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Which Is Better RO or UV?

Which Is Better RO or UV?
May 3, 2025 BLOGS

When it comes to choosing the right water purifier, many Indian households face one common dilemma — which is better, RO or UV? With water quality varying widely across regions and concerns about health growing every day, selecting the ideal purification technology is more important than ever.

Let’s break it down and help you understand the difference between RO and UV water purifiers, how each works, their pros and cons, and which one suits your home best. If you’re considering a RO+UV water purifier, this blog is a must-read.

Explore a wide range of RO and UV water purifiers suited for Indian homes on Romegamart.


Understanding RO and UV Technologies

What is RO (Reverse Osmosis)?

RO (Reverse Osmosis) is a filtration process that removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants from water by passing it through a semi-permeable membrane. It reduces TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) significantly, making it ideal for areas where water is salty or contains high levels of impurities.

What is UV (Ultraviolet) Purification?

UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and pathogens present in water. However, UV purification does not remove dissolved impurities like salts, chemicals, or heavy metals. It’s best suited for water sources that are microbiologically unsafe but have low TDS.


Which Water Purifier Is Better, RO or UV?

The answer depends on the source and quality of water in your area.

Criteria RO Purifier UV Purifier
TDS Removal Yes (Effective) No
Microbial Protection Yes (with UV/UF combination) Yes
Chemical Removal Yes No
Power Required Yes Yes
Suitable Water Type High TDS, Borewell, Salty Water Low TDS, Municipal Water

Verdict:

  • If your water source contains high TDS or harmful dissolved chemicals, an RO purifier or RO+UV purifier is better.

  • If you get municipal water with low TDS but microbial risks, a UV water purifier may be sufficient.

  • For complete protection, go with a RO+UV water purifier, which combines both technologies.

Need help choosing? Browse domestic water purifiers here to find top models suited to your needs.


What Are the Disadvantages of UV Water Purifier?

While UV purification is effective in killing germs, it does have some drawbacks:

  • No TDS Reduction: Cannot remove dissolved salts, metals, or minerals.

  • Water Must Be Clear: UV light is ineffective in muddy or turbid water.

  • Electricity Dependent: Requires power to operate.

  • No Storage Option (in basic models): Often doesn’t include water storage tanks.

So, UV systems are only effective when water is already physically clean but biologically unsafe.


Is RO and UV Water Good for Health?

Yes, a RO+UV water purifier offers comprehensive protection. RO removes harmful chemicals, while UV kills germs and bacteria. Together, they ensure the water is safe, clean, and suitable for consumption — especially important for families with children or elderly members.

That said, extremely low TDS water (under 50 ppm) can taste flat and may lack essential minerals. Many RO systems now come with TDS controllers or mineralizers to retain or reintroduce healthy minerals back into the water.


What Are the Disadvantages of RO Water?

Despite its benefits, RO water purification has a few limitations:

  • Water Wastage: RO systems waste some water during the filtration process.

  • Removes Good Minerals: May strip beneficial minerals along with contaminants.

  • Costlier Maintenance: Requires periodic filter and membrane replacements.

  • Needs Electricity: Cannot function without power.

However, the newer generation of RO purifiers addresses many of these issues with water-saving technology and mineral retainers.


So, Should You Choose RO, UV, or RO+UV?

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Choose UV if you get clean-looking water from the municipality but need to eliminate microbial risks.

  • Choose RO if your water tastes salty, has white scaling on taps, or contains unknown impurities.

  • Choose RO+UV for the safest bet — it purifies at every level.

Romegamart offers a wide collection of RO+UV water purifiers from trusted brands, ensuring safety, performance, and value for money.


Final Thoughts

Choosing the right water purifier is more than just a product decision — it’s about protecting your family’s health. Whether it’s a UV purifier for city-supplied water or a RO+UV purifier for borewell water, the right unit will depend on your water quality, usage, and budget.

For guaranteed quality, competitive prices, and a variety of domestic systems, visit Romegamart’s purifier section and find the perfect fit for your home.