RO vs UV Water Purifiers
Understand the difference and choose the right technology for your home.
RO (Reverse Osmosis)
Uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, and chemicals from water.
- ✓ Removes dissolved impurities (TDS)
- ✓ Softens hard water
- ✓ Removes heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic)
- ⚠️ Wastes water during filtration
- ⚠️ Requires electricity
UV (Ultraviolet)
Uses a UV lamp to deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making water safe.
- ✓ Kills 99.9% of microorganisms
- ✓ No water wastage
- ✓ Retains all natural minerals
- ⚠️ Does not remove dissolved impurities (TDS)
- ⚠️ Requires electricity
The Final Verdict
The choice between RO and UV entirely depends on the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of your water source.
- If TDS is below 300 mg/L: Go for a UV or UV+UF purifier. Municipal water usually falls in this category. Using an RO will strip essential minerals and waste water unnecessarily.
- If TDS is above 300 mg/L: You must use an RO purifier. Borewell or tanker water often has high TDS. Ensure your RO has a Mineralizer (MTDS) to maintain a healthy mineral balance.
Not sure about your TDS?
Use our free TDS calculator to find out instantly.