Introduction
A water purifier is an essential household appliance designed to remove impurities, contaminants, and harmful microorganisms from drinking water, ensuring it is safe and healthy for consumption. With growing concerns over water pollution, industrial waste, and aging pipelines, access to clean drinking water has become a critical necessity in both urban and rural areas. Water purifiers use advanced filtration technologies such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultraviolet (UV), Ultra Filtration (UF), and activated carbon filters to eliminate dissolved salts, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemical residues. Some models also retain essential minerals, improving the taste and health benefits of the water.
Also Read : The ultimate guide to choosing perfect water purifiers
The type of purifier needed often depends on the source of water whether it’s from borewells, tankers, or municipal supplies and the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) present. In areas with high TDS, RO systems are particularly effective, while UV and UF technologies work well in low-TDS regions with microbial risks. Modern purifiers also come with features such as mineral enhancers, smart sensors, and water-saving mechanisms.
As awareness about waterborne diseases grows, the demand for reliable purification systems continues to rise. A good water purifier not only ensures safe drinking water but also supports a family’s overall well-being by reducing health risks and offering peace of mind.
Why and which one is good UV or RO
Choosing between a UV (Ultraviolet) and RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifier depends largely on the quality and source of your water. Both serve different purposes and are effective under specific conditions, but understanding their functions is key to making the right decision.
UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. They do not remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, or chemical contaminants. UV purifiers are ideal for water that comes from treated municipal sources, where the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level is low and the primary concern is microbiological safety. They require electricity but do not alter the taste or mineral content of the water.
RO purifiers, on the other hand, force water through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and other chemical pollutants. RO systems are ideal for areas where water comes from borewells or tankers, often containing high TDS. However, they also strip away essential minerals, which some systems try to restore using mineral cartridges.
In conclusion, UV purifiers are suitable for low-TDS water with microbial risks, while RO purifiers are best for high-TDS water with heavy contamination. In many homes, a RO+UV+UF combination purifier offers the best of both technologies, ensuring comprehensive purification and safety.
How To Select The Water Purifiers
Understand Your Water Source
The first step in selecting the right water purifier is identifying the source of your household water. Common sources include municipal tap water, borewell water, or water delivered through tankers. Municipal water is typically treated and has low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) but may still contain bacteria, viruses, or chlorine. Borewell and tanker water often have high TDS, along with the presence of harmful substances like arsenic, lead, and nitrates. Understanding your source helps determine the type of purification required whether you need RO to remove dissolved salts or UV to eliminate microorganisms.
Test the TDS Level
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the amount of dissolved particles in water, including minerals, salts, and heavy metals. You can measure TDS using an affordable digital TDS meter or by checking your building’s water quality report. If the TDS level is below 250 ppm, the water is relatively safe, and a UV + UF purifier is usually sufficient. For TDS between 250–500 ppm, a combination of RO + UV is recommended to improve taste and safety. If TDS exceeds 500 ppm, you definitely need an RO-based purifier to ensure the water is fit for consumption.
Choose the Right Purification Technology
Once you know the TDS and source, select the appropriate technology. For low-TDS municipal water, a UV + UF purifier is adequate it kills bacteria and filters out physical impurities without removing essential minerals. For moderate to high TDS levels, go for a RO + UV or RO + UV + UF purifier, which can remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, microbes, and even bad odor or taste. Many modern purifiers also include TDS controllers, mineral cartridges, or copper/alkaline filters to add back essential minerals lost during RO purification.
Consider Storage Capacity and Family Size
The right capacity depends on your daily water consumption and the number of people in your household. A family of 2–4 members may find a 7–8 litre tank sufficient, while larger families should look for purifiers with 10 litres or more. For areas with frequent power cuts, choose a purifier with a larger storage tank so you don’t run out of purified water when the unit is not working.
Check for Maintenance and After-Sales Support
Every water purifier requires periodic filter replacement and maintenance. RO purifiers, in particular, may need servicing every 6–12 months, depending on usage and water quality. Choose a brand with good after-sales support in your area. Brands like Kent, Aquaguard, and HUL Pureit have nationwide service networks, while newer brands like Urban Company offer subscription-based maintenance plans, which are hassle-free and transparent. Always inquire about Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) charges before purchasing.
Look for Extra Features (Optional)
Some modern purifiers come with additional features such as hot water dispensing, digital display, filter-change alerts, copper or alkaline boosters, and smart app control. These features offer extra convenience and health benefits, though they may increase the price. Choose them only if they align with your lifestyle and budget.
Top models in India
Kent
Kent is one of the most recognized and trusted water purifier brands in India. It pioneered RO technology in the Indian market and has since built a strong reputation for its wide range of purification systems that combine RO, UV, UF, and TDS controllers. These technologies ensure the removal of harmful contaminants like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved impurities, while also retaining essential minerals in the water. Kent purifiers are well-suited for homes using borewell, tanker, or mixed water sources, and the brand offers models in various price ranges to suit different budgets. Their sleek wall-mounted and table-top units cater to modern kitchen aesthetics, and the company also provides good after-sales service in most cities and towns across the country.
Pros:
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Advanced multi-stage purification with TDS control
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Ideal for high TDS and mixed-source water
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Large service network and widespread availability
Cons:
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High water wastage in some RO models
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AMC (Annual Maintenance Cost) is relatively expensive
Aquaguard (Eureka Forbes)
Aquaguard, a flagship brand of Eureka Forbes, is synonymous with water purification in India. With over three decades of trust, the brand has consistently upgraded its technology to suit Indian water conditions. Aquaguard purifiers use a mix of RO, UV, UF, and patented features like Active Copper, Zinc Booster, and Taste Adjuster to provide safe and mineral-rich drinking water. The brand offers a wide variety of models across price ranges, including smart app-connected purifiers and compact systems for modern kitchens. It is a popular choice for both urban and rural households due to its deep market reach and frequent promotional offers. Despite its popularity, users have occasionally reported issues with AMC plans and pushy service technicians.
Pros:
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Trusted brand with decades of experience
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Wide range of models for different water sources
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Stylish, space-saving designs with advanced features
Cons:
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AMC can be costly and frequently pushed
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Service quality can vary by location
HUL Pureit
HUL Pureit, a brand from Hindustan Unilever, has made a strong mark in the water purifier segment by offering feature-rich purifiers at competitive prices. Known for its blend of RO, UV, and Microfiltration technologies, Pureit ensures multi-stage purification while retaining essential minerals through features like Mineral RO and Eco Recovery.
Many of its models, like the Eco Water Saver, offer high water-saving efficiency making it an environmentally conscious choice. Pureit has also introduced innovations such as GermKill kits and dual storage tanks to ensure long-lasting purity. Its purifiers are well-suited for families using municipal or mixed water sources. The brand has good reach in tier 1 and tier 2 cities and a decent after-sales network.
Pros:
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Affordable with good purification features
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High water recovery (up to 60% in some models)
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Wide range of purifiers for urban homes
Cons:
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Build quality may feel basic in lower-end models
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AMC experience can vary by region
AO Smith
AO Smith is a premium American brand known for its durable, high-performance water purifiers that combine style with smart technology. It offers advanced multi-stage filtration systems using RO, UV, and SCMT (Silver Charged Membrane Technology) that not only remove contaminants but also ensure long-term microbial protection. Many AO Smith purifiers come with hot water dispensing functionality ideal for tea, baby food, or immune-boosting drinks. Additionally, models like the Z9 and Z8 offer digital displays, UV disinfection in the tank, and minimalistic modern designs. The brand focuses heavily on providing water enriched with minerals and copper, making it suitable for health-conscious households. However, it remains a premium choice and is less common in smaller towns due to limited service availability.
Pros:
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Premium build and elegant design
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Advanced features like hot water and copper infusion
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Long-lasting filters with SCMT protection
Cons:
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Expensive upfront and high replacement filter cost
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Limited service network in rural areas
Urban Company (Native M1/M2)
Urban Company, known primarily for its home services platform, has recently launched its own line of water purifiers under the “Native” series (M1 and M2 models). These purifiers are designed specifically for Indian households and emphasize convenience, smart features, and low maintenance. The Native series offers a 10-stage purification system that includes RO, UV, UF, copper, and alkaline enhancement—all while retaining essential minerals. What sets them apart is their subscription-based maintenance model, where customers get filters replaced without paying extra for service visits. They also offer remote monitoring and app-based control, giving users complete transparency over their purifier’s performance. Urban Company’s approach eliminates the need for haggling with service agents and surprise AMC charges, making it a popular choice among tech-savvy urban users.
Pros:
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Hassle-free service with fixed annual plans
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Smart features and real-time monitoring
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Excellent purification with mineral retention
Cons:
Relatively new in the market
Not yet widely available in smaller towns
| Brand | Technology Used | Best For | Price Range (₹) | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Kent | RO + UV + UF + TDS controller | Borewell / Mixed TDS water | 9,000 – 20,000 | ✔ Advanced multi-stage purification ✔ Large service network ✔ Reliable performance | ❌ High water wastage ❌ Expensive AMC |
| Aquaguard (Eureka Forbes) | RO + UV + UF + Active Copper / Zinc + Taste Adjuster | Mixed sources (borewell, tanker, municipal) | 8,000 – 25,000 | ✔ Trusted brand ✔ Stylish models ✔ Good filtration features | ❌ AMC push by technicians ❌ Inconsistent service in small towns |
| HUL Pureit | RO + UV + MF + Mineral Guard | Municipal / Moderate TDS | 7,000 – 18,000 | ✔ Value for money ✔ High water-saving tech ✔ Easily available parts | ❌ Build quality varies ❌ Some AMC delays in tier-2 cities |
| AO Smith | RO + UV + SCMT + Mineraliser + Hot Water | Premium homes / Urban families | 14,000 – 28,000 | ✔ Hot water feature ✔ Copper and alkaline enrichment ✔ Smart digital design | ❌ Expensive initial cost ❌ Limited rural service |
| Urban Company (Native) | RO + UV + Copper + Alkaline + Smart App | Urban homes / Tech-savvy users | 13,000 – 19,000 | ✔ Hassle-free subscription model ✔ App control & live tracking ✔ Free filter replacements | ❌ New in the market ❌ Not available in all cities |
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