Because many diseases are easily spread through water, water purifiers become a basic necessity nowadays. The most common technologies of purifier are UV (Ultra Violet) sterilizer and RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifier.
A lot of people assumed that RO water purifiers are better than the UV sterilizers. It is absolutely a serious misconception. Each water treatment technology has its own unique selling points and depending on your demand, we can choose the suitable technology. If microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and cysts) are the main problem with your water source, which is the better treatment – RO vs UV sterilizer?
So today, we are going to share technical information about both water treatment technologies and how they are different from one another. At the end of this article, you can understand more about them and have the ideal choice for your family.
Ensure that you’re drinking clean and bacteria-free water
What is RO technology for water treatment?
RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifiers
According to IWA (International Water Association) Publishing, RO purifiers can filter out 90% – 99.99% of solid impurities and dissolved minerals by letting the water pass through a thin, permeable membrane. As mentioned, RO works based on the principle of reverse osmosis, so the water molecules move from high concentration to low concentration with the pressure from a pump system to push every single molecule or particles go across the membrane. The left out water and particles are discharged through other outlets. The RO water purifiers usually consist of multistage filters (carbon filters and semipermeable RO membranes). Each stage is designed to remove specific impurities such as magnesium, fluoride, iron , calcium and other minerals from the water.
So why is RO necessary? Because mineral salts, heavy metal and impurities can contribute to your water being unsuitable for consumption. Water having TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of 1000mg/L is acceptable for potable water according to Vietnamese Ministry of health standard (QCVN 01-1:2018/BYT) and hardness of water i.e magnesium+Calcium content in water 300mg/L is acceptable. But when the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of 1000mg/L is exceeded and hardness which is magnesium and Calcium content in water exceeds 300mg/L then the water is considered as impure and unhealthy (Although acceptability may vary according to circumstances).
Long term consumption of high TDS water can cause excess mineral agglomeration which is the main reason for trace on kidney and kidney stone. In addition, the high TDS water may lead to bitter and salty taste. With this purifier, filtering chemicals to protect the health of every family member is more effective.
What is UV Sterilizer technology for water treatment?
UV sterilizer can kill bacteria effectively
A UV water sterilizer exposes supply water to germicidal ultraviolet light, which inactives pathogenic bacteria (salmonella, typhoid, cholera, dysenteriae, etc.).
The UV light inactives cells in the water by damaging their DNA, so they can’t reproduce and make you ill. Most of these filters remove bacteria by up to 99,994% according to TUV SUD ( The internationally accredited certification body). This filter is effective in removing giardia, bacteria, E. coli, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, and it is also good for removing harmful microorganisms that are resistant to chlorine.
UV sterilizer technology is an entirely chemical-free system. Because there are no chemicals involved in the process, it is a safe and effective solution for sterilizing your home’s drinking water.
Moreover, this entire system is based on the light radiation, and there is a thing everyone knows about light penetration: it is so fast. UV radiation can easily and quickly penetrate water molecules to reach and eliminate pathogens.
Advantages and disadvantages of RO vs UV Sterilizer technologies
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RO purifier |
UV Sterilizer |
| Advantages |
– RO water purifiers removes dissolved impurities and Chemicals from water
– RO water purifiers remove harmful heavy metals like Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium.
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– Almost all bacteria (salmonella, typhoid, cholera, dysenteriae, etc.) are susceptible to ultraviolet disinfection.
– UV Sterilizer can purify hundreds of litres in a short time.
– Water is ready for use as soon as it leaves the UV Sterilizer purifier
– It is simple installation and maintenance. Compact units require minimum space.
– Totally free chemical: no chlorine taste or corrosion problems.
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| Disadvantages |
– RO water purifier also removes some important components like Calcium and Minerals from water.
– RO water purifiers take a long time to purify water.
– RO purifier causes a lot of water wastage. For example about 70% to 80% of water is drained out while RO water purification according to WATER, NATURE AND PEOPLE 2015 published by K-water.
– It does not remove harmful bacteria and viruses.
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UV Sterilizer is not effective for removing suspended particles, chemicals, taste, smell or colour. So we need to pre-filter before using UV sterilizer. |
Fresh Water Treatment System with UV sterilizers
UV sterilizer is the better treatment to remove bacteria from water
Finally, we have the answer for the headline question. Water purifiers are a basic necessity for staying healthy. When it comes to dealing with bacteria and viruses in the water, UV sterilizer is proven to be more effective than RO purifiers. Ultraviolet sterilizer is the most effective method for disinfecting bacteria from the water.
Here are 2 simple steps for choosing an ideal UV sterilizer:
– Step 1: Is your water surface water (from rivers and lakes) which has been supplied by the municipality or is it groundwater (from borewells, supplied by tankers) or mixture of both?
Check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) with a simple TDS meter. If the TDS is lower than 1000 ppm, then a trusted UV sterilizer will be effective in purifying the water. If your TDS is above 1000 ppm, you need a prefilter such as a sediment cartridge filter, activated carbon cartridge filter before UV Sterilizer or a machine/system which can combine these methods together such as UV4ALL.
UV4ALL (UEBERALL products) distributed by Delton eliminates 99.994% of bacteria in the water that is certified by TUV SUD ( The internationally accredited organization)
– Step 2: Find a trusted provider of the purifier
German water purifiers have been selected by many Vietnamese consumers. When it comes to a trusted German brand name then you should choose Ueberall distributed by Delton Solutions. From this trusted provider, they can give you the best solutions for fresh water treatment.
Please refer to the UV sterilizers from Delton Solutions here. Or pick up the phone right away to (84) 283 915 2282 – (84) 0915 78 22 82, our experienced staff will advise you promptly.