Overview
Water contamination is one of the biggest problems in India. Drinking untreated water is a cause of various diseases. To combat this problem many companies have come up with water purifiers. They are cheaper than bottled water and effective than boiled water.
Since water purifier is an essential item in the household we bring you some guidelines that will help you make the optimum choice.
Types of Filters
- Activated Carbon
This filter has carbon granules which are positively charged and infused with silver molecules. This means they can purify soluble gasses such as chlorine, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, ammonia and organic material like dead algae, leaves or any other dead thing washed into a water body. The porous nature of the carbon (charcoal) helps to absorb chlorine and pollutants such as pesticides and herbicides. The filters are rated on the basis of the size of particles, measured in microns, they can remove. So if a filter measures 0.5 microns is better than the one that measures 10 microns. The best thing about them is that they are inexpensive and they even come in smaller sizes which can be directly fitted to taps. As they don’t need electricity to work on, you save on electricity as well.
Price: Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 3,500
- Ultraviolet Filters
These filters use UV radiation to neutralize waterborne disease bypassing the minimum level of radiation on water and attacking DNA in cells. This filter is effective in removing pathogens and removes up to 99% pesticides. They are not effective in removing chemicals like arsenic, nitrate, and iron; taste, smell, suspended particles and color. They can filter up to 2000 liters per day.
Price: Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000
- Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse Osmosis (RO) system consists of multi-stage filtration of water, a combination of active carbon and also particle filtration. In this process, the tap water passes through a membrane (a polymer film) that has very small-sized pores and this clears out minerals and microorganisms. The impurities collected are flushed out by an outlet pipe. An RO water purifier improves the taste of water but, it is difficult to say that the water will be 100 percent safe as at times due to perforations (because of wear-and-tear or due to manufacturing defect) in the filter, some organic impurities can get through the filter. RO filters are recommended at places where the water contains a high amount of dissolved minerals. The disadvantage of an RO purifier is that there may be chances that the membranes in these filters drain out little amounts of the necessary minerals too. Also, it requires a continuous water supply to fulfill the purpose and can be fixed to only one tap.
Price: Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 22,000
The filter you buy entirely depends on the quality of water supplied to your home. There are many labs in the city that can help you test the water supplied in your area. Once you have determined which filter to install, purchasing a water purifier becomes easy.
