What is Reverse Osmosis & How Does it Work?

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What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of water purification or water purifiers?

I am not that good at reading minds but I think I have read your mind pretty well.

Didn’t you just think of ‘RO’?

Yes?

See, apart from reviewing water purifiers, I can now try my hands on mind reading.

Well, jokes apart.

I didn’t get this one right because of my sharp mind-reading skills.

I got it right because I have years of experience and a fair understanding of the water purification market and consumer preferences.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) has become as synonymous with water purification as Colgate is to toothpaste and Baba Ramdev is to Yoga.

Reverse Osmosis water purifiers have become so popular in India that you hear people referring to every home water purifier as ‘RO’ and purified water as ‘RO water’.

But, do you know what Reverse Osmosis technology is and how it works?

Should you blindly buy an RO purifier?

Worry not!

This article will answer all your queries in simple terms.

You’ll have a much better understanding of Reverse Osmosis technology by the time you reach the end of this article.

That’s a GUARANTEE!

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse Osmosis is one of the most effective water purification technologies. It gives you clean, pure, and safe water that tastes great.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out dissolved solids, microorganisms, and larger particles from drinking water.

Did that sound too technical?

Let’s make it easy to understand.

ro water purifying process

In reverse osmosis, water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane (RO membrane) that allows only water molecules to pass through and filters out everything else.

What is Semi-Permeable Membrane?

A semipermeable or selectively permeable membrane is a layer (or group of layers) that allows only certain molecules to pass through it but not others.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Before I throw any light on how reverse osmosis technology works.

Let’s first understand the process of osmosis.

Osmosis is basically the passage of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks particles and dissolved solids present in the water. The water moves from a low concentration area to a high concentration area passing through a barrier due to the surrounding osmotic pressure.

Osmotic Pressure

The natural pressure due to which any slightly concentrated solution moves through a semi-permeable membrane towards a highly concentrated solution.

In other words, under osmosis, if you put highly contaminated water and less contaminated water on either side of a semi-permeable membrane then less contaminated water (low concentration area) will pass through the membrane and move towards highly contaminated water (high concentration area).

Take a look at the image given below. This explains the process of osmosis quite easily.

Osmosis Process

It is quite clear that osmosis in its standard form can’t be used for water purification.

Why would you take less contaminated water, filter it, and then mix it with highly contaminated water?

What if you reverse this process?

Take highly contaminated water, filter it, and then mix it with pure or less contaminated water.

Now you are starting to think in the right direction.

Wait!

What happens to the osmotic pressure then?

This villain will never let that happen.

You’ll have to find a hero that knocks out this villain.

That hero has to have more powers, pressure in this case.

That hero is an external pressure that is much stronger than the natural osmotic pressure.

There you are.

Under high pressure, the osmosis process gets reversed i.e. the solution now flows through a semi-permeable membrane from high concentration to low concentration.

This is reverse osmosis in most simple terms.

The image given below explains the process of reverse osmosis so beautifully.

The semi-permeable membrane used in reverse osmosis purification has hundreds or thousands of pores as small as .0001 microns.

These minute pores only allow water molecules to pass through and filter out everything else.

That’s why RO purification is considered the most reliable water purification technology.

 

Confused about different purification technologies like RO, UV, UF, and MF? Read this article for a complete understanding of how they work.

History of Reverse Osmosis

Before I spill the beans.

Can you guess when was reverse osmosis invented?

The mid-1950s.

Yes, you read that right.

It might look like one of the latest technologies.

But the truth is, that researchers from the University of California and the University of Florida successfully used reverse osmosis to produce fresh water from seawater in the mid-1950s.

In 1977, the municipal corporation of Cape Coral, Florida, first used reverse osmosis on a large scale for public water distribution.

Advantages of Reverse Osmosis

  • Reverse Osmosis is the most reliable form of water purification. It is the only water purification technology that filters out such a broad range of contaminants ranging from dust particles, chlorine, microorganisms, and harmful chemicals, to dissolved solids and heavy metals.
  • Reverse Osmosis is the only home water purification technology that turns high TDS, salty, and hard water into soft, sweet-tasting water.
  • Protects you from infections and waterborne diseases.
  • RO purified water is the best alternative to costly bottled water.
  • RO purification is a fully automated process. All you have to do is just turn the system, everything else is taken care of by the purifier.

Click to read: Can You Use RO Water in Battery?

Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis

  • RO purification results in huge water wastage. Traditional RO systems can waste as much as 3 glasses of water for every glass of purified water they produce.
  • Both, the initial cost and the maintenance costs are high.
  • The process is quite slow, even the most efficient home RO systems can hardly provide 20-25 litres of purified water per hour. Most RO systems available in India produce around 10-12 litres of purified drinking water per hour. But that’s more than sufficient for most homes.
  • Requires periodic replacement of filters and membrane, you can’t fit and forget.
  • Does not disinfect water. RO purification can remove some bacteria but it should not be relied upon to remove 100% of bacteria and viruses

What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

I think that’s the wrong question to ask.

The question that should be asked is ‘What contaminants do reverse osmosis not remove?’

What all does the reverse osmosis system remove…

  • Dissolved solids like Calcium, Magnesium? Yes.
  • Salt? Yes.
  • Dust, Dirt, and Sediment? Yes.
  • Chlorine? Yes.
  • Heavy metals like Lead & Arsenic? Yes.
  • Herbicides and pesticides? Yes.
  • Bacteria and Viruses? No. Reverse osmosis may remove some bacteria, but RO purification does not provide 100% safety against microbial contamination from bacteria and viruses. For removing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, UV disinfection is recommended. That’s why most RO purifiers also feature a UV purification stage.

Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Waste Water?

All reverse osmosis systems produce two types of water. The first is the purified water that is stored in the purifier tank for drinking, and the second is the rejected water that is discarded.

The wastewater or rejected water carries all the contaminants removed during reverse osmosis purification.

Generally, you view this as unnecessary waste.

Right?

I also used to think that way until recently.

When I read an interesting view from one of the leading water purification experts in the USA.

He said ‘The wastewater is not being wasted without any cause. This wastewater is used for a purpose. The wastewater in an RO system is being used for purifying your drinking water.’

Would you call the water that is thrown out by your washing machine after cleaning your clothes wastewater?

What would you call the water that goes down the drain after bathing or washing utensils?

Most definitely, your answer would be ‘this water is not wasted but used for cleaning’.

Right.

In the same way, the water that comes out of an RO system is used for cleaning/purifying your drinking water.

Seems logical to me.

What do you think about this thought? Do let us know in the comments section.

Still, it’s our moral responsibility to not only use efficient RO systems that save more water but also to reuse RO wastewater for other tasks.

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Bad for You?

Critics of RO purifiers often project them as villains. And all of them have two arguments in support of their claims.

  1. Wastage of water
  2. Demineralization of water

We have discussed the first argument just above.

Now coming to the second claim.

There is absolutely no doubt that, along with all the harmful contaminants, a reverse osmosis system also removes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

That’s because an RO membrane can’t differentiate between good contaminants and bad contaminants.

But does that make RO water bad?

There is no doubt that your body needs essential minerals.

But water is not the primary source of these minerals. The primary source of these minerals is food, fruits, and green vegetables.

If water was the primary source, you would have to drink too much water to meet the recommended dietary allowance: Calcium: 1000 mg/day, Magnesium: 400 -420 mg/day (approximate values).

Drinking water with some essential minerals is acceptable, but the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommends that the ideal TDS level of drinking water should not be more than 500 PPM. Unfortunately, a large part of India, especially those that depend on groundwater for drinking, has TDS levels above 500 PPM.

Reverse Osmosis water is also good for your kidneys and is recommended for people with Kidney disorders like stones etc.

This leaves RO purification as the only alternative for the purification of water.

Cutting the long story short.

Reverse Osmosis does remove minerals, but this should not be the cause of your worries as we have just seen right above.

But, always remember, we do not recommend blindly buying an RO purifier.

If you would like to learn more about which water purifier to buy, please read this informative post.

Wrapping Up

Like with all things in life, reverse osmosis, does have a few limitations.

But the benefits of reverse osmosis far outweigh these small limitations.

And it is high time, that some people stop projecting this life-saving water purification technology as a villain all the time.

I hope this post has cleared many of your doubts and questions about reverse osmosis. If you still have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll try to answer in 24 hours.

 

Under Sink vs Wall Mounted Water Purifiers: Which is Right for You?

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When it comes to choosing a water purifier for your home, there are many factors to consider, including the type of purifier, the size of the unit, and the installation location.

Two popular options are under-sink water purifiers and wall-mounted water purifiers, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

In this blog post, we will compare under-sink and wall-mounted water purifiers to help you decide which is the best option for your needs.

Under-Sink Water Purifiers

Under-sink water purifiers are installed directly under the kitchen sink and are connected to the home’s water supply. These units are usually small and compact, making them a good choice for homes with limited space. They are also relatively easy to install, as they do not require any major plumbing work.

One of the main benefits of under-sink water purifiers is that they are out of sight and out of the way. This makes them a good choice for people who want to keep their kitchen walls or countertops clutter-free.

Another advantage is that under-sink purifiers do not take up any wall space, which is especially useful in small kitchens or homes with limited wall space.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to under-sink water purifiers. One issue is that they can be difficult to access for maintenance and repairs. This means that if you need to replace a filter or perform any other maintenance on the unit, you may need to crawl under the sink or hire a professional to do it for you. Additionally, under-sink water purifiers can be prone to leaks if they are not installed correctly.

Under-sink purifiers are comparatively costlier and you have very limited options to choose from. An under-sink RO+UV purifier would cost you over Rs. 15,000 while you can buy a wall-mounted RO+UV purifier for just Rs. 8,000.

Under-sink water purifiers are very popular in the U.S. and Europe, but not many people in India prefer these purifiers.

Wall Mounted Water Purifiers

Wall-mounted water purifiers are mounted on the wall, usually near the kitchen sink or in any other convenient location. These units are larger and more visible than under-sink purifiers. In most cases, a wall-mounted water purifier can also be kept on a tabletop or your kitchen counter.

One of the main benefits of wall-mounted water purifiers is that they are easy to access for maintenance and repairs. This means that you can easily change the filters or perform other maintenance tasks without crawling under the sink or hiring a professional. Wall-mounted purifiers are also less prone to leaks, as they are not connected to the home’s water supply in the same way as under-sink units.

Wall-mounted purifiers are not only much cheaper than under-sink purifiers but they are also a lot easier to maintain.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to wall-mounted water purifiers. One issue is that they are more visible and take up wall space, which may not be ideal for people who want to keep their kitchen walls clutter-free.

Which is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between an under-sink and a wall-mounted water purifier will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you have limited space in your kitchen or want to keep your countertops clutter-free, an under-sink purifier may be the better choice.

 

However, if you want easy access to the unit for maintenance and repairs, or if you prefer a more visible and prominent installation, a wall-mounted purifier may be the way to go.

OUR VIEW

We recommend going for a wall-mounted water purifier as they are more affordable and easier to maintain. You also have a wide range to choose from.

You should go for an under-sink water purifier only if you are too worried about the water purifiers spoiling the look of your ultra-modern kitchen or if there is not sufficient wall/counter space in your kitchen.

To help you make a decision, consider the following factors:

Space: How much space do you have in your kitchen? If you have a limited counter or wall space, an under-sink purifier may be a better choice. If you have sufficient wall space, a wall-mounted purifier may be a good option.

Maintenance: How important is it to you to be able to easily access the purifier for maintenance and repairs? Wall-mounted purifiers are easier to maintain.

Cost: What is your budget? Both the initial cost and maintenance cost of under-sink purifiers is higher than wall-mounted purifiers.

Take action today and choose a water purifier that best fits your needs and budget. Your health and safety are worth it!

3 Best Under Sink RO Water Purifiers in India – Reviews

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Water purifiers have become an integral part of our lives.

Today I am going to talk about a type of water purifier that is not so common in Indian homes.

Unlike India, under-sink water purifiers are the preferred choice for homes in the U.S. and Europe.

However, these water purifiers are slowly gaining popularity in India too.

The biggest reason for their growing popularity is the fact that kitchens of the most newly constructed homes & apartments have a provision for under-sink purifiers only.

Under-Sink water purifiers do what other water purifiers do, the only difference being the fact that they can be installed below your kitchen sink.

Highly efficient, Under-the-Counter RO systems work hidden and out of sight, making them the best choice for all design perfectionists.

 

Apart from the looks, the best part is saving up on space. These purifiers don’t encroach onto your much-needed counter space. Instead, they can be fitted neatly below sinks, making your kitchen work space as tidy as can be.

And it’s not like you’re compromising on filtration strength. They perform just as skillfully as any other purifier out there.

All the while adding to the beauty of your Kitchen, two benefits for the price of one!

Now here are some suggestions for you to pick the best-of-the-rest when it comes to the Under-sink RO water purifiers market.

Reviews of the Top 3 Under Sink Water Purifiers in India

1. AO Smith Z2+ Under Sink RO Water Purifier

Sleek & Compact Design, 6-Stage Purification, Filter Change Alerts

The innovator of the industry, AO Smith, never stops surprising. This time with their 6-Stage purification under-sink RO.

This water purifier purifies water using a Pre-filter, Sediment Filter, Pre Carbon Filter, RO Membrane, and SCM-TECH (Silver Activated Post Carbon) + MIN-TECH (Mineraliser Technology).

It’s all the filtration you’d ever need.

Exclusive patented SSM Technology (Side Stream RO Membrane) purifies water with high TDS up to 2000 ppm.

This purifier is also known to waste less water with improved water recovery.

AO Smith Z2+ throws special focus on the best possible removal of suspended solids and sediments. They’ve achieved this with some pretty nifty Advanced Pre-Filters and Sediment Filters.

The MIN-TECH cartridge adds essential minerals (Calcium and Magnesium) to give you purified water with a balanced pH and a great taste.

Giving out a storage capacity of 5 litres and a purification capacity of up to 15 litres per hour.

All this comes with WQA certification for their RO membranes and everything. Maintaining all ANSI 58 and NSF standards.

The Z2+ comes in a very sleek and compact design and easily fits under smallest of kitchen sinks. The storage tank is also placed inside the purifier housing.

This product comes with a gooseneck swivel faucet that gives you complete freedom and convenience.

Unlike other under-the-counter RO purifiers, the Z2+ features a very informative and useful digital display with a full range of indicators and alerts.

Apart from the regular indicators for purification on/off, low water pressure, and tank full, this product gives you advanced alerts when the RO membrane and other filters need to be changed.

Positive:
  • Comes with an external pre-filter
  • Sleek & Compact design
  • RO membrane and filter change alerts
  • 1-year comprehensive warranty (includes RO membrane)
  • The storage tank is provided inside the purifier unit
  • Balances the pH level and improves the taste of purified water
  • LED indicators
Negatives:
  • Price is a little high
  • A small storage tank of just 5 litres
  • Not suitable for big families

2. KENT Excell Plus Under Sink RO Water Purifier

7-litres Storage Tank, Filter Change Alarm, 3-Years Free Service AMC

This Kent water purifier utilizes Kent’s patented Mineral RO purification technology to the fullest.

It’s suitable for all kinds of purification with its TDS controller, be it municipal tap, or borewell water. Providing 100% safe water by getting rid of even the finest impurities, such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and salts.

The 7-litres storage of the hydrostatic tank is also top of the line. Whereas the purification capacity is 15 litres/hours. All the while utilizing Kent’s ‘double-purification’ of RO/UF + UV.

Kent Excell Plus purifies the input water in 4 different stages to give you clean and safe drinking water.

  1. Sediment Filter
  2. Activated Carbon Filter
  3. RO or UF (depending upon how the TDS controller is set)
  4. UV Disinfection

This purifier also saves you from the headache of keeping track of when to change the various filters and membranes.

The automatic filter change alarm alerts you when filters and membranes are due for replacement. There is a separate alarm that goes off automatically whenever the system detects any fault in the UV lamp.

The Excell Plus features a large 7-litres storage tank and is therefore ideal for large families. But you must keep in mind that it needs a lot of space for installation.

When it comes to certifications. The Kent Excell Plus comes with world-class certifications from NSF International (United States), and CE. Guaranteeing trust from the public as well as the professionals.

Apart from under-the-counter installation, it can also be attached to water coolers and refrigerators with water dispensers.

Like all RO purifiers from Kent, this one too comes with a 1-year warranty and 3 years of free service AMC at zero cost. This offer will save you Rs. 3,000 directly.

Positive:
  • 3 years of free service AMC worth Rs. 3,000
  • Sounds an alarm when membrane and filters need to be changed
  • A big storage tank of 7 litres
  • Alarm for UV-failure
  • Ideal for big families or homes with a higher requirement for purified water
Negatives:
  • No pre-filter is provided
  • 100% of the water might not be RO purified (depending on the setting of the TDS controller)
  • The storage tank is given outside the purifier unit
  • Needs more space for installation

3. KENT Sterling Plus Under Sink RO Water Purifier

Compact Design, Suitable for Smaller Spaces

Another Kent addition, but this one incorporates a fresh design language.

Unlike most under-sink RO purifiers, Kent Sterling Plus comes as a single unit. All the filters, membrane, and storage tank are kept inside the main unit.

The compact design makes it a great fit for smaller under-sink spaces. It is also comparatively much easier to install as compared to other under-sink purifiers that come with an external storage tank.

The intelligent design also makes it very easy to clean the area under the sink.

This model intelligently supports natural minerals even after very fine filtration. Making good use of Kent’s own patented Mineral RO tech. The TDS Controller retains essential natural minerals in purified water, giving you pure, safe, and natural-tasting water.

A lot of thought has gone into this under-the-counter water purifier, providing for side-by-side placement too, that may go right beside your refrigerators for utilizing the most space.

The patented technology helps with dishing out a tastier and sweeter end-product of fresh and safe water.

The double purification of RO/UF+UV manages to deal with any and all traces of Arsenic, Rust, and all other chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and even salts. 100% safely and purely filtered, and at the same time, nutritional too.

Kent Sterling Plus comes with a storage capacity of 6 litres and a high purification capacity of up to 15 litres/hour.

You get the standard 1-year warranty and 3 years of extended service with Kent Sterling Plus as well.

Positive
  • An additional 3 years service AMC package worth Rs. 3,000 is given free of cost
  • Comes as a single unit
  • If required, can be installed like a regular RO
  • Clean and compact design
  • Easy to install
  • Ideal for smaller under-sink spaces
Negatives
  • Does not come with an external pre-filter
  • 100% of the water might not be RO purified because of the limitation associated with the use of a TDS controller
  • No alerts for membrane and filter change

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right under-sink water purifier is crucial for clean and safe drinking water. We reviewed three top options in India.

The AO Smith Z2+ excels in filtration performance, compact design, and digital display. The Kent Excell Plus comes with a large storage tank, TDS controller, and 3 years of free service. Kent Sterling Plus is the compact version of the Kent Excell Plus and comes with identical purification stages.

Consider your needs, family size, space constraints, and budget. Choose a reliable option that suits your requirements and read customer reviews for informed decision-making.

RO Water Purifiers

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According to a World Bank report, “water quality in India has deteriorated as a result of an uncontrolled discharge of raw domestic and industrial waste-water”. Indian cities are lagging behind in providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable water supply. Due to these disturbing trends, people are finding RO purifiers as the best option for drinking safe water.

What is RO Purification?

Discovered by Dean Spatz, Reverse Osmosis (RO) refers to a technique that uses a semi-permeable membrane in order to remove ions, molecules, dissolved salts, and larger impurities from drinking water. There are other types of membranes for water purification also, but the RO membrane provides the most effective & reliable water purification.

How Does RO Work?

When an artificial pressure pushes water through a fine RO membrane, the impurities present in the water get filtered out. The size of the pores of the RO membrane is very, very small. These pores allow only water molecules to pass through while preventing other contaminants.

RO purification is capable of filtering out up to 99% of over 60 different contaminants including lead, arsenic, mercury, fluoride, chlorine, etc.

When to Use an RO Purifier?

  • TDS level of water is greater than 500 PPM.
  • TDS level of water is less than 500 PPM but the water contains harmful heavy metals like lead, arsenic, etc.

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RO+UV Water Purifiers

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According to The Hindu (March 2010), “Polluted drinking water claim more lives than all forms of violence, including war”. Therefore, it is a crying need of the hour to utilize an effective purification technology in the form of RO and UV that removes harmful impurities as well as deadly germs from the water we drink.

What is RO+UV Purification?

The RO+UV water purifiers employ both RO and UV technologies that give the safest water. Reverse osmosis is used for removing ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. UV purification, on the other hand, is a disinfection technique that kills or inactivates microorganisms.

Top Selling RO+UV Water Purifiers in India

How does (RO+UV) work?

Reverse osmosis is the process that utilizes a semi permeable membrane, which allows pure water to pass through it, while stopping contaminants and impurities on one side. RO purification system is immensely helpful in removing all dissolved solids and bacteria.

Some of the RO systems use a process called Cross Flow, which helps the semi-permeable membrane to continuously clean itself. RO purification requires the application of pressure that pushes the fluid through the membrane. A residential RO water purification system uses an average pressure of 40psi. After RO purification, the water is allowed to go through UV system, which uses high frequency ultraviolet light to irradiate water through a glass element. Now, when the water is passed through the glass element, it becomes exposed to UV light. As a result, all bacteria and microorganisms get killed.

When to use RO+UV water purifiers?

The most important factor to consider before choosing an RO+UV water purifier is the water quality that is coming to our homes. If the water has large quantities of germs, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and heavy metals, then RO+UV water purifiers should be used.

The next factor to consider is TDS level. If the level of total dissolved solids in your water supply is 400-1500ppm, then RO+UV purifiers are recommended.

Usually, in India the borewell water contains TDS level of 300-500ppm, so these water purifiers might as well be used in those households that drink borewell water. RO+UV is the best combination of techniques utilized for water purification. Although, all the RO+UV systems run on electricity, but a high storage capacity allows them to store purified water in case of electricity outages.

Check out some top RO+UV water purifiers from brands like LivPure, HUL, and Nasaka.

RO+UV+UF Water Purifiers

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In India, pure, safe and clean water is really hard to find today. In most Indian households water is supplied by the municipality, which is not best suited for drinking purposes. This has led to an increased demand for RO+UV+UF water purifiers. Let us find out why and when to use them.

RO+UV+UF water purifiers are generally considered the most ideal choice as these water purifiers are suitable for almost all types of water sources. These water purifiers can remove all common impurities to give you pure and freshwater.

What is (RO+UV+UF) Purification?

The RO, UV, and UF are the acronyms for Reverse Osmosis, Ultra Violet and Ultra Filtration respectively. When RO, UV, and UF technologies are fused together, we get one of the powerful ways to clean water for drinking.

Top RO+UV+UF Water Purifiers in India

How does (RO+UV+UF) work?

The RO technology uses a semi-permeable membrane for the purification purpose that allows only water molecules to pass through it while blocking the dissolved and suspended impurities. RO technology is used for purifying water that has a high content of salt. UV technology is basically used for making water germ free and fit to drink. The UV purification kills the virus, bacteria, and other waterborne disease-causing germs. The process involves a UV bulb fitted inside the water purifier that throws ultraviolet rays everywhere, effectively killing all the germs and other microorganisms. Finally, the ultra-filtration (UF) technology uses threads of fibers in order to remove extra hardness from water. The process involves passing water through microfiber threads, thereby removing excess salts.

When to use RO+UV+UF water purifiers?

Choosing the most appropriate water purifier for your home or office is not as simple as it sounds.

First of all, it is important to know what the TDS level of your water supply is. It means total dissolved solids, which water contains in the form of dissolved salts, impurities and heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. TDS is essentially a measure of combined impurities. The TDS level of 50-150ppm is excellent, and above 1200 is just unacceptable. Therefore, RO+UV+UF water purifiers should be used when the water has high TDS levels (1000-2000ppm).

Moreover, rivers are the major source of water in Indian households and these are getting contaminated with each passing day due to factory-wastes and sewage disposals. These contaminants pose serious health issues in India like Cholera, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Typhoid, etc. Water treatment plants must meet certain quality standards but despite that, many harmful bacteria and viruses slip through the cracks and contaminate the water supply to our homes.

The groundwater is also an important source of drinking water in our homes. It is also increasingly getting polluted because of the excessive use of pesticides (Endrin, Heptachlor, Lindane, and Pentachlorophenol), fertilizers (Urea and Sulfates) and Radio-nuclides (Radium, Uranium). It is also very hard due to the presence of unwanted heavy metallic compounds like Fluorides, Arsenic, Mercury, and Lead. Because of all these factors, the water needs powerful RO+UV+UF purification.

The RO+UV+UF technology can even work with very muddy, dirty, and turbid water. The super treated RO+UV+UF filtered water has various industrial applications as well: boiler feed water for power generation, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, semiconductor, and metal finishing.

Also check out RO Purifiers, RO + UV water purifiers, RO + UF Water Purifiers. You can also check out all the brand’s water purifier price list here.

How to Find Govt Approved Water Testing Lab Near Me

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What is the Need for Testing Drinking Water?

At the time of writing this post (19th July 2022), the total number of water samples, tested in India by the Govt. approved water testing labs, was 58,95,420. (Source: JJM-WQMIS)

Out of these total samples, 8,47,708 samples were found contaminated.

This means around 14.37% of all water samples tested in India are not fit for human consumption.

And the situation is very alarming in some states like West Bengal and Kerala.

In West Bengal, out of the 4,91,434 drinking water samples that were tested, 3,72,243 samples were found contaminated. That’s a shocking 75.74% of contamination. 3 out of every 4 drinking water samples were found contaminated in West Bengal.

States with Highest Number of Water Contamination Cases – West Bengal and Kerala

This is beyond your wildest imagination.

Kerala is not too far behind, out of the 3,34,109 drinking water samples tested, 2,44,733 samples were found contaminated. That’s a shocking 73.25% of contamination.

On the other hand, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh are the best states where the water contamination rate is almost zero.

States with Lowest Number of Water Contamination Cases – Manipur and Himachal Pradesh

In Manipur, only 0.01% of drinking water samples were found contaminated and in Himachal Pradesh, only 0.02% of samples were contaminated.

When to Test the Water Samples?

The short and simple answer is ‘get your drinking water tested if its appearance, smell, or taste is not normal’.

You must also get your drinking water tested in a laboratory if your area has a known history of water contamination or waterborne diseases.

Almost all municipal corporations periodically test the drinking water they supply. But, old, rusted, and damaged water supply lines lead to contamination of water as it reaches from the source to your home.

If the source of water to your home is groundwater, river, or well then you must get your drinking water tested.

Drinking Water Quality Standards

The water that you drink or use for cooking should not only be clean but safe to consume.

But how do you know if your drinking water is safe?

This is where the water quality guidelines/specifications come into the picture.

Most countries have their own standards for water quality.

The Bureau of India Standards (BIS) is the organization that sets and publishes the drinking water quality standards in India. BIS first published India’s own water quality guidelines ‘Drinking Water Specifications’ in the year 2012.

All drinking water shall comply with the specifications recommended by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500: 2012).

In these water quality specifications, there are two limits for every water contaminant: Acceptable limits and permissible limits.

The values in acceptable limits refer to the desirable limits of contamination of any particular contaminant.

While the values prescribed in permissible limits mean such water should only be consumed if there is no alternate source.

If any value exceeds the permissible limit, the water is not safe for drinking.

All water supplying agencies like Municipal Corporations are also required to test drinking water as per these water quality standards.

But if you are dependent on other sources of water like groundwater and tankers then you are expected to get the water tested yourself.

Please follow the below links to know more about drinking water quality standards in India.

  1. BIS 10500:2012
  2. AMENDMENT NO. 1 JUNE 2015 TO IS 10500: 2012 DRINKING WATER
  3. AMENDMENT NO. 2 SEPTEMBER 2018 TO IS 10500: 2012 DRINKING WATER

Health Impacts of Drinking Contaminated Water

Drinking contaminated water can have mild to severe health effects.

The severity of the health impact depends on the type of contaminant and duration of exposure.

While some contaminants have reasonably mild to moderate effects like constipation, others may cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, damage your vital organs, or affect your nervous system.

The below-given figure shows some common water contaminants and their impact on your health.

Health impact of contaminated water
How to Find Government Water Testing Lab Near Your Home?

Apart from Government drinking water testing labs, most big cities have private water testing labs as well.

But, most of the private water testing labs, that we came across, are mostly focused on industrial users.

Some small private labs offer drinking water testing for residential users but we are not too sure how reliable their testing is.

In this post, we are only going to cover ways of finding Government drinking water testing laboratories in your city.

So, without wasting any more time.

Let’s get on the business.

As per the Jal Jeevan Mission’s Water Quality Management Information System, there are a total of 2,057 Govt. approved water testing labs in India (as on 19th July. 2022).

States with the maximum number of water contamination cases have more labs as compared to states where cases are few.

West Bengal, has the highest number of water testing laboratories. As we have seen earlier, West Bengal is also the state that has the highest number of water contamination cases.

When it comes to Govt. departments most people start worrying.
Worry not.

Today we are going to tell you a very easy way to find a Govt. water testing lab near your home in just a minute.

And the best part is, all the information is available online.

Follow the below-given steps to find a Govt. Authorized drinking water testing lab right now.

Open the Website
Open any web browser and go to the official website of Jal Jeevan Mission – Water Quality Management Information System https://neer.icmr.org.in/
Locate Labs Near You
Click on the link ‘Locate labs near you’ in the top navigation.
Locate Labs Near You
Select Your State & District
Please select your state and district from the dropdowns and click on the Search button.
Select State and District
View Details of the Labs Near You
Details of all the labs in your selected state & district will be shown in the table. The table shows the name, type (Govt/Private), and complete address of the lab.
Details of Labs

Wrapping Up

Wasn’t this much easier than what you initially thought?

All credit must go to the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jalshakti.

Jal Jeevan Mission is one of the most successful programs run by the Govt. of India. It has fulfilled the dream of millions of Indians of having a tap water connection at their homes.

Not only this, the focus on maintaining the quality of water is also commendable.

In this post, you’ve learned to find the nearest Government water analysis lab.

In the next post, we’ll be showing you the exact process that you need to follow to get your water sample tested in a Govt. lab.

We hope you’ve found this information useful. Please subscribe to our Youtube channel for more useful tips and informational content.

How to Check TDS Level & Ideal TDS for Drinking Water

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Have you been hearing a lot about the TDS level in drinking water?

You must have.

Because that is what all the water purifier companies are talking about. That is one measure even consumers are talking about the most.

But, what exactly is this “TDS” and what is the ideal TDS for drinking water?

If you have no clue about what is the meaning of TDS in water, then you must read this post.

This post will provide you with all the details about

  • What is the TDS level in water?
  • How you can measure the TDS level?
  • What is the ideal TDS level of drinking water?

TDS of Water Full Form

The full form of TDS in drinking water is “Total Dissolved Solids”.

What is TDS Level?

TDS level of water is the measure of all inorganic and organic substances that are dissolved in water.

The most common inorganic substances that are found in water are magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

To a certain degree, the presence of these minerals in the water is actually healthy, but when the level becomes too much, it is a cause of worry.

Most common constituents of TDS levels, like calcium, magnesium, etc., are generally harmless. But heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and fluoride can be really dangerous for your health.

Why Do You Need to Check TDS Level?

A study conducted by IIT Kharagpur revealed that almost 20% of India’s total land area has toxic levels of arsenic in its groundwater.

A significant number of Indians are drinking toxic water.

This is also evident from the data released by Ministry of Jal Shakti in the reply to a question asked in Rajya Sabha on 1st August, 2022. It was revealed that:

  • Arsenic was found in around 209 districts in 25 states and UTs
  • Uranium was found in parts of 152 districts across 18 states
  • Lead found in parts of 176 districts in 21 states.
  • Iron found in parts of 491 districts in 29 states and UTs
  • Cadmium in parts of 29 districts in 11 states
  • Chromium in parts of 62 districts in 16 states

Although TDS level does not tell you anything about the presence or absence of any of the contaminants that make up the TDS level.

But it definitely gives you an initial idea of the overall quality of your drinking water.

And the best part is measuring TDS level is very easy, as you’ll see below. So, there are no excuses to not know the TDS level of the water your family drinks.

A high TDS level (above 500 mg/l) indicates that the water quality is not good and you should not drink such water without purification.

It is important to note here that while the TDS level of water provides you with a quick idea of water quality, it is not the final benchmark of water quality.

Apart from the TDS level, there are around 50 other individual contaminants.

A thorough investigation of drinking water quality is only possible at a drinking water testing lab.

What is the Ideal TDS Level of Drinking Water?

World Health Organization (WHO) report on TDS in drinking water points out that reliable data on possible health effects associated with TDS in drinking water is not available.

Useful Link

Planning to buy a new water purifier? You may also want to check out our detailed water purifier buying guide or the top list of best water purifiers in India.

No health-based guideline value is proposed for the ideal TDS of drinking water. Because TDS in water can be high because of many factors, in areas where the TDS content of the water supply is very high, the individual constituents should be identified.

The presence of dissolved solids in water may affect its taste. The palatability (acceptable taste) of drinking water has been rated by panels of tasters in relation to its TDS level as follows:

TDS Level (mg/l) Rating
Less than 300 Excellent
300-600 Good
600-900 Fair
900-1200 Poor
Above 1200 Unacceptable
WHO Standards for TDS of Drinking Water According to Taste

What is the maximum TDS level advised by the Indian Authorities?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set the acceptable limit of TDS in drinking water at 500 mg/L.

 

PPM (Parts Per Million) and mg/L are one and the same thing. You can use them interchangeably for TDS level measurement.

However, the standard also mentions that in case no alternative source of drinking water is available, then this acceptable limit can be relaxed to 2,000 mg/L.

The BIS water quality standards also mention that if the drinking water TDS is higher than 500 mg/L then this may result in a decrease in palatability (acceptable taste) and may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Whether you get your water from a borewell, water tanker, or municipal tap, you must make sure that it meets the BIS water quality standards. If your drinking water’s TDS level exceeds 500 mg/L, we suggest that you do not drink that water.

Important Note

This acceptable TDS limit applies to only normal freshwater, if the water contains toxic impurities like arsenic or fluoride then other special BIS standards will be applicable.

Minimum TDS Level for Drinking Water

It is important to note that some of the dissolved minerals in water are useful for human health and therefore very low or zero TDS is also not recommended.

Reducing the TDS level to a very low value also affects the pH level of the water, which BIS specifies should be in the range of 6.5-8.5. Water with very low TDS will taste dull.

There is no official minimum TDS level for drinking water, but a TDS of at least 50-150 ppm is the accepted minimum level.

TDS Level (mg/l) Reasons for Acceptability/Non-acceptance
Less than 50 Not acceptable. Because water with such a low TDS level does not contain the essential minerals.
50-150 Acceptable. However, the TDS level in the range of 80-150 is considered ideal. If you are using an RO water purifier then make sure the TDS level of purified water is not below 80 mg/L.
150-250 Acceptable. This is the ideal TDS range as far as cardiovascular fitness is considered.
250-350 Acceptable. Most urban Indian homes have access to water in this TDS range.
350-500 Acceptable. As per the BIS guidelines, a TDS level below 500 mg/L is acceptable.
500-900 Not acceptable. Use a RO water purifier with a TDS controller or mineralizer.
900-1200 Not acceptable. Use a RO water purifier with a TDS controller or mineralizer.
1200-2000 Not acceptable and not fit for drinking. Choose a RO water purifier that can purify water with up to 2000 mg/L.
Above 2000 Do not drink. Most home water purifiers can’t purify water with a TDS level over 2000 mg/L.

Check out the following link if you would like to learn more about how Total Dissolved Solids come in water and what is the effect of low or high TDS on your health.

How to Check the TDS Level in Water at Home?

There are a number of methods by which you can measure the TDS level in the water. We have compiled some of the most common methods that you can use at your home to know whether or not you are drinking safe water.

Method 1: Using Digital TDS Meter

This is a state-of-the-art digital TDS meter tester that you can use to check the performance of your water filter, test the quality of filter water, check for hardness and make sure that you are drinking clean water.

 

Digital TDS Meter

Digital TDS meters are widely available in all the leading online stores in India and you can easily buy a quality Digital TDS Meter from Amazon.in for a few hundred rupees.

Using a digital TDS meter to measure the TDS level of water

Follow the given steps to measure the TDS Level of water using a digital TDS Meter:

  • Remove the protective cap.
  • Turn the TDS meter on. You will find the ON/OFF switch is on the panel.
  • Immerse the meter into the water up to the maximum immersion level (2 inches).
  • Gently stir the meter to dislodge any air bubbles.
  • Wait till the reading stabilizes (approximately, 10 seconds).
  • Press the HOLD button and take it out of the water to view the reading.
  • If the meter displays the ‘x10’ symbol, it means that you have to multiply the reading by 10.
  • After use, shake off the excess water from your meter and replace the cap.

Watch this video on how to measure the TDS level in drinking water.

Video: Step-By-Step Guide on Measuring TDS Level Using a TDS Meter

Precaution:

  1. Do not dip the meter beyond 2 inches because the meter is not watertight.
  2. Do not store the meter in places of high temperature or where direct sunlight comes.

Method 2: Using Filter Paper and a Scale

This is a conventional method that you can easily use in your home to measure the level of TDS in your drinking water. For this, you do not need any TDS meter, but very simple everyday things.

What are the things that you need?

  • A sterilized beaker.
  • A sample of water (tap water or rainwater) in the beaker.
  • Filter paper.
  • An evaporating dish.

  • A stirring stick.
  • A pipette that is large enough to collect a water sample of 50ml.

  • A scale to measure.

Now, follow the instructions:

Step 1 – Weigh the evaporating dish in milligrams and make sure that the dish is completely empty, and free from any kind of particles. Note this measurement as “A” and come back to it after all the steps have been completed.

Step 2 – Take the stirring stick and vigorously stir the sample of water in the sterilized beaker. You need to agitate the liquid so that the particulate matter present in the beaker gets evenly distributed.

Step 3 – Take the pipette and collect 50ml of the stirred water. Please note that even while collecting the water, you have to continue stirring the liquid.

Step 4 – Extract water from the pipette and pass it on to the filter paper 3 times. There will be some sediment left behind in the filter paper.

Step 5 – If you see any particles in the filter paper, transfer them to the evaporating dish.

Step 6 – Wait for the filtrate (particles) to completely dry.

Step 7 – Once the filtrate on the evaporating dish is dry, weigh the evaporating dish again (with the filtrate) and call it “B”.

Step 8 – Measure the TDS level by subtracting B from A.

To check TDS level, use the formula: TDS = [(A-B)*1000]/ml

In this formula, A stands for the weight of the evaporating dish + filtrate, and B stands for the weight of the evaporating dish. Since 50ml was the quantity that you took in the pipette, the value of “ml” in this case is going to be 50. The final value of the dissolved solid is going to be measured in mg/L.

Precaution:

  1. Carefully weigh the evaporating dish and also, the weight of the evaporating dish with the filtrate.
  2. Wait for the filtrate or particles to completely dry before proceeding.

Most people often confuse the TDS level with water hardness. High TDS levels do not always mean that the water is hard. If you want to find out the hardness level of water then you should perform a water hardness test.

TDS Level in Drinking Water – FAQs

Does a high TDS level always mean the water is unfit for consumption?

Always remember that a high TDS does not always necessarily mean that the water is unsafe for consumption. Sometimes it means that it may be a bit odd in terms of taste, color, or smell. Ideally, the TDS for drinking water should be below 300 mg/liter and the maximum limit that is considered safe is 500 mg/liter.

If you are eager to find out how good or bad your drinking water is, then you should get your drinking water tested.

How do you reduce the TDS level in drinking water?

Water purifiers that come with reverse osmosis (RO) technology are a great solution to reduce high TDS levels in the water. These purifiers are built with cutting-edge technology to ensure that the TDs levels in water are reduced and that the water is safe for drinking. If you are planning to buy one, then you can check the latest range of RO water purifiers.

With the help of a TDS meter, you can even check the longevity and functionality of the RO membrane and replace it, if need be.

Share this information with your friends and family to equip them with the knowledge needed for checking the TDS level in drinking water. If you know of any other way to measure TDS levels, please feel free to comment.

Livpure Water Purifiers

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Livpure has become a leading brand in the water purifier industry in a very short period.

Livpure, a part of SAR Group, is a company that is well known for its quality appliances like water purifiers and air purifiers. Livpure offers water purification solutions for both home and commercial use.

Livpure now offers a complete range of water purifiers starting from basic gravity-based water purifiers to high-end multi-stage RO water purifiers with advanced features like touch control and Bluetooth.

Good features, quality purification, great prices, and reliable installation and service support are the main reasons why Livpure has become a trusted name in the water purifier market.

Livpure is also among the best-selling water purifier brands on all the leading online stores like Amazon and Flipkart.

Livpure is the first leading brand of water purifiers to offer RO on rent through its Livpure Smart RO Subscription service.

Here is the best-selling Livpure water purifier price list updated on: October 17th, 2025.

Why Choose Livpure RO Purifiers?

There are various models and different price ranges of Livpure water purifiers in the Indian market.

Livpure’s advanced purification mechanism ensures that dirt, parasites, bacteria, viruses, dissolved solids, and other harmful substances are effectively removed from the water.

Livpure has a wide range of purifiers to match the varying water purification needs of Indian customers. If you are looking for a portable non-electric water purifier then you can choose from Livpure’s gravity-based water purifiers and if you are looking for advanced purification then Livpure’s range of UV and RO purifiers is all you need.

Unique Features of Livpure Water Purifiers

  • Attractive and affordable prices
  • Advanced & reliable purification
  • Clean and intelligent design
  • Huge nationwide sales & support system
  • Full range of water purifiers
  • Customer-friendly and reliable service support

Livpure Customer Services

Livpure has a country-wide presence with more than 10000 retail partners and 300 distributors. Livpure is also exporting its world-class water purifiers to over 15 countries across the globe. Livpure offers strong nationwide support with its 46 special hubs, 1450 service centers, and over 450 service engineers across the country.

Livpure’s on-ground customer support is really good and has been appreciated by customers.

Livpure Customer Care Number

Make a call on the Toll-Free customer service number – 1800 – 419 – 9399

Write an e-mail to customer care support – customercare@livpure.com

Drip Calculator: How much water does a leaky tap/faucet waste?

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Does any tap/faucet leak or drips in your home or office?

Do you think that is not significant?

You may not be aware but that small drip could possibly waste hundreds of liters of water each month.

We have created this very easy to use drip/leak calculator to show you how much water that seemingly small drip can waste.

To find out how much water your leaky tap/faucet is wasting:

> Count the number of drips in 1 minute from a leaky faucet/tap.

> Enter the number of drips per minute into the box below.

Drip Calculator

How much water does a leaking tap/faucet waste?

Here’s how much water would be wasted:

Shocked to see the amount of water that is being wasted by the dripping faucet/tap?

Fix the leaky tap/faucet today and contribute towards saving water for your future generations.