes bacteria and cysts without electricity.
- Activated Carbon: Removes chlorine, bad taste, and odors.
- Sediment Filter: Captures dust, rust, and large particles.
- TDS Level Compatibility:
- Ensure the purifier can handle the TDS level of your water source. RO purifiers are ideal for high TDS water.
- Water Storage Capacity:
- Consider the storage tank capacity, especially if you face frequent power cuts or water supply issues. Typical capacities range from 5 to 10 liters for household use.
- Flow Rate:
- Check the rate at which purified water is dispensed, usually measured in liters per hour (L/hr). A higher flow rate is beneficial for larger families.
- Filter Life and Replacement Cost:
- Understand the lifespan of each filter and the cost of replacement. Regular maintenance is crucial for effective purification.
- Certifications:
- Look for certifications from reputable organizations like NSF, WQA, or ISI, which ensure the purifier meets safety and quality standards.
- Indicators:
- Filter Change Indicator: Alerts you when it’s time to replace the filter.
- UV Fail Alarm: Notifies you if the UV lamp stops functioning.
- TDS Controller: Allows you to adjust the TDS level of the purified water.
- Power Consumption:
- Check the electricity usage, especially for RO and UV purifiers. Energy-efficient models can help save on electricity bills.
- Build Quality and Design:
- Ensure the purifier is made of durable materials and has a design that fits your kitchen space. Wall-mounted and countertop models are common.
- Warranty and After-Sales Service:
- Look for a good warranty period (usually 1-2 years) and check the availability and quality of after-sales service in your area.
Additional Features to Consider
- Mineralizer/RO+UV+UF+TDS Controller:
- Some purifiers come with a mineralizer that adds essential minerals back into the water, improving taste and health benefits.
- Automatic Shut-Off:
- This feature stops water purification when the storage tank is full, conserving water and energy.
- Smart Features:
- Advanced models may offer smart features like app connectivity, real-time monitoring, and service reminders.
- Multiple Water Source Compatibility:
- Some purifiers can handle multiple water sources (municipal, borewell, tanker), adjusting purification methods accordingly.
Popular Brands and Models
- Kent Grand Plus:
- Features: RO+UV+UF+TDS Controller, 8-liter storage, filter change and UV fail alarms.
- Aquaguard Geneus:
- Features: RO+UV+UF, 7-liter storage, mineral guard technology, smart sensors.
- HUL Pureit Ultima:
- Features: RO+UV, 10-liter storage, digital display, advanced 6-stage purification.
- Livpure Glo:
- Features: RO+UV+Mineralizer, 7-liter storage, compact design, affordable.
- AO Smith Z8:
- Features: RO+SCMT (Silver Charged Membrane Technology), 10-liter storage, hot and ambient water dispensing.
The Kent Grand Plus water purifier typically uses the following types of filters/candles:
- Sediment Filter: Removes larger particles like sand, dirt, and rust.
- Activated Carbon Filter: Adsorbs chlorine, bad taste, odor, and organic impurities.
- RO Membrane: Removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- UF Membrane: Provides an additional layer of protection by removing bacteria and cysts.
- Post Carbon Filter: Enhances the taste of purified water.
- TDS Controller: Retains essential minerals in the water.
This setup ensures multi-stage purification for safe and clean drinking water.
The cost and longevity of each filter/candle in a Kent Grand Plus water purifier can vary based on usage, water quality, and purchasing location. Here is an approximate range for each component:
- Sediment Filter
- Cost: $5 – $10
- Longevity: 6 – 12 months
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Cost: $10 – $20
- Longevity: 6 – 12 months
- RO Membrane
- Cost: $30 – $50
- Longevity: 1 – 2 years
- UF Membrane
- Cost: $20 – $40
- Longevity: 1 – 2 years
- Post Carbon Filter
- Cost: $10 – $20
- Longevity: 1 year
- TDS Controller
- Cost: Typically integrated with the system, cost included in overall maintenance
- Longevity: Generally lasts the lifetime of the purifier with proper maintenance
These prices are indicative and may vary based on location and vendor. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of these filters are crucial for optimal performance of the water purifier.
In Indian Rupees:-
Here is the approximate cost and longevity of each filter/candle in the Kent Grand Plus water purifier in Indian Rupees (INR):
- Sediment Filter
- Cost: ₹300 – ₹700
- Longevity: 6 – 12 months
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,500
- Longevity: 6 – 12 months
- RO Membrane
- Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500
- Longevity: 1 – 2 years
- UF Membrane
- Cost: ₹1,200 – ₹2,800
- Longevity: 1 – 2 years
- Post Carbon Filter
- Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,200
- Longevity: 1 year
- TDS Controller
- Cost: Generally integrated with the system, cost included in overall maintenance
- Longevity: Generally lasts the lifetime of the purifier with proper maintenance
These costs are approximate and may vary based on the seller, location, and specific model. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the water purifier.