How to Choose a Water Purifier

With a multitude of options available in the market, consumers are often confused when it comes to buying a water purifier for their homes. It is an important decision as it involves ensuring good health and well-being of our families. So how do you go about picking the best water purifier for your home? Let’s take you through 5 simple steps 

1.FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR WATER

One cannot use the same water purifier everywhere and for every type of water. The quality of the water is the major checkpoint to select the most suitable water purifier for your home.

The drinking water is considered fit if it has a certain level of TDS (TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS) in it. TDS is actually the amount of inorganic salts (nitrates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium etc.), metals and minerals present in the water. It is usually said, the lower the TDS the better it is. But, it should not fall below a specified limit because a too low TDS shows that the water has no minerals or lacks important minerals required for humans.

Checking this quality is a tough task because one cannot easily get to know that unless you take the water sample for testing. But, this sample testing is done only by a small proportion of the population.  The best way is to know the source from where the water is coming. Usually it comes from MUNICIPALITIES or BOREWELLS.

Usually, in the urban and metro cities, the water is supplied by the municipalities.

The water supplied by the municipalities is already treated and then sourced to our homes. This water does not require the RO systems. But, what we usually see is that maximum households have RO water purifiers which are actually not the right fit. Just because of a mere public gimmick, everyone starts running towards the product without even realising the necessity for it in their homes. Without thinking that whether it will actually serve the purpose for which they are buying the purifiers.

In a nutshell, find the right purifier for the water you get.

The other important criterion in selecting a water purifier is to find out whether it is actually dispensing healthy water. Most water purifiers these days are RO water purifiers which effectively means that the water from them is devoid of any essential minerals. This also makes the water acidic for consumption.

It is wise and only healthy to choose water purifiers which supplies the water with essential minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. This makes the water mild-alkaline in nature and thus a great source of wellness.So while shortlisting technologies used in water purifiers, go for RO technology only if your input water TDS is > 500 ppm, if the water you receive in your tap is already treated by Municipalities you can choose between UV, UF & Nano Positive filtration technology based Water purifiers.

2.CERTIFIED OR NOT

The second most important thing is to check the credibility of the brand of purifier you are purchasing. The credibility and genuineness can be checked if the companies are certified by Nationally Accredited Organisations which are responsible for checking and certifying the water purifier companies. Is the brand globally sold and trusted by people around the world. Many local brands / Private label brands enter water purification industry without much R&D and understanding about local water quality and  filtration techniques.

3.STORAGE CAPACITY 

Analyze your family’s daily water consumption to understand the required capacity of your water purifier. In places where there are frequent electricity fluctuations, purifiers with high water storage work well. If continuous water & electricity is not a concern then there is no point opting for a water purifier with Storage Tanks as this will increase the chances of re contamination in already purified water in the purifier tank. The popular choice available in the market is “Tankless Direct flow designs”. The flow rate of these devices depend on feed water pressure, if your input water pressure is > 1.5 bar then the dispensing flow rate should not be an issue.

4.THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR KITCHEN OR WORKPLACE

 While choosing any appliance for your home or workplace the first thing which comes to one’s mind is the space it may occupy and the aesthetic enhancements it can offer .Even though water purifiers have a larger functional role to play than offering aesthetic improvements, this point should not be ignored completely. Thanks to modern technology and design, the size and looks of water purifier have evolved. Unlike the earlier days where purifiers were bulky and used to occupy a sizable space in your kitchen, with enhancements in filtration elements & elimination of water tanks  with direct flow designs the water purifiers have become compact. You can consider the dimension of the device and recommended place of installation before making the final decision. Countertop / Table top  tankless direct flow  designs  offer consumer ease & flexibility during installation, space saving, ease of operation and cleaning.

5. SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Water is purified through various filters that need maintenance at regular intervals. While buying a water purifier you should always consider the promptness of service and overall maintenance cost. While most of the water purifiers offer an AMC (Annual Maintenance Cost), a water purifiers actual maintenance cost directly depends on the consumption/usage of water and not on a fixed yearly cost. Hence, it is recommended to do a simple calculation of  cost of filters used in the device, their purification capacity, replacement cycle, whether the filter change is DIY (Do it yourself) before paying upfront for AMC. DIY filter change design will  reduce the dependency of service technician visit  and cost of servicing post the warranty period of the water purifier, with DIY filter change technology in  water purifiers you can save more on annual cost while enjoying a hassle-free maintenance ensuring safe and pure water always.

Now, when you go to buy a purifier for your home, please be careful that it is not just a mere purifier you are purchasing. Simultaneously and impliedly you are buying the health of your family. Think, research and then purchase