RO, UV, or Nano? Finding the Best Water Purifier Technology in 2025
Water is the essence of life, present in every living organism, including humans. Our bodies rely on adequate hydration to maintain vital functions. According to Mitchell and others, brain and heart are composed of approximately 73% water; the lungs contain about 83%; the skin, muscles and kidneys are around 64% and 79%, respectively; and so do our bones!
With such a significant role in our biology, water serves as a fundamental nutrient for every cell. It functions as a building block, regulates body temperature through sweating and respiration, transports essential nutrients, flushes out toxins via urination, cushions the brain and spinal cord, aids digestion through saliva formation, lubricates joints, and performs numerous other critical tasks.
However, ensuring the purity of the water we consume is just as important as staying hydrated. With increasing contamination in water sources, investing in a reliable water purifier has become essential. But with so many options available, how do you determine the right one for your home? And how can you assess water quality before making a purchase?
This blog will guide you through the best water purifiers to invest in for 2025. But before we get started, let’s address a common misconception: There is no one-size-fits-all water purifier!
What is TDS in Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measures the concentration of dissolved substances in water, including inorganic salts like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium (cations) and carbonates, nitrates, chlorides, and sulfates (anions).
TDS can come from natural sources, such as mineral-rich springs and groundwater, or human activities like agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and road de-icing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the optimal TDS level for drinking water ranges from 100 to 300. If your water's TDS falls between 150 and 200, it is considered safe and suitable for consumption.
Now that we understand TDS and its role in evaluating drinking water quality, let's explore water purifiers equipped with UV, nano, and RO technologies.
How to Choose the Right Filtration Technology for Home?
Understanding your water
The next step is choosing the right filtration technology based on your water quality.
Choosing the Right Filtration Technology
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- Jiv
Below is a simple table to guide you in selecting the right water purifier. These recommendations are based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
|
TDS Levels of Water Supply |
Recommended Technology for Purification |
| 0 to 90 | Gravity filters, MF or UF |
| 90 to 200 | UF or NF20 |
| 200 to 350 | UF or NF40 |
| 90 to 200 | UF or NF20 |
| 300 to 600 | NF60 |
| 600 to 1500 | NF80 |
| > 1500 | RO |
What is UV, RO, and Nanofiltration Technology?
UV Filtration:
UV filtration uses high-intensity UV light to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by disrupting their DNA, preventing them from reproducing. It does not remove dissolved solids or chemicals but is highly effective in disinfecting water.
Benefits:
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- Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens
- Chemical-free purification, preserving water's natural taste
- Low maintenance and energy-efficient
- Works best for municipal or pre-filtered water
RO Filtration:
RO filtration uses a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, and contaminants by forcing water through microscopic pores. It effectively reduces TDS, making water safe for consumption.
Benefits:
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- Removes 95-98% of TDS, heavy metals, and chemicals
- Eliminates bacteria, viruses, and harmful contaminants
- Improves taste and odor of water
- Ideal for high TDS water (above 1500 ppm)
- Nanofiltration (NF) Technology & Benefits
Nanofiltration:
Nanofiltration uses membranes with slightly larger pores than RO, allowing essential minerals to pass while filtering out contaminants, bacteria, and organic compounds. It is best suited for moderate TDS water.
Benefits:
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- Retains beneficial minerals while filtering impurities
- Reduces hardness, pesticides, and bacteria
- Uses less water and energy compared to RO
- Ideal for TDS levels between 200-1500 ppm
What is a TDS Adjuster?
A TDS adjuster in water purifiers helps regulate mineral content after filtration, allowing for customized taste and the retention of essential minerals. While not always required, it is particularly useful when TDS levels drop below the recommended range. This feature is mainly used in RO filtration systems.
Why Implement a TDS Adjuster in Home Water Filters?
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- Preserves Essential Minerals: Retains vital nutrients like calcium and magnesium lost in RO filtration.
- Improves Taste: Prevents water from tasting flat by maintaining optimal TDS levels.
- Supports Health: Ensures essential minerals for overall well-being.
- Customizable: Adjusts mineral content to match personal health and taste preferences.
Incorporating a TDS adjuster into your home water purification system ensures that the water you consume is not only safe but also tailored to support your health and taste preferences.
Conclusion
Owning a water purifier isn’t just a one-time expense—regular filter replacements are essential but costly. Leading brands use expensive, proprietary filters, costing ₹4,000-7,000 annually and ₹20,000-35,000 over five years—sometimes more than the purifier itself!
While local brands offer lower maintenance costs, they often compromise on filter quality, affecting water purity. It's always best to test your water quality and choose the right purifier accordingly.
If you already have a water purifier but feel something is missing—the vital, life-giving properties of water—Jiva Water can help. Contact us to discover how our innovative devices restore water’s natural energy and find the perfect solution for your needs.