Water Purifiers

12
Water Purifiers & Home Water Purifiers for Indian Families  > Which Water Purifier Method is Best for Your Needs? Which Method of Water Purification is Best for You? Now that you have decided to buy a water purifier the next step would be to determine which technology to opt for. Domestic water purifiers available in India use chemicals, activated carbon filtration, UV purification, reverse osmosis or a combination of technologies. The quality of water differs from source to source and it is advisable to select a purification system that is best equipped to eliminate the impurities present in the water where you live.  The water purifier you select should ideally depend on the extent and type of contamination together with the TDS (total dissolved so lids) level of water.  Reverse osmosis eliminates 100% of micro organisms such as viruses and bacteria and up to 99.8% of solid suspension including salt if the membrane is a high quality one. Mechanical pressure is used to direct water to flow through a semi permeable membrane that traps all solids of or larger than .0009 microns. Reverse osmosis thus not only frees water of impurities but also desalinates it.  However, reverse osmosis is not always the best purification method. Reverse osmosis based purifiers should not be used where TDS levels are low because it could result in water that is completely mineral deficient and thus unsuitable for drinking. reverse osmosis water purifiers are most suitable for water that is sourced from deep tube wells, hard and saline water with TDS levels above 500 mg/litre and chemically contaminated water.  Popular reverse osmosis purifiers include Eureka ForbesAquaguard Total reverse osmosis, Kents Mineral reverse osmosis system and Whirlpools Purafresh.  UV water purifiers are widely used in India and effectively render all micro organisms

Transcript of Water Purifiers

Page 1: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 1/12

Water Purifiers & Home Water Purifiers for Indian Families > Which Water Purifier Method isBest for Your Needs? 

Which Method of WaterPurification is Best for You?Now that you have decided to buy a water purifier the next step would be to determinewhich technology to opt for. Domestic water purifiers available in India use chemicals,activated carbon filtration, UV purification, reverse osmosis or a combination oftechnologies. The quality of water differs from source to source and it is advisable toselect a purification system that is best equipped to eliminate the impurities present inthe water where you live. 

The water purifier you select should ideally depend on the extent and type ofcontamination together with the TDS (total dissolved solids) level of water. 

Reverse osmosis eliminates 100% of micro organisms such as viruses and bacteriaand up to 99.8% of solid suspension including salt if the membrane is a high qualityone. Mechanical pressure is used to direct water to flow through a semi permeablemembrane that traps all solids of or larger than .0009 microns. Reverse osmosis thusnot only frees water of impurities but also desalinates it. 

However, reverse osmosis is not always the best purification method. Reverseosmosis based purifiers should not be used where TDS levels are low because itcould result in water that is completely mineral deficient and thus unsuitable for

drinking. reverse osmosis water purifiers are most suitable for water that is sourcedfrom deep tube wells, hard and saline water with TDS levels above 500 mg/litre andchemically contaminated water. 

Popular reverse osmosis purifiers include Eureka Forbes‟ Aquaguard Total reverseosmosis, Kent‟s Mineral reverse osmosis system and Whirlpool‟s Purafresh. 

UV water purifiers are widely used in India and effectively render all micro organisms

Page 2: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 2/12

inert by changing the cell structure. Deactivated microbes do not harm humans. MostUV purifiers are based on a combination of ultra violet purification and filtration. Thesepurification systems use a lamp to simulate the sun‟s ultra violet rays and emit thesame in measured degrees. This method does not remove minerals from water nordoes it reduce TDS levels. Hence UV water purifiers are best used where TDS levelsare below 500 mg/litre and the water tastes normal. Ultra violet purification ensures

germ free water. 

The leading UV purifier is Eureka Forbes‟ Aquaguard, a time tested brand widely usedin homes, offices and commercial establishments across India. In 2007, multinationalPhilips introduced Intelligent Water Purifier, which uses UV technology. The brand isavailable in four models. 

Resin based technology is also used to treat water and make it safe for drinking. Onesuch method uses a biostat carbon block to eliminate bad taste and odour and removechlorine and organic chemicals. This is followed by treatment with an activedisinfectant to destroy micro organisms. Post purification, the chemical is removedfrom the water. Eureka Forbes‟ Aquasure is based on this technology and is veryeconomically priced at just under Rs. 2000. Hindustan Unilever‟s Pureit retails at

around Rs. 1800. Pureit is based on a patented technology that combines chlorinationand filtration to purify water, which is ultimately free of chlorine. It is powered by aGermkill battery kit. Neither Aquasure nor Pureit run on electricity. 

So, selecting the right water purification system for you and your family is not nearlyas confusing as it first appeared to be. All you have to do is ascertain water qualityand select the right technology within your budget. Once you‟ve done that, shoparound for the best brands that use the technology. You should enquire about aftersales service, particularly for UV and reverse osmosis purifiers as these needprofessional maintenance. There‟s no point in investing thousands of rupees in a high

tech system that is not promptly serviced when it malfunctions. 

Water Purifiers & Home Water Purifiers for Indian Families > Which Water Purifier Method is

Best for Your Needs?

Do You Need a WaterPurifier? Do you really need a home water purification system when others just boil water oruse candle filters? And, quite a few people you know drink it straight from the tap.Well, yes, because water, that precious fluid that is so essential for life, can also turnout to be harmful and occasionally even deadly. According to the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency 90 percent of water the world over contains contaminants. Very fewpeople today are fortunate enough to have direct access to pure, clear and healthywater at its natural source. In India, 80 percent of all diseases are reported to becaused by water borne micro organisms. 

Page 3: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 3/12

Boiling, an age old method of water purification, is known to kill all microbes. So whyinvest in a domestic water purifier, why can‟t we just boil tap water? Well, boiling doesnot remove toxic chemicals and dissolved solids. Water contains not only biologicalcontaminants; it may contain chlorine, lead, fluoride, rust, pesticides and heavy

metals. All or some of these toxins can prove very damaging in the long run. Besides,boiling is time consuming and expensive because of the rising cost of fuel. 

Local municipal corporations commonly use chlorine to destroy harmful bacteria andviruses in the water they supply to domestic users in towns and cities across India.Chlorine if allowed to remain in the water you drink everyday can have adverse effectson your health and that of your family. Besides, the pipes that municipal water flowsthrough are often rusty, so by the time water reaches your home, it‟s very likely to becontaminated again. 

Home water purifiers available on the market today are capable of destroying ordeactivating bacteria and removing toxins and suspended solids as well. What‟s more,some brands also use technology that retains natural minerals, which are beneficial.

So, it is possible for you to have water that is safe, clear, and healthy and tastes greatas well. 

You don‟t always need to invest in a high-end expensive water purifier. The highpriced reverse osmosis domestic water purifiers that are advertised these days are notreally necessary or even advisable at many locations. Basically, the quality of water inyour area and your budget should determine what purification system you select. 

In most cases, a combination of UV purification and filtration works well. This is if thewater is not excessively turbid and salty. Ultra violet radiation does not remove microorganisms, it renders them inert and incapable of reproduction, which makes themharmless to humans. Filtration removes dissolved solids. However, if the water has ahigh concentration of suspended solids and excessive salt, a reverse osmosis purifier

might be what you need. Before you invest in an reverse osmosis system, however,make enquiries about after sales service because these purifiers need frequentprofessional maintenance. Also, try and settle for one that uses technology capable ofretaining essential natural minerals. 

Chemical based water purifiers have been around for quite a few years but are notalways the best option because the chemicals used for purification remain in thewater. However, two well known brands available on the market today use atechnology that removes all harmful chemicals. Chemical based purifiers do not needelectricity and cost less than UV purifiers and reverse osmosis systems. 

Whatever your raw water type and budget, you are likely to find a suitable pur ificationsystem to protect you and your loved ones from the hazards of consuming pollutedwater. The few thousand rupees you spend will prove to be a worthwhile investment inthe long run. 

Water Purifiers and Health

Page 4: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 4/12

Benefits Doctors regularly advise us to drink plenty of water. The common advice is to drinkeight glasses of water a day. The body needs water to remain hydrated and function

well. Water flushes the toxins out of our systems and helps prevent oxidation. But whatif the water we drink is so polluted that instead of cleansing our insides, it makes ussick? Well, we can‟t stop drinking water; what we can do is find a way to ensure thatthe water that enters our bodies is safe and clear. 

This is where home water purifiers step in. Advances in water purification technologymake it possible for us to drink pure and crystal clear water and stay healthy. Mostcutting edge water purifiers not only purify water almost 100 percent but also usetechnology that eliminates the side effects that earlier purifiers came with. 

The health benefits of using drinking water filters or purifiers are significant.Comprehensive home water purifiers:

Protect against water borne intestinal disorders and infections – purifiers eliminatebacteria, viruses and pathogens such as giardia and cryptosporidium, which can causepersistent gastrointestinal upsets. Safe drinking water protects against diarrhoea,amoebic dysentery, cholera, typhoid, jaundice and other ailments. 

Might reduce the risk of developing certain cancers by removing chlorine, which isknown to be very harmful. Chlorine releases certain by products which are believed tobe cancer causing. 

Prevent oxidation by removing chemical toxins and heavy metals such as copper,cadmium, lead, magnesium, silica and chromium. Lead in particular is very harmful andshould not be ingested. 

Retain essential natural minerals, which are necessary for good health. They restorethe PH balance of water. Water that is acidic in nature harms the body. The water thatwe drink should be alkaline. 

Remove pesticides that can prove to be toxic if allowed to remain in water. 

Eliminate excessive iron and fluoride. Water with high iron content is known to causeconstipation and other problems. While fluoride in small quantities aids dental health, ahigh concentration can damage teeth and bones. 

Remove excessive salt deposits. 

Effectively assist in cleansing the system by providing pure and clear water. 

A suitable domestic water purifier thus has an important role to play in preservinghuman health. Not all water purifiers are completely beneficial, though. Many chemicalbased purification systems leave harmful chemicals in the water. These should beavoided. 

Reverse osmosis systems that produce totally mineral deficient water have adverse

Page 5: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 5/12

effects on human health, making them an non-viable investment. If you must have anreverse osmosis purifier, select one that is capable of retaining essential minerals. 

Also, select a purifier that uses technology that removes all biological and othercontaminants. There are purification systems today that claim to destroy or deactivate

100 percent of micro organisms and remove more than 90 percent of dissolved solids. 

The health benefits that result from using an effective and comprehensive domesticwater purifier are worth considering. The right water purifier can safeguard you andyour loved ones from harmful diseases and hospital bills. 

The Water Purifier MarketToday Approximately 80% of diseases in India are caused by water borne micro organisms.This is true in rural as well as urban India. However, awareness of health risks linked tounsafe water is still very low among the rural population. The few who treat water resortto boiling or use domestic candle filters. In comparison, the urban Indian is definitelymore health conscious and understands the necessity of purifying water before it is fitfor consumption. Even so, it is estimated that roughly 7% of urban Indians use nonmanual water purifiers. More Indians need to become aware of the importance ofinstalling drinking water purifiers. There remains a huge untapped market. 

Though quite a few city dwellers still boil water, many are switching over to moderndomestic water purifiers. Electrical or chemical based home water purification systemsare most suitable for urban households because they require little or no manual

operation and depending on the technology can eliminate biological contaminants,chemical toxins and excessive salts. The main contaminants are, however, microorganisms. UV purifiers and advanced chemical based systems deal effectively withviruses, giardia and bacteria. This is one of the reasons why UV and resin basedpurifiers are the most widely used water purifiers in India today. 

It is estimated that around 80% of urban dwellers do not purify tap water. Many of themare from the lower income strata and cannot afford UV or reverse osmosis waterpurification systems. They are the potential buyers of economical but effective chemicalpurifiers. This is the market that Eureka Forbes and Hindustan Unilever are tappingaggressively. Chemical based purifiers, Aquasure and Pureit, together account for 20%of water purifiers sold. Both are becoming increasingly popular because they areeffective and affordable. The two brands are reported to be growing at 100 percent per

annum. Also, they do not run on electricity and are ideal for locations where powersupply is unpredictable. Neither do they demand continuous water supply. Power andwater are still scarce even in urban India. 

It is estimated that roughly two thirds of the existing water purification market belongsto UV water purifiers and one third is shared between reverse osmosis purificationsystems and chemical purifiers. In the UV purifier segment, Eureka Forbes‟ Aquaguardis the clear market leader with approximately 68% market share. Other brands includePhilips‟ Intelligent Water Purifier and Kent‟s UV purifier. The UV purifier market is

Page 6: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 6/12

estimated to be growing at a lower rate than the chemical based segment. 

Reverse osmosis purifiers, which are rather expensive and not the preferred option inmany areas, have a smaller share of the market when compared with UV purifiers andchemical based systems. In the reverse osmosis segment, Eureka Forbes is again the

major player with 60% share. A major portion of the remaining 40% belongs to Kentreverse osmosis Systems. 

That the Indian market has tremendous potential is evident from the fact that globalmajors such as Philips and Hindustan Lever have stepped in and are looking toincrease their share of the market. The three principal players today are EurekaForbes, Hindustan Lever and Philips. In the years to come, we are likely to see others

entering the fray. 

Some Major Home WaterPurifier Brands Whether you happen to be a potential user of a mechanized home water purifier orsomeone looking to switch to a different technology or brand, you‟re likely to find asuitable model. Global and Indian brands are now vying for consumer attention in a fastgrowing market. 

All this can be a little confusing. How would you know which domestic water purifier isthe best fit? Water purifiers use one or a combination of technologies to treat water andrender it pure and palatable. The purification method you select should depend on rawwater quality. It‟s therefore necessary to ascertain the level and nature of contamination

of water in your area and to know what the TDS (total dissolved solids) level is. Onceyou know this, you can select a suitable brand based on the right purification methodand price. 

Reportedly, domestic water purifiers available in India are based on either of or acombination of three technologies – UV purification and filtration, reverse osmosis andchemical treatment. reverse osmosis and UV purifiers are more expensive than thechemical based purification systems. If the water in your town doesn‟t require reverseosmosis purification, there‟s no point in buying one. Often, even a low pricedcomprehensive purifier can serve the purpose very well. 

All three technologies can destroy or deactivate micro organisms. But reverse osmosisis known to have the highest success rate as far as filtering out dissolved solids, even

salt, is concerned. While ultra violet purification is very effective in deactivatingbiological contaminants, it does not remove suspended particles. This is why the UVmethod is usually combined with activated carbon or some other form of filtration. Theright chemical purifiers destroy disease causing microbes and when combined withfiltering techniques remove dissolved solids as well. 

Let‟s look at the major brands available in these categories.  

Page 7: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 7/12

You might want to consider buying an reverse osmosis purification system if the waterwhere you live is hard and tastes salty, contains chemical toxins, and the source is abore well. It‟s worthwhile to remember that reverse osmosis purifiers are best avoided if the TDS level is under 500 mg per litre because reverse osmosis removes essential

minerals and the outcome could be water that is mineral deficient. The leading vendorsof reverse osmosis water purifiers in India are Delhi based Kent reverse osmosissystems and Eureka Forbes. Kent has introduced an reverse osmosis purifier thatclaims to retain minerals. Eureka Forbes‟ reverse osmosis purifier retails under thebrand name, Aquaguard Total reverse osmosis. Overall, reverse osmosis based homepurification systems are the most expensive and range from around Rs. 13000 to Rs.25000. 

UV purifiers are currently the most widely used electrical home water purifiers and aresuitable for towns and cities where TDS levels in water are below 500 mg per litre. UVpurifiers are priced at roughly Rs. 5000 or more. In this segment, Eureka Forbes‟Aquaguard is the market leader. Global major, Philips, has introduced Intelligent WaterPurifier in four models. 

Global giant Hindustan Unilever and local major Eureka Forbes have each introducedeconomical chemical based purifiers, which are becoming increasingly popular. Sinceboth do not run on electricity, they could be ideal for areas where the power supply iserratic. Eureka Forbes Aquafresh, a resin based system, uses a four stage purificationprocess which combines filtration and chemical treatment to destroy micro organisms,improve taste and odour, and remove organic chemicals and solids. The chemical usedfor purification is then removed from the water. HUL‟s Pureit is based on an innovativetechnology developed by the company‟s R&D scientists over a period of five years atHUL‟s labs in India and abroad. This patented technology, which combines chlorinationand filtration, has passed US based EPA‟s stringent testing norms and has also beentested by reputed institutes in India and abroad. HUL claims that Pureit water is totallysafe, clear and tastes good. It is powered by a Germkill battery kit, which needs to be

replaced after 1500 litres. Pureit and Aquasure cost less than Rs. 2000. 

Finally, settle for a brand that has a good track record in terms of equipment quality andafter sales service and comes with a warranty. 

Benefits of Using UV WaterPurifiers 

The wide array of water purification systems being advertised today has probably setyou wondering about a suitable type and brand. The right fit could be a chemical basedpurifier, an RO system or one that combines UV technology with advanced filtrationtechniques. In this article, we‟ll look at just why UV purifiers are the standard choice for many who decide to invest in domestic water purifiers. 

Ultraviolet or UV water purifiers are still a very popular option in the electrical homewater purifier segment. The fact that the sun‟s ultra violet rays effectively neutralizebiological contaminants has spawned the development of UV purification systems. It is

Page 8: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 8/12

known to be one of the most fail-safe methods of ridding water of micro organisms. UVpurifiers thus guard against all water borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera,diarrhoea, amoebic dysentery and jaundice. 

So should you be satisfied with a UV based water purification system? If you live in a

town or city where the municipal corporation pre treats water to a certain extent beforeit reaches you and the water source is a river or lake, UV technology is fine. Also, TDS(total dissolved solids) levels should be lower than 500 mg per litre. UV treatment doesnot remove dissolved solids or add anything to the water. UV treated water retainsnatural minerals, some of which are essential for good health. All it does is deactivatemicrobes such as giardia, viruses and bacteria by altering the cell structure andrendering them incapable of reproduction. Inert micro organisms are not known to beharmful. UV purification is far more effective than chlorine, which does not destroy allmicro organisms. 

 A lamp is used to simulate the sun‟s ultra violet rays, which are then emitted in veryconcentrated proportions. The radiation produced by the ultra violet lamp is moreintense than sunlight and effectively neutralises disease causing germs. Many UV

purifiers available today combine UV technology with activated carbon or other filtrationmethods. UV purifiers run on electricity. 

The most popular UV purifier in India today is Eureka Forbes‟ Aquaguard. It sells morethan any other brand in the UV water purifier segment. In 2007, global major, Philipsintroduced four UV based models. UV purifiers cost upwards of Rs. 5000. Philips‟ UVpurifiers start at around Rs. 6995. Aquaguard Classic costs around Rs. 7000. 

It‟s important to check about after sales service before you choose a particular brand.Many UV purification systems need servicing by professionals and this is where thevendor‟s track record matters. Philips‟ UV purifiers are known to be user friendly andcustomers may use the company helpline and try servicing the equipment themselves.Eureka Forbes, on the other hand, focuses on providing service and has a nationwide

service network spanning some 500 locations across the country. 

A UV purifier could be the right choice for you if the water where you live is not veryturbid and salty, electricity and water supply are not erratic and if it fits your budget. Asalways, enquire with friends and neighbours about quality of equipment and service.You would do well to check with your retailer about warranty details. It is better to buy asystem, which is adequately covered for at least the first year. 

Should You Invest in a

Reverse Osmosis WaterPurifier? More Indians are buying mechanized home water purifiers than ever before. Thosewho previously boiled or filtered tap water are now switching to electrical or chemicalbased purification systems. Boiling is manual and time consuming whereas candle

Page 9: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 9/12

water filters are not necessarily 100 percent effective. 

Besides, those who previously drank untreated or partially treated water are now optingto purify water having either become aware of or suffered the consequences of drinkingwater straight from the tap. After all, why run the risk of being ill with cholera, diarrhoea,

amoebic dysentery, typhoid, jaundice and other diseases when all you have to do isinstall a non manual purification system at home?

So, which water purifier is the best option for you? Though several brands, both Indianand global, are available today, most are based on either of three technologies  – UVpurification and filtration, reverse osmosis and resin decontamination. Some purificationsystems are based on a combination of technologies.

Of these, reverse osmosis systems are known to render raw water 100% microbe freeand approximately 90% TDS (total dissolved solids) free on average. reverse osmosissystems have become steadily popular in areas where water is salty and turbid.

These water purifiers are also the most expensive, retailing upwards of Rs.12, 000.What is reverse osmosis and do you really need an reverse osmosis system? In short,reverse osmosis is a process by which impure water is mechanically forced to flowthrough a semi permeable membrane to free it of impurities and dissolved solids.

The water on the other side of the membrane is pure. A high quality semi permeablemembrane can remove up to 99.8% of dissolved solids including salt. So it effectivelypurifies and desalinises water. However, this method also filters out essential mineralsand as such is not suitable for human consumption in areas where raw water has TDSlevels below 500mg per litre.

Reverse Osmosis systems are understood to be suitable where:- Raw water is hard and saline- TDS levels are above 500 mg per litre- Water is sourced from bore wells or deep tube wells

- Raw water is chemically contaminated by pesticides, industrial waste andother toxins

Reverse osmosis is one of the most thorough processes currently in use in electricaldomestic water purification systems. However, experts advise the use of reverseosmosis systems only where TDS levels are above 500 mg per litre. In India, Gujaratand parts of Uttar Pradesh are known to have water with high levels of salts and solids.reverse osmosis systems would be useful in such locations.

The major vendors of reverse osmosis water purifiers are currently Eureka Forbes andDelhi based Kent reverse osmosis Systems. Kent Mineral reverse osmosis purifiercombines UV and reverse osmosis methods to bring you water that is pure and retainsessential natural minerals as well. Eureka Forbes‟ Aquaguard Total reverse osmosis

retails at around Rs. 14, 500. Whirlpool also offers an reverse osmosis purifier,Purafresh in three models, Deluxe, Elite and Platinum. The prices range from roughlyRs. 14,500 to Rs. 23,000.

An important point to remember while shopping for reverse osmosis water purifiers is toenquire about after sales service. reverse osmosis systems need servicing, thus poorservice or the lack of it might adversely impact the functionality and efficacy of yourwater purification system.

Page 10: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 10/12

The semi permeable membrane used in an reverse osmosis purifier deterioratesrapidly if it is of low quality. This is another factor that you need to look into whileshopping for an reverse osmosis water purification system. Remember to select abrand that is covered by an adequate warranty agreement. Time taken to makerelevant vendor and user enquiries should make your investment worthwhile. 

ssWhat to Look for in aChemical Based WaterPurifier With the number of water borne diseases rising quite alarmingly, we can no longerafford to ignore the importance of purifying drinking water. More and more urban andsemi urban households are beginning to treat tap water because they have no choice.In the past, water was either boiled or filtered using candle water filters.

Today, few have the time to boil water or filter it manually. Home water filters are nolonger thought to be a fail-safe method of eliminating all disease causing pathogens.Untreated water may have both biological and chemical contaminants, which can poseserious health hazards. Apart from micro organisms, raw water might contain rust,pesticides, fluoride, heavy metals, lead and even arsenic. Using a suitable andcomprehensive method of water purification prevents water borne diseases and otherpotentially serious physical ailments.

Most home water purifiers are based on reverse osmosis, UV purification and filtration,or chemical treatment. Let‟s consider water purifiers other than UV and reverseosmosis. Chemical based water purifiers are much cheaper than UV and reverseosmosis systems. Another advantage is that they don‟t require electricity. The

important factor to consider while shopping for a chemical based purifier is whether thetechnology is capable of producing safe and clear water that tastes good. Also,remember that the water you drink should be free of the chemicals that were used topurify it. If you finally decide to settle for a chemical based water purifier, select one thatis capable of chemical removal.

Eureka Forbes‟ Aquasure is a chemical based purifier, which employs a four stagepurification process. The water is first passed through a sediment filter to removesolids; then treated with a patented biostat carbon block that frees water of unpleasantodour and taste, and removes chlorine and organic chemicals as well; an activedisinfectant is then used to eliminate all disease causing micro organisms; finally aspecial carbon block is used to remove anything that may have remained in the water.Aquasure is reasonably priced below Rs. 2000.

Another chemical based home water purifier that is becoming increasingly popular isPureit, developed and launched by leading MNC, Hindustan Unilever. This is anotherwater purifier that does not need electricity or running water to function. The companyclaims that Pureit removes all harmful microbes and pesticide residue as well. Thesystem is powered by a GermKill Battery kit, which needs replacement after 1500 litres.

Pureit has been tested by major national and international scientific, public health andmedical bodies. It also meets the Environmental Protection Agency‟s (EPA) tough

Page 11: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 11/12

germkill standards.

At just under Rs. 2000, this world class domestic water purifier is very economical andreported to be sufficiently effective. This breakthrough technology was achieved byHUL after five years of meticulous research at the company‟s laboratories in India andoverseas. HUL‟s patented technology combines chlorination and filtration and the endresult is free from chlorine.

The company claims that Pureit water is pure, clear and tastes good. The system isuser friendly and customers can service the purifier themselves. If you are looking for acomprehensive solution to water treatment that is economical and energy efficient, thismight just be the right choice.

Expensive UV and reverse osmosis domestic water purification systems might notreally be what you need. Raw water quality permitting, an advanced chemical purifiercould prove more than adequate in meeting your safe water requirements. 

Less Visible but Effective Water

Purifiers Though some of the most visible brands currently are Eureka Forbes‟ A quaguard and Aquasure, Philips‟ Intelligent Water Purifier, and HUL‟s Pureit, there are several other purifiers that deserve mention. In this article we‟ll take a look at the other viable options. 

Zero B‟s Suraksha, a tap attachment which uses resin technology, has been on themarket for several years. The device is very economical and does not need electricity.However, low water pressure affects the passage of water through the device causingSuraksha to malfunction when water supply is not normal. The manufacturer, IonExchange, claims that the technology eliminates all disease causing bacteria and

viruses. It‟s worthwhile mentioning here that Suraksha is effective where TDS (totaldissolved solids) levels are very low as it is not known to remove dissolved solids. Aninbuilt indicator signals expiry of the cartridge. Zero-B Ultimate reverse osmosissystem, Zero-B Pristine and Zero-B Suraksha Plus are other water purifiers marketedby Ion Exchange.

Turbid water with excessive iron deposits may be treated with Ferro Treat and EasyPure, two non electrical home water purification systems developed by Zeolite India.These purifiers are based on oxidization and activated carbon filtering. The companyclaims that water treated by these purifiers is iron and bacteria free.

Aquadyn in Auroville, Tamil Nadu has developed a home water purification system,

Fontaine Melusine®, which is claimed to be capable of converting “polluted water  into

water that is comparable to the one of a pure mountain spring.” The purification methodis based on biofiltration and biodynamisation. The system uses a five stage process – activated carbon filtering; micro filtration; reverse osmosis; biodynamisation whereinhigh frequency waves are captured and infused into the water; light and soundapplication. This purifier does not retail at stores but those interested may enquire atthe Aquadyn office. The system costs approximately Rs. 28, 000.

Whirlpool of India‟s reverse osmosis based water purifiers retail under the brand namePurafresh and are available in three models, Deluxe, Elite and Platinum. The company

Page 12: Water Purifiers

8/4/2019 Water Purifiers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/water-purifiers 12/12

claims that Platinum, a „direct-flow‟ reverse osmosis purifier, which is connected to thewater inlet enables the user to drink pure water straight from the faucet. All Purafreshmodels are reverse osmosis based and run on electricity. They cost between Rs.14,550 to Rs.22, 950.

While it is necessary to know just how contaminated the water in your area is and thenature of contamination to determine the type of water purification method mostsuitable for you, how do you find out about raw water? Accurate and up to date data isnot always available nor is it convenient to have water tested. Eureka Forbes has asolution in Aquaguard Total Sensa. This purifier is based on Blu-G technology, whichascertains water quality and automatically selects either UV or reverse osmosispurification as the most suitable option.

India based Kent reverse osmosis systems, which is a prominent vendor of reverseosmosis purifiers, has developed Mineral reverse osmosis technology to address theproblems of mineral deficiency in reverse osmosis treated water. Mineral reverseosmosis purifier, based on the same technology, uses a combination of reverseosmosis and UV technologies to purify water without removing essential minerals.

Some of these and other less prominent brands might be worth a look because of theirinnovative features within particular segments. You might just find a solution to yourvery specific requirements.