RO vs UV vs UF Water Purifier: The 2026 Guide to Choosing the Right One

Hi, I’m Md. Monirul Islam from CleanTech Engineering LTD – we’ve been installing and servicing water purifiers across Bangladesh for over 15 years. Every day families ask us the same question: “Which is best – RO, UV or UF water purifier?”

The honest answer is simple: There is no single best purifier. The right one depends 100% on your water TDS level. Let me explain everything in plain Bangla-English so you can decide in the next 5 minutes.

How Each Technology Actually Works

RO (Reverse Osmosis)

We push water through a very fine membrane (0.0001 micron). Almost everything bigger than a water molecule gets blocked.

• Removes: Dissolved salts (TDS), arsenic, lead, fluoride, pesticides, bacteria, viruses.
• Best for: Borewell, tubewell or tanker water (most homes in Bangladesh).
• Needs electricity: Some water goes to drain (new models waste much less).

UV (Ultraviolet)

A special bulb kills bacteria and viruses with light in 5–10 seconds.

• Removes: only germs.
• Does NOT remove: salt, arsenic, iron or bad taste.
• Best for: Dhaka WASA or city corporation water that is already low in salt.
• Needs electricity | Zero water waste.

UF (Ultrafiltration)

A hollow fibre membrane works like a very fine net.

• Removes: mud, rust, bacteria and some viruses.
• Does NOT remove: dissolved salts or heavy metals.
• Best for: slightly cloudy municipal water + frequent load-shedding areas.
• No electricity needed | Almost zero waste.

Quick Comparison Table (2025 Models)

Feature	RO	UV	UF
Removes salt & TDS	Yes (90–99%)	No	No
Removes arsenic/lead/fluoride	Yes	No	No
Kills bacteria & viruses	Yes	Yes	Yes (most bacteria, some viruses)
Needs electricity	Yes	Yes	No
Water wastage	25–40% (new models 60–75% recovery)	Zero	Zero
Keeps natural minerals	Removed (we add back with mineral cartridge)	Yes	Yes
Best water source	Borewell, tubewell, tanker	Dhaka WASA, city supply	Slightly dirty low-TDS water

Your 3-Step Decision Guide (Takes 2 Minutes)

Step 1 – Check your TDS

• Below 200 ppm → UV or UF is enough
• 200–500 ppm → RO recommended
• Above 500 ppm → Only RO will work properly (90%+ homes in Bangladesh fall here)

Step 2 – Know your water source

• Borewell/tubewell → almost always high TDS → choose RO
• Dhaka/Rajshahi/Chattogram WASA supply → usually 100–350 ppm → UV or RO+UV
• Tanker water → always choose RO

Step 3 – Think about your family

Want 100% safe water even if the source changes? → RO+UV+UF combo is safest.

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose RO water Filter if your TDS is above 300 ppm or you use borewell water (most Bangladeshi families).
• Choose UV water Filter if your TDS is below 200 ppm and water is clear (only some Dhaka WASA areas).
• Choose UF water Filter if you have no electricity and TDS is low.
• Choose RO+UV+UF combo water Filter if you want zero risk – this is what we install in 8 out of 10 homes.

Why Families in Bangladesh Trust Our CleanTech RO Purifiers

We fixed the three big complaints people had about RO:

1. RO wastes water → Our 2025 models recover 65–75% water (only 1 glass wasted for every 3 glasses purified).
2. RO removes minerals → Every CleanTech RO has an Active Mineral Cartridge that adds back calcium, magnesium and raises pH to 7.5 – 8.5 for sweet taste.
3. Maintenance is costly → We give 1-year free service + 2-year warranty on membrane. Filter change costs only ৳3,500–4,500 per year.

Our most popular models right now:

• CleanTech Classic RO (8-stage, 12 litre tank) – perfect for 4–6 members
• CleanTech Smart RO+UV+UF (TDS controller + hot water option) – best for growing families
• CleanTech Zero-Waste Series – highest water saving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does RO mean in water purifier? 

A: RO means Reverse Osmosis – the only technology that removes dissolved salts and heavy metals.

Q: Can I use UV for borewell water? 

A: No. UV will kill germs but the salty taste and arsenic will remain. You need RO.

Q: RO vs UF – which is best for tubewell water? 

A: RO every single time. UF cannot remove the salt that makes water taste bad.

Q: How much water does RO waste in 2025 models? 

A: Our latest models waste only 25–35% (better than old 70–80% wastage).

Still Not Sure?

Don’t guess your family’s health.

→ Book a FREE water test at your home (we come anywhere in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi)

→ Or WhatsApp your water report/photo of TDS meter reading and I’ll tell you the exact model you need.

Call/WhatsApp: +8801701666606

Website: https://www.cleantech.com.bd/

Let us help you drink pure water every day.

— Team CleanTech Engineering LTD