Making Informed Decisions For Water Purifiers Answering FAQs

Water is one of the most essential elements for sustaining life, and access to clean drinking water is crucial for our health and well-being. Sadly, not all water sources provide water that is safe for consumption. This is where water purifiers come into play. But why do people buy water purifiers in the first place?

The water from our taps may look clean, but lurking beneath the surface are contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, and sediments. Consuming water tainted with these impurities can lead to a myriad of health issues. To ensure the safety and purity of their drinking water, people turn to water purifiers.

How Do Water Purifiers Work?

Water purifiers employ various technologies to remove impurities and contaminants from water. The basic principle involves passing water through a filtration system to trap and eliminate unwanted substances. Let’s focus on two types of filtration processes – Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet (UV) purification.

Reverse Osmosis RO:

RO purifiers use a semi-permeable membrane to remove particles, ions, and larger molecules. It effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts, and heavy metals, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.

Ultraviolet UV Purification:

UV purifiers use UV-C rays to sterilize and disinfect water and disinfect harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses without using chemicals.

Apart from the purification process, people consider many parameters when choosing water purifiers.

Which Water Purifier Suits You Best?

Assessing the quality of your water source is the first step in determining the right water purifier for your needs. You can do this by getting your water tested for contaminants, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and other parameters.

Under-the-Counter Purifiers:

These are installed beneath your kitchen sink, saving counter space and providing a continuous supply of purified water.

Over-the-Counter Purifiers:

These sit on your kitchen counter and are easy to install, making them suitable for renters or those who prefer a portable option.

There are mainly three types of water sources – Municipal water, mixed water, or tanker water, and borewell water. Whether you choose an RO or UV water purifier depends on the source of water as well.

You can refer to our guide to choose the right water purifier for your home.

Choosing the right water purifier is a very important step, and many buyers look for information to buy the most suitable one for them. Let’s look at a few such frequently asked questions.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is 5-Star Rated Technology in Water Purifiers?

The A.O. Smith ProPlanet series has a water recovery of more than 60%. It is India’s 1st and only 5 star rated water purifier in terms of water savings, as certified by the IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials). A. O. Smith’s ProPlanet series, including models P7, P6, P4, P3, and P5, are the only 5-star rated 100% RO water purifiers in India.

2. What is Advance Alert Technology?

Advance Alert Technology indicates in advance when the RO membrane and other filters need to be changed. This feature ensures that your purifier continues to consistently provide safe water.

3. Does RO water purifier enhance taste?

A.O. Smith RO water purifiers help retain natural taste with essential minerals and balanced pH using MIN-TECH (Mineralizer Technology). The Mineralizer Technology adds essential minerals to the water. This ensures that the water tastes fresh and natural and has a balanced pH, an essential requirement for drinking water.

4. Is RO water safe for babies?

In A.O. Smith RO Water Purifiers, 100% of the water passes through the RO Membrane and is double purified by SCMT technology. Its 8-stage purification makes the water so pure that it is safe, even for babies.

Before making your final decision, it’s crucial to check all the features of the product to ensure that you choose the right water purifier that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Whether you’re concerned about TDS levels, water source, capacity, or additional features, we have water purifiers designed to meet your unique requirements. We urge you to make an informed decision to ensure that you and your family enjoy safe and pure drinking water every day.

A. O. Smith aims to simplify the process of choosing the right purifier for you. Use our Product Discovery tool to get recommendations based on your family’s size, water source, purifier technology, placement, and additional features!

 

References:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/why-a-safe-tds-level-does-not-imply-safe-drinking-water-what-are-the-possible-solutions/#:~:text=As%20per%20Bureau%20of%20Indian,water%20is%20500%20mg%2FL.&text=A%20TDS%20meter%20or%20gravimetric,substances%20are%20or%20their%20relationships.

 

What makes drinking purified water a must during Monsoons?

Introduction:

Did you know that consuming purified water during the monsoons is not just a matter of preference but vital for your health?

As the rains pour down, the challenges associated with monsoon water become all too real. From hidden contaminants to waterborne diseases, the risks can be daunting.

In this blog, we will unravel the secrets that will help you protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring a healthier and happier monsoon season ahead.


Risks of Contaminated Water in Monsoon:

When the heavens open up during the monsoon, the risks associated with contaminated water surge as well. Imagine microscopic organisms, harmful bacteria, and waterborne pathogens lurking in the very source that quenches your thirst

These unseen threats can give rise to a range of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. The consequences can be severe, impacting your well-being and disrupting your daily life.

However, fear not, as there are proactive measures you can take to combat these risks and ensure the safety of your loved ones.


Benefits of Purified Water in Monsoons

To address health concerns, it is essential to have an effective water purifier in place. It plays a vital role in removing impurities and ensuring the water is safe for consumption.

Water Purification technology in A. O. Smith water purifiers utilizes a multi-stage purification process, including sediment and activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, silver charged membrane technology and UV disinfection, to eliminate harmful pathogens

Additionally, by investing in Water Purification technology with a hot water feature, individuals can enjoy the benefits of consuming hot purified water, which not only reduces health risks but also aids in digestion, detoxification, enhances skin health, and promotes overall well-being during the monsoon

It is the smartest way to safeguard against monsoon madness.


A. O. Smith Water Purifiers for Monsoon Protection

When it comes to reliable water purification solutions, A. O. Smith leads the case. The advanced water purifiers are specifically designed to address the challenges of the monsoon season.

A. O. Smith water purifiers not only provide excellent purification but also feature hot water dispensing capabilities, ensuring you have easy access to safe and hot water whenever you need it.

You can experience the benefits of advanced filtration technologies, such as RO (Reverse Osmosis) and UV (Ultraviolet) purification. These purifiers are equipped to remove impurities, microbes, and harmful substances, ensuring your water is clean, purified, and free from contaminants

Check out the diverse range of water purifiers and find the perfect monsoon partner here


Conclusion:

As we navigate through the monsoon, our health becomes a top priority. By consuming purified water and leveraging the added benefits of hot water, we can effectively prevent waterborne diseases and promote overall well-being.

A. O. Smith water purifiers with hot water features offer a comprehensive solution to address the challenges associated with monsoon water. Prioritize your health and choose A. O. Smith for reliable and advanced water purification.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

Know Reasons Why You Should be More Careful While Drinking Water in Monsoons

With a refreshing cool breeze and gentle caresses of rain, the monsoon season brings joy and respite. It’s a season that tempts us with the allure of hot pakoras and tea as we immerse ourselves in the scenic beauty of nature.

However, amidst these delightful experiences, it becomes crucial to exercise caution, particularly when drinking water.

Uncovering Rain Risks During the Monsoon

The monsoon season poses significant risks for water contamination. Heavy rainfall often leads to surface water runoff, which can carry pollutants, pesticides, and other harmful substances into water sources.

Moreover, stagnant water and inadequate sanitation can promote the growth of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. As a result, the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and gastroenteritis increases significantly.

Consuming unsafe water can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration are the consequences of consuming contaminated water.

Now if you are wondering how to keep yourself safe against all this misery, consider following these quick tips to adopt preventive measures to ensure safe drinking water:

Tips for Safe Water Consumption

Boiling:

Boiling water is an effective method to kill most microorganisms. Make sure to boil your water vigorously for at least 15 min and let it cool before you drink it.

Avoid Untreated Sources:

Refrain from drinking water from untreated sources such as roadside taps, stagnant puddles, or open wells. Instead, opt for bottled or filtered water from trusted sources.

Reliable Filtration Systems:

Invest in a reliable water filtration system. Purifiers with advanced technologies like RO (Reverse Osmosis) and UV (Ultraviolet) can eliminate impurities, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.

When it comes to water purification, A. O. Smith water purifiers stand out as a trusted and reliable choice. These purifiers are equipped with cutting-edge technology that eliminates even the tiniest impurities, ensuring healthy and safe drinking water. They come with both RO and UV filtration technology.

The RO filtration system removes dissolved impurities, heavy metals, and hardness, while the UV purification technology effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Additionally, A. O. Smith purifiers have a robust filtration process that maintains essential minerals in the water, providing you with not just safe but also healthy drinking water.

The best-selling ProPlanet P4 water purifier is Baby-Safe with 8-stage purification and double protection of 100% RO+SCMT.

The Z2 Pro Under-the-counter water purifier comes with the highest standard of RO+CFM Technology. With 7-stage purification technology and Copper Fortified Mineralizer technology, the water tastes fresh and natural and has a balanced pH – an essential requirement for drinking water.

Check out the entire range of purifiers here.

Conclusion

While the monsoon season brings forth a delightful ambience, A. O. Smith water purifiers offer a comprehensive solution to ensure clean, pure, and safe drinking water throughout the monsoons and beyond.

By following simple yet effective measures, we can minimize the risk of waterborne diseases. Remember, your well-being is worth every precaution.

So, let us savor the joys of the rainy season without compromising our health. Stay healthy and relish the monsoons to the fullest with A. O. Smith.

A Hot Drink on a Hot Day Can Cool You Down

Introduction

When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to reach for an ice-cold drink to cool down. But have you ever considered drinking a hot beverage instead? As counterintuitive as it may seem, a hot drink on a hot day can actually help cool you down.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind this phenomenon and share some tips for staying hydrated during hot weather. We’ll also talk about how A. O. Smith’s water purifiers provide the perfect balance by offering purified hot and cold water.

The Science Behind Drinking Hot Beverages on a Hot Day

When you drink a hot beverage, your body responds by dilating blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the skin’s surface. This increase in blood flow causes sweating, which cools the body down as sweat evaporates from the skin. In contrast, drinking an ice-cold beverage can cause your blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow and making you feel even hotter.

Hot beverages like tea and coffee also contain compounds that can help lower your body temperature. For example, green tea contains catechins, which promote sweating and help lower body temperature. Meanwhile, coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which can lower body temperature by decreasing the production of heat in the body.

Tips for Staying Hydrated During Hot Weather

In addition to drinking hot beverages, there are other things you can do to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather:

Drink plenty of water:

Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you are active or spending time outdoors.

Eat hydrating foods:

Eating foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery, can also help keep you hydrated.

Set a daily hydration goal:

Aim to drink a certain amount of water each day to stay adequately hydrated. Use a water bottle or an app to track your intake and reach your goal.

Hydrate before meals:

Drink a glass of water before each meal to ensure proper hydration and support overall well-being.

How A. O. Smith’s Water Purifier Provides the Perfect Balance

A. O. Smith’s water purifiers are designed to provide you with safe and healthy, purified drinking water. In addition to removing impurities and contaminants from your drinking water, A. O. Smith’s water purifiers also offer purified hot and cold water.

With A. O. Smith’s water purifiers, you can adjust the temperature and get purified water in the set temperature range, providing mineralized hot water in an instant to make your favourite beverages. You can also get normal water for other beverages like lemonade and a variety of fruit juices. Check out our diverse range of water purifiers and find your perfect match here!

Conclusion

Drinking hot beverages on a hot day may seem strange, but it can actually help cool you down and regulate your body temperature. A. O. Smith’s water purifiers provide the perfect balance by offering purified hot and cold water, so you can stay hydrated and refreshed during hot weather. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat hydrating foods, set a hydration goal and hydrate before meals to stay cool and hydrated this summer.

References

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a40583748/drinking-hot-drink-cool-you-down/
https://sprudge.com/hot-coffee-does-a-better-job-of-cooling-you-down-than-cold-drinks-do-132888.html
https://www.aosmithindia.com/product-category/water-purifier/

 

 

7 Tips to Prevent Dehydration this Summer

Why Hydration Matters:

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, it’s essential to prioritize hydration during the summer months. Dehydration can lead to various health issues and impact your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will share seven tips to help you prevent dehydration and stay properly hydrated this summer. With the assistance of A. O. Smith’s innovative products you can ensure access to clean and safe drinking water and enjoy refreshing beverages that keep you hydrated.

7 tips to keep hydration in check


Stay Hydrated with Clean and Safe Water

The simplest and most effective way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.
A. O. Smith’s water purifiers can provide you with clean and safe drinking water, free from impurities, bacteria, and harmful substances. Ensure that you regularly fill up your bottle from a trusted source or invest in an A. O. Smith water purifier to have access to purified water at all times.

Hydration During Physical Exertion

Engaging in outdoor activities or exercise during the summer can lead to increased sweating and fluid loss. Remember to hydrate before, during, and after physical activities to replenish the water you’ve lost. A. O. Smith’s water purifiers can be combined with their water heaters to enjoy a refreshing post-workout drink. You can easily adjust the water temperature to your preference, making it more enjoyable and encouraging you to drink more.

Stay Hydrated with Refreshing Foods

Certain fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute to your overall hydration. Include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and lettuce in your diet. These refreshing foods not only provide essential nutrients but also help quench your thirst. Combine them with clean and purified water from A. O. Smith’s water purifiers for a refreshing and hydrating summer snack.

Be Mindful of Dehydrating Drinks

While it’s important to stay hydrated, some beverages can actually contribute to dehydration. Limit your intake of dehydrating beverages like sugary sodas, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol. These drinks can act as diuretics, causing increased urine production and fluid loss. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, or fruit-infused water from your A. O. Smith water purifier to keep you properly hydrated.

Protect Yourself from Heat and Sun

Excessive exposure to the sun and high temperatures can accelerate fluid loss through sweating. Stay cool by seeking shade, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, and using sun protection measures like hats and sunscreen. A. O. Smith’s water heaters can also assist in keeping you comfortable by providing warm water for a relaxing bath or shower after being out in the heat.

Monitor Electrolyte Balance

Monitoring electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium play a crucial role in regulating fluid levels in the body. With A. O. Smith’s advanced water purifiers, you can ensure access to clean and safe water that aids in maintaining optimal electrolyte balance.

Set Hydration Reminders

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Set reminders on your phone or use hydration tracking apps to stay consistently hydrated. Fill up your water bottle or glass whenever you see the reminder, ensuring you have access to clean and purified water.

Prioritize Hydration with A. O. Smith

Preventing dehydration is crucial for your health and well-being, especially during the summer months. By following these seven tips and incorporating
A. O. Smith’s water purifiers in your life, you can stay hydrated and enjoy clean and safe drinking water throughout the day. With A. O. Smith, maintaining optimal hydration  becomes convenient and enjoyable, helping you make the most of your summer while taking care of your body.  Check out our diverse range of water purifiers and find your perfect match here!

Stay hydrated, stay healthy!

When Can You Use RO and UV Water Purifiers?

Have you been trying to understand which water purifier you want to bring home? Unfortunately, the confusion you are facing is quite common. Of all the different types of water purifiers, Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifiers and Ultraviolet (UV) water purifiers are quite popular as these two technologies filter drinking water effectively.

It has been observed that using RO technology and UV technology in water purification is highly effective in removing bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from drinking water. And therefore, to understand which water purifier you should choose, know the technology behind both and which one you can choose.

What is the Role of RO Technology in Water Purification?

Reverse Osmosis is a membrane separation technology used to purify water efficiently and cost-effectively. In reverse osmosis, water passes through a semipermeable membrane that can purify water and eliminate water contamination caused by microbes and chemicals such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, radium, phosphorus, and fluoride. [1]

How Does UV Technology Aid in Water Purification?

Regarding water purification treatments, ultraviolet technology has been used to disinfect water since it has strong germicidal properties that inactivate bacteria and germs. UV also has sufficient energy or ionising radiation to disrupt chemical bonds and eliminate microbes. UV disinfects water contaminated with viruses and bacteria and can also destroy protozoa. [2]

When to Choose RO Water Purifiers?

Source of Water

It is good to understand the source of water to choose the technology. It is necessary to understand the total dissolved solids in the water for choosing a water purifier. The basic parameters can help us to select the technology efficiently.

Purification Technology

When it comes to the removal of chemicals, these purifiers use the reverse osmosis process to remove common contaminants such as aqueous salts and also reduce traces of arsenic, fluoride, phosphorus, and others. [1]

As we can see above, using RO water purifiers can eliminate chemical contaminants from the water, which cause hardness in the water. In addition, the TDS (total dissolved solids) present in water can be responsible for producing hard water, which can be removed with an RO water purifier.

When to Choose UV Water Purifiers?

Source of Water:

The domestic water supply coming from the municipal corporation is generally pre-treated water that will only need purification before consumption. In such cases, a UV water purifier can effectively destroy any microbial residue in the water.

Purification Technology:

The Ultra-Violet in UV water purifier eliminates dangerous bacteria from the water. This is a safer method when compared to the chemical purification of water, such as chlorination. Therefore, UV water purifiers do not use any chemicals to purify the water.

If you are concerned that the water supply you receive at home may be contaminated with microbes, a UV water purifier can be an optimal solution for you.

The choice between an RO or UV water purifier will depend on the TDS level and the quality of the water supply. Using the above points, you can find out which type of water purifier will be suitable for your needs.


Conclusion

No matter what type of water purifier you need, you can always choose from
A. O. Smith’s range of RO water purifiers or UV water purifiers, where the former is equipped with a mineral filter that retains these essential minerals to your pure drinking water. [3]


References


History of Water Purification

Sometimes when you help yourself to a glass of water at home, do you wonder how water was purified during your childhood? Today we have RO water purification systems and UV water purifiers at home that offer safe drinking water in a matter of minutes, but a few decades ago, using traditional water purification methods was commonplace.

Let us learn more about how the process of purifying water has evolved over the years.

Traditional Water Purification Methods

Before modern water purification systems were introduced, India and many other developing countries used ceramic filters and cloth filters to obtain clean water from wells and other water bodies.  This was meant only to remove the physical contaminants that can be visible to the eyes. 

Another well-known technique is boiling water. Many people still rely on boiling water as it is an effective method for removing certain microbial contamination. However, boiling can be effective only when boiled for a specific time, and chemical contaminants will remain in the water.

Boiling the water for drinking does not ensure the complete removal of pathogens and other bacteria that can evade high temperatures. Hence, modern water purification methods that use multiple filtration and purification processes can be used to treat water.

Below is the working of a modern water purification system:

Modern Water Purification Systems

The use of Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection can aid in the removal of microbiological contaminants. The water from sources such as rainwater tanks, streams, and borewells can be treated using UV disinfection. [1]

However, in many cases, UV light systems alone may not be the right choice for removing chemical contaminants from the water. This also includes organic and inorganic contaminants like calcium, magnesium, sodium chloride, copper, chromium, and others. [2]

Hence, Reverse Osmosis (RO), along with other filtration methods, is used to treat water made fit for consumption, as shown below:

 

1. Microfiltration

The first step in water purification systems is microfiltration, where the membrane’s pore size is 0.1 micrometre. This separation technique removes micro-sized particles, like bacteria, yeast cells, colloids, and smoke particles, from suspensions or gases. [4]

 

2. Ultrafiltration

This pore size of about 0.01 micrometre is vital for filtering out viruses, which are more minute than total suspended solids. [3]

 

3. Nanofiltration

In this step, the membrane’s pore size is about 0.001 micrometre. This membrane’s pore size effectively filters a majority of organic molecules and some ions, most commonly found in hard water or well water. [3]

 

4. Reverse osmosis

In reverse osmosis, the pore size of the semi-permeable membrane is approximately 0.0001 micrometres. This eliminates the chemical impurities in the water, resulting in purified drinking water. [3]

 

Conclusion

In the purest sense, reverse osmosis technology is not a filtration method. Unlike the other filtration methods, RO works on osmotic pressure. This forces the water from the contaminated side of the solution through the semi-permeable membrane. The process leaves behind the dissolved salts, ensuring safe, filtered water. [2]

With the 8-stage purification system and the dual protection of RO+ Silver Charged Membrane Technology, A. O. Smith water purifiers ensure pure Baby Safe drinking water.

 

References


Alkaline water ….and why do you need to be concerned about pH Levels in Drinking Water?

On a daily basis, you need water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and various other purposes. While the quality of the water used for cleaning is not something you might think about twice, the quality of the potable water may certainly bring some questions to your mind. You may have heard about the pH value of water and probably wondered why it should affect you. 

Let us delve further into this discussion and understand what the pH level in water is and its implications on your health.

What is the pH Level in Water?

The potential of Hydrogen, also known as pH, is the intensity of the acidic or basic property of water. In water chemistry, the measurement of pH is an important indicator of water quality and is necessary for various processes since the treatment of water, water softening, disinfection, etc., relies on the pH. [1]

The pH value of water can influence and also get affected by the different characteristics of water, such as taste, turbidity, total dissolved solids, smell, and temperature. For example, a change in water temperature weakens the ionisation equilibrium of weak bases and acids in the water, thus affecting the pH value of the water.  [1]

Role of pH in the Human Body

It may come across as surprising, but the pH levels in the human body are responsible for helping the body function normally. The normal pH level in the human serum is between 7.35 to 7.45, which is essential for survival. [2]

Excessive high and low pHs can be detrimental to the use of water. The pH in drinking water also needs to be maintained so that the water tastes palatable and the body’s pH is balanced.  Very high pH levels in drinking water can make the water bitter and pollutes water pipes and appliances with deposits. For this reason, chlorine needs to be added to the water to balance the pH.  On the other hand, a low water pH corrodes the pipelines. [3]

As per global health regulations, drinking water’s pH range should be 6.5–8.5, based on the disinfection process and other factors. This was considered because it was noted that a high pH could give the water a bitter taste, while a lower pH makes the water feel slippery and tastes like soda. [1]

Conclusion

The pollution caused by the corrosion of metals in the water supply disturbs the natural balance of essential minerals in the water; thus, balancing the pH in drinking water helps reduce that. 

The alkaline min-tech filter in A. O. Smith water purifiers balances the pH value of the water between a healthy range of 7 – 8.5, along with the retention of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, etc.

References

1. Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – pH

2. The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health?

3. pH and Water

How to Filter Heavy Metals from Drinking Water: A Comprehensive Guide.

Clean drinking water is essential for everyone, but only some always have easy access to pure drinking water. Essential minerals in the water are good for health, and at the same time, the contaminants in the water are harmful to health. A good treatment system can give safe water by removing harmful chemicals from water.Generally, the municipal corporation of your city pre-treats the water, which renders it potable enough. But what about places that receive an untreated water supply? Heavy metals can be a concern when the water is not treated properly.What are heavy metals in water? Why should they be removed? How to filter heavy metals from water? Let us find out.

Heavy Metals and Their Impact on Drinking Water

Heavy metals are natural elements with a high atomic weight; their density is at least 5 times more than water. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and chromium adversely impact human health. For instance, groundwater can sometimes contain arsenic, and exposure to arsenic through drinking water has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, portal fibrosis, diabetes, and hearing problems. [1]Now that you know how harmful heavy metal-contaminated water can be, let us see how to filter heavy metals from water.

How Do You Filter Heavy Metals Out of Drinking Water?

The consumption of drinking water contaminated with heavy metals is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates across the globe. This has become a concern for the common people and healthcare professionals since drinking water is the predominant source of contamination. [2]The use of reverse osmosis has proven to be effective in removing heavy metals from water. The reverse osmosis process uses pressure to force the water through a membrane, retaining the contaminants or solute on one side and allowing the pure water or solvent to pass to the other side. The membranes in reverse osmosis comprise a dense barrier layer that only lets water pass through the membrane. [3]Of the many methods employed to remove heavy metals from water, chemical precipitation, such as lime softening, or filtration methods, like granular media filtration, can be used. However, it has been seen that granular media filtration and lime softening can remove contaminants like copper and lead but not arsenic and chromate. Only reverse osmosis effectively removes all heavy metals without needing arsenic to be pre-oxidised. Hence, heavy metal contaminants in drinking water need to be treated by reverse osmosis along with a few other processes, including ultrafiltration and microfiltration. [4]


Conclusion

Today, most homes, at least in cities and towns, are equipped with water purifiers to ensure the supply of clean drinking water. An RO can safely remove harmful bacteria, dissolved contaminants, and heavy metals from drinking water. If you are seeking options in RO water purifiers, you can always take a look at our A. O. Smith range of RO water purifiers.


References

1. Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment

2. Prevalence of exposure to heavy metals and their impact on health consequences

3. Heavy Metal Removal Using Reverse Osmosis

4. Removal of Trace Heavy Metals from Drinking Water by Electrocoagulation

What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)? How to reduce them?

The drinking water that is supplied to our homes may not necessarily be safe for consumption, even though it may look clear. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water is an indication of the amount of minerals, metals, organic material, and salts, specifically ions such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. These ions are an indication of the quality of your water. However, organic residue, such as the salts and minerals from rocks or groundwater, as well as inorganic residue from farming activities, can be responsible for invisible particles in the water, which can increase the level of TDS in the water. [1]

What is TDS? – Definition, Explanation  

The water TDS full form is Total Dissolved Solids, which is the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. TDS comprises organic matter and inorganic salts such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and others. And all of these find their way into various water bodies through natural causes and also due to human activities. [2]

Why is impure water bad?

Consumption of impure water has been directly linked to diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, dysentery, Hepatitis A, and polio, which can be fatal if medical care is not promptly given. The contamination in the water can be due to the natural process or indirect addition due to inadequate management of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewater. Natural addition of chemicals such as arsenic and fluoride are mainly seen in the case of groundwater (4).

In 2017, more than 220 million people were given preventative treatment for schistosomiasis. This chronic disease occurs through parasitic worms that enter the body through infected water. About 2 billion people worldwide consume drinking water from a source contaminated with feces. This water source contaminated with microbes from fecal waste greatly threatens the safety of drinking water.

TDS cannot be eliminated through basic filtration technology. To date, it is only reverse osmosis that has proved to be efficient enough to remove TDS from water. Minerals found in water are necessary for the body, but at the same time, toxic chemicals and heavy metals can lead to health hazards. It is essential to select a water purifier that works on 100% RO technology rather than mixing the water to attain the desired TDS levels. (5)

How to choose which purifier works best for you? High TDS vs Low TDS

The choice of your water purifier will depend on what type of water supply you receive. In most cities, the municipal corporation supplies water for daily use, which also includes drinking water. This water may contain invisible impurities or, in rare cases, traces of microbiological matter like bacteria or viruses. At times, you may also receive groundwater, which has a higher level of TDS.

Using a TDS meter, you can know the TDS level in the water. If the TDS is more than 200mg/litre, you should opt for a RO water purifier, whereas a drinking water TDS of less than 200mg/litre can be resolved with a UV water purifier.

Water purifiers with advanced purification technology can assure safe and healthy water. Make a healthy choice for your family, and use A. O. Smith India water purifiers!

References

1. Research on drinking water purification technologies for household use by reducing total dissolved solids (TDS) | PLOS ONE 
2. TDS AND pH FACT SHEET 
3. Total dissolved solids in Drinking-water 
4. WHO Factsheet on Drinking Water 
5. Reverse-osmosis- An overview  

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