Water is one substance that we consume throughout the day, use to cook, wash fruits and vegetables, and rely on for basic hygiene. But how often do we question its source and quality? In many homes today,
especially in apartment buildings and housing societies, water comes from multiple sources. Municipal supply, borewells and tankers often rotate, making water filters and purifiers an essential part of daily living rather than an occasional appliance.
Once a filter is installed, it’s easy to assume that the job is done. But water filters don’t stop working overnight. Their performance changes gradually, influenced by the source of water, usage and maintenance.
It is crucial for you to be aware of your water filter’s performance and regularly check it. Here’s a list of things, as shared by Dr Anil Kumar, Chief Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes, to keep in mind:
Consistency in Taste, Smell and Clarity
One of the earliest indicators of filtration performance is a change in sensory perception. Clean and well-filtered water should taste neutral, appear clear and have no noticeable odour. A sudden metallic taste, chlorine smell or visible cloudiness often signals that the filter media may be saturated or no longer functioning optimally.
Since many Indian homes receive water from mixed sources, these variations can put added stress on filters. A working system should manage these shifts without noticeable changes in output water quality.
Stable TDS Levels Despite Changing Input Water
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in source water can fluctuate significantly, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. A reliable purifier maintains consistent output TDS levels even when the input water quality changes slightly. If your purifier has a digital display or indicator, monitoring these readings periodically can help identify performance drops. Sudden spikes or irregular readings may indicate filter exhaustion or compromised components.
Timely Filter Replacement Alerts and Indicators
Modern water filters are designed to signal when filters need replacement, either through indicator lights, digital displays or app notifications. Ignoring these alerts can lead to reduced purification efficiency and potential contamination. In many cases, filters may appear intact externally while their internal capacity to remove impurities has already declined. A system that accurately tracks filter life helps ensure consistent water safety without guesswork.
Adequate Water Flow Without Compromise on Purity
A noticeable drop-in water flow rate is often a sign that filters are clogged with accumulated contaminants. While reduced flow can indicate that the filter is doing its job, prolonged restriction usually means it is time for maintenance or replacement. Unusually fast flow in systems designed for controlled purification can also be a warning sign that filtration stages are being bypassed or degraded.
Effective Protection Against Microbial Risks
Beyond visible impurities, one of the most critical roles of a water filter is protection against bacteria, viruses and microorganisms. UV or UF-based stages should function consistently to ensure microbial safety. If the purifier’s UV indicator is inactive or if there are frequent power interruptions without backup protection, microbial risks may increase without being immediately apparent.
Use of Genuine, Certified Filter Components
The performance of any purifier depends on the quality of its internal components. Unverified or counterfeit filters often fail to meet purification standards, even if they physically fit the system. Uncertified filters may lose effectiveness quickly and struggle to remove dissolved contaminants or microbes. Ensuring that replacement filters are tested, certified and designed for the system is essential for long-term safety.
Regular Service Checks and Professional Inspection
Even the best filtration systems require periodic professional inspection. Scheduled servicing ensures that internal components are functioning correctly, seals remain intact and filtration stages operate in the correct sequence. Households that skip regular servicing may unknowingly continue using compromised systems, assuming filtration is effective simply because water is flowing.
A fully functional water purifier not only provides clean and safe drinking water but also offers consistency, reliability and peace of mind. Regular monitoring, awareness of performance indicators and the use of verified filtration components are essential steps to ensure safety while consuming water. As water sources continue to diversify and quality becomes more unpredictable, treating water filtration as an active household responsibility rather than a one-time installation can significantly improve everyday health and well-being.
