RO vs UF purifiers: Which water purifier tech is best for you?

Reverse Osmosis or RO purifiers, and Ultra Filtration or UF based purifiers are the two most common options you find when you’re in the market for a water purifier.  

They’re both very good at filtering water to make it potable but differ fundamentally in how they filter impurities from water. Each type is better suited to a certain kind of water quality. Let’s take a closer look at how these technologies work to purifier our water. 

Reverse Osmosis water purifier (RO)

RO filters essentially force water under pressure through a very fine membrane. This membrane is so fine that only water molecules pass through, and everything from dissolved salts to microbes such as bacteria and viruses are filtered out.  

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RO is extremely effective at filtering out foreign particles, but it can also be too effective in that it can sometimes remove useful minerals and salts from water as well. However, if you live in an area with hard or salty water, an RO filter will be more effective. RO removes almost all dissolved salts, metals, suspended particulates and visible impurities, and more. 

For RO to work effectively, water must be pumped through an extremely fine membrane (0.0001 micron). This process requires electricity to run a pump that can increase pressure. Additionally, the RO process isn’t very efficient and results in a significant amount of wasted water. This is because not all the water can be pushed through that ultrafine filter. 

Alongside the power requirements and wasted water, one other disadvantage of RO water purifiers is that they need more frequent maintenance and replacement filters compared to other methods. However, in areas where water is more heavily contaminated, RO is the only effective option. 

Ultra Filtration water purifier (UF)

Ultra Filtration, on the other hand, is a simpler form of filtration that works passively i.e. without the need for electricity. You simply place several layers of fine filters over your water source – in the order of 0.01 microns – and let the water pass through it.  

The membrane removes suspended solids and particles and kills and filters microorganisms. It cannot soften hard water, however, and cannot remove all dissolved salts and minerals. 

UF systems are generally easier to use and maintain, but only work on soft water and are not as effective as RO systems at purifying water. If your society or home uses a water treatment facility and you’re confident of the quality of water coming into your home, a UF system is adequate for your potable water needs. They’re also great in areas that suffer from water shortages as no water is wasted during the filtration process. 

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Here’s what it comes down to – if you live in an area that has hard water and/or more contaminated water, you’ll need an RO system. It consumes more power and wastes water, but it might be your only option.  

If you live in an area that has soft water and the source is generally quite clean, a UF water purifier is enough.