Urban water quality is changing faster than most households realise. With fluctuating TDS levels, rising chemical contaminants and ageing pipeline systems, a water purifier today is not just another kitchen
gadget. It has become a frontline health safeguard. For homes in the city, choosing the right system means consistently safe drinking water throughout the year.
Total Dissolved Solids, aka TDS levels, indicate the minerals, salts, and organic matter present in water, with 50-150 ppm often considered excellent for taste and safety. However, 150-300 ppm is good, and levels above 500 ppm are generally less ideal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) set the maximum acceptable limit around 500 ppm for safe drinking, with anything over 1000 ppm being unacceptable
As the dependence on purifiers increases, the filter inside the machine has become an important point of attention. People might unknowingly install unbranded or uncertified filters that appear similar to genuine ones but do not actually purify water the way they should.
Recent studies, including an IIT-Madras study, have shown that genuine, certified filters maintain proper purification performance, while non-genuine filters often allow chemical contaminants and heavy metals to pass through. This makes choosing the right purifier and the right replacement filters more important than ever for safe urban living.
Dr Anil Kumar, Chief Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes, shares the features to make a note of and that truly matter when buying a water filter for your home:
Multi-Stage Filtration for Mixed Water Sources
Most urban homes receive a mix of water supplies: municipal pipelines, tankers and in some cases, borewells. Each source carries different impurities. A purifier that combines RO, UV, UF and activated carbon filtration ensures reliable performance across all sources. It protects against suspended particles, dissolved solids, microbes and chemical contaminants, giving you stable water quality every day.
Mineral Retention or Re-Infusion
While RO is highly effective, it can remove beneficial minerals. Look for purifiers that retain essential minerals or add them back after filtration. This maintains natural taste, supports better hydration and ensures that the final output is both pure and nutritionally balanced.
TDS Handling for High-Variation Regions
In many Indian metros, TDS levels can change dramatically depending on whether you are receiving tanker water or pipeline water on a particular day. A purifier with adjustable TDS control gives you the flexibility to fine-tune taste and purity. It also prevents over-purification or under-purification when the water source shifts.
Long-Life Filters for Heavy Urban Usage
City water often carries micro-sediment, dust and rust particles. Purifiers with high-capacity, long-life filters maintain performance for longer durations and reduce the frequency of servicing. This prevents clogging, ensures consistent flow rates and saves time and maintenance costs over the year.
Real-Time Quality Monitoring
Modern homes deserve transparency. Real-time indicators for purity, filter life and water quality can remove guesswork entirely. Features like auto-shutoff when water is unsafe, app alerts for filter changes and self-diagnostics ensure that you always know the water you are drinking is safe.
Hot-Water or Temperature-Control Options
Warm purified water is useful for children, the elderly, cooking and digestive wellness. In seasons when infections rise, it adds an extra layer of hygiene. Built-in heating or temperature adjustment makes the purifier more versatile and reduces dependence on additional appliances.
Compact, Space-Savvy Design
City kitchens are often compact and clutter-prone. Sleek wall-mounted units or under-sink models free up counter space and blend seamlessly with modern interiors. A space-efficient system ensures that purity does not come at the cost of convenience or aesthetics.
