Choosing a Water Purifier for Mangalore's Water: RO vs UV vs UF

Start with a TDS reading, not a brochure

TDS (total dissolved solids) measures the dissolved mineral and salt content in your water. It is the single number that decides the technology you need — and it varies street by street in Mangalore because of how close the borewell sits to saline intrusion.

We test your water free at your location before recommending anything. A five-minute reading avoids buying an RO you do not need, or a UV unit that cannot handle your salinity.

• Below 200 ppm — UV or UF is sufficient; RO would strip useful minerals
• 200–500 ppm — UV + UF, or RO with a mineral cartridge
• Above 500 ppm — RO required; typical of coastal borewells here
• Above 1000 ppm — RO with a high-TDS membrane and pre-filtration

What each technology actually removes

RO (reverse osmosis) forces water through a fine membrane and removes dissolved salts, heavy metals and hardness. It needs electricity and rejects some water as waste.

UV (ultraviolet) kills bacteria and viruses but removes nothing dissolved — the water leaves with the same TDS it came in with. UF (ultrafiltration) traps sediment, cysts and bacteria without electricity, but again does not touch dissolved salts.

For most Mangalore homes on borewell supply, the practical answer is RO + UV + UF with a TDS controller: salts handled by the membrane, microbiology handled by UV, and mineral balance restored so the water still tastes right.

Monsoon turbidity is a separate problem

Between June and September, supply here carries visible sediment. A purifier without adequate pre-filtration clogs its membrane within weeks and the flow rate collapses.

We fit a sediment pre-filter ahead of the unit on every monsoon-affected installation and set a filter-change reminder against your name so the membrane is protected.

Servicing is what determines cost of ownership

A purifier is not a one-time purchase. Filters need replacing on schedule, and a neglected RO membrane is an expensive failure. Ask any dealer what a full service costs and how quickly they attend — that matters more than the sticker price.

We service what we sell, in-house, across Mangalore and Dakshina Kannada, and keep genuine Kent, Aquaguard, Pureit, Havells and LG cartridges in stock at Kankanady Gate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TDS of water in Mangalore?

It varies widely. Municipal supply often reads between 150 and 400 ppm, while coastal borewells near Ullal, Surathkal and Thokkottu frequently exceed 500 ppm because of saline intrusion. A free on-site test gives you your actual figure.

Do I need RO if I am on municipal water?

Often not. If your TDS is below 200 ppm, a UV + UF purifier is enough and keeps the natural minerals. RO on already-soft water strips minerals and flattens the taste.

How often should filters be changed here?

Sediment pre-filters every 3–6 months in Mangalore because of monsoon turbidity, carbon filters annually, and the RO membrane every 2–3 years depending on your TDS load.

Do you install water purifiers at home?

Yes. Our plumber-technicians handle wall mounting, inlet tapping, drain routing, flushing and TDS calibration in a single visit across Mangalore and Dakshina Kannada. Call +91 91641 95516.