Free Tool · 5 Questions

Find Your Right
Water Purifier

Enter your TDS level, city water type, family size and budget — get an honest, evidence-based recommendation in under 2 minutes.

RO vs UV vs UF TDS-based guidance Verified products AMC costs included
Step 1 of 5
Step 1 of 5 — TDS Level
What is the TDS of your tap water?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is the most important factor. Check yours first — a TDS pen meter costs ₹150–300 on Amazon → and tells you exactly which purifier type you need. Or select the nearest range below if unknown.
Enter your TDS reading (ppm) or select a range:
ppm
Under 150
Very soft
150–300
Soft
300–500
Moderate
500–900
Hard
900–1500
Very hard
Above 1500
Borewell
?
I don't know
TDS under 300 ppm: UV or UF often sufficient. 300–500 ppm: RO recommended. Above 500 ppm: RO essential. Above 1500 ppm: High-rejection RO required.
Step 2 of 5 — Water Source
What is your primary water source?
The source determines which contaminants are most likely, and which purification stage is critical.
Step 3 of 5 — Family Size
How many people in your household?
Determines storage tank capacity and daily output requirement. A family of 4 needs roughly 15–20 litres of purified water per day for drinking and cooking.
Step 4 of 5 — Water Hardness
Do you notice white scale deposits on taps, pots, or heating elements?
Scale = hard water high in calcium and magnesium. Not sure? Water hardness test strips cost ₹99–199 on Amazon → This affects which purifier type and RO membrane is recommended.
Step 5 of 5 — Budget
What is your budget for the purifier?
Also factor in Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) costs — typically ₹1,500–3,000/year for filter replacement. This is the real long-term cost.

RO vs UV vs UF water purifier: which does India actually need?

The rule most water purifier brands never tell you: If your municipal tap water TDS is below 300 ppm, you do not need an RO purifier. A UV+UF system kills bacteria and viruses and removes sediment — which is what municipal water contamination primarily is. RO at low TDS strips beneficial minerals unnecessarily and wastes 2–3 litres of water for every litre it purifies.

When RO is essential: TDS above 300 ppm (most borewell areas in India), tanker water, or documented heavy metal contamination (arsenic, fluoride, lead). High-TDS borewell water in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and much of Central India requires RO with a TDS controller or mineraliser to restore minerals stripped by the membrane.

The AMC trap: A purifier that costs ₹8,000 but requires proprietary filters at ₹3,000/year will cost more over 3 years than a ₹12,000 purifier with ₹1,200/year generic filters. Always calculate total 3-year cost (purchase + AMC × 3) before comparing models.

Zero TDS water is not healthier. Water with TDS near zero lacks calcium and magnesium. Long-term consumption of demineralised water has documented health effects. A mineraliser or TDS controller is mandatory in any RO system — not optional. Verify it is included before buying.