How long does it take for water to be purified?

We often take a refreshing glass of clean water for granted, but getting it safe and healthy isn’t as simple as it seems. Water purification removes contaminants, bacteria, and impurities that can be harmful to our health. This is especially important because, unlike tap water which undergoes disinfection using chlorine or other byproducts, purified water offers a cleaner taste and can be significantly better for our overall well-being. 

So, to quench your curiosity (and thirst!), here’s a quick guide on how long it usually takes for water to be purified via a water purifier, along with some factors that can influence the purification speed.

How long does it take for water to be purified?

The time it takes to purify water with a water purifier can vary based on a few things like the type of purifier, the quality of the water you start with, and the capacity of the system.

ALSO READ: Which water purifier should you buy?

Here are some common types of water purifiers and how long they usually take to get the job done:

1. Gravity-based water purifiers 

These use activated carbon or other filters and rely on gravity to do the work. Gravity-based water purifiers usually take about 10 to 30 minutes for a standard 4 to 8-litre batch, depending on the model and water quality.

2. UV (Ultraviolet) water purifiers –

These purifiers use UV light to zap bacteria and viruses in the water. The purification is pretty much immediate, taking just about 30 seconds as the water flows through the UV chamber.

3. RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifiers –

RO water purifiers use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities. They typically take 15 to 30 minutes to produce 1 litre of purified water, depending on factors like water pressure, temperature, and the efficiency of the membrane.

4. RO+UV water purifiers –

These combine reverse osmosis and ultraviolet purification for even better water quality. RO+UV water purifiers take about the same time as RO purifiers, around 15 to 30 minutes for 1 litre.

5. Activated carbon filters-

Activated carbon filters use activated carbon to get rid of chlorine, sediments, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are usually point-of-use filters, like those attached to faucets, and they work immediately with flow rates of 0.5 to 2 litres per minute.

6. Portable water purifiers (like pump filters) –

These are great for on-the-go use, often in outdoor settings. They usually take about 1 to 5 minutes per litre, depending on the device and water quality.

ALSO READ: 5 common water purifier issues and how to tackle them

It’s also important to note that several factors can affect how long it takes to purify water. If the water has higher levels of contaminants or turbidity, the process can slow down because the filters can get clogged up faster. The condition of the filter matters too as new filters work better and faster, while older or clogged filters may slow down the process. 

Water pressure is another critical factor for systems like RO purifiers, where higher pressure can reduce purification time. Furthermore, the temperature of the water can also impact the efficiency of purification processes, particularly for RO systems. On top of that, larger batches of water obviously take longer to purify. 

And don’t forget, keeping up with regular maintenance and changing the filters on time is key to making sure everything runs smoothly.