How Seasonal Changes Affect Water Quality? Which is the Best All-Season Water Purifier?

Key Takeaways
 

• The water quality changes with the seasons. Factors like changing temperature or rainfall influence the concentration of TDS, bacteria, and viruses in the water.
• Each season affects the water purification differently. For instance, in the summer season, TDS levels are increased, and in the monsoon, sediment load is increased.
• Multi-stage water purifiers are the best all-season water purifiers as they are capable of removing all types of impurities during multiple filtration stages. Thus, providing consistent and safe drinking water.

Seasons change the vibe; you must have heard this phrase somewhere on the internet. During the rainy season, craving crispy pakoras and sipping ginger chai on the balcony becomes the vibe. Similarly, the summer season brings higher temperatures along with our love for seasonal fruits like watermelon. Those balconies become hellfire, especially in the afternoon. These seasonal changes are quite apparent to all of us, but some changes are subtle yet not worth overlooking. One such change is the quality of water you use every day.

You might notice a slight earthy smell or chlorine smell in your water during the monsoon, or your water might taste bitter or metallic in summer. These are a few changes that you might usually observe in the water being supplied to your homes during different seasons.

However, in no way, you can compromise on the quality of water you drink. Therefore, it is important to have an advanced, multi-stage water purifier installed in your home, which gives purified, safe and clean drinking water in every season, irrespective of the type of impurities. Let’s begin with understanding, in brief, how seasonal changes impact water quality and water purifiers. Then, we’ll take you through how a multi-stage water purifier is the best, all-season water purifier.

Season-By-Season Water Quality Breakdown and Its Impact on Purifier Components

• Summer (March-June)

   

  During this period, the water level begins to decline, resulting in a higher concentration of dissolved minerals. This leads to higher TDS (total dissolved solids) and increases the water's hardness, putting added pressure on the RO membrane and affecting its efficiency.

   

  At the same time, higher temperatures lead to algal blooms¹ in slow-moving or stagnant water like lakes, further fostering bacterial growth and algae growth. In the summer season, if storage tanks are not cleaned regularly, they can become a breeding ground for such growth and affect the quality of stored water.

   

• Monsoon (July-September)

   

  During the rainy season, the water level increases because of increased rainfall, and it replenishes the groundwater. However, the water quality in the monsoon is poor as the rainwater might contain acid (acid rain phenomenon), mud, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents. It leads to higher microbial growth. This water then gets treated at the municipal treatment facility with more chlorination, resulting in a chlorine-like taste.

   

  These changes in water quality affect different components of the purifier, such as-
   

  - Increased dirt and muddy particles clog the sediment pre-filter faster. 
  - Higher microbial activity can put an additional load on UV/UF filters to disinfect them.  
  - Excess chlorine in the water can impact the taste and affect the activated carbon filter.

   

• Post Monsoon (October-November)

   

  During this period, the water quality stabilises for a brief period as the water sources, like rivers, reservoirs and groundwater, are replenished. However, the urban infrastructure, like drainage, which usually gets overwhelmed due to heavy rainfall, slowly begins to release the accumulated contaminants.

   

• Winter (December-February)

   

  During the winter season, water quality is generally stable compared to other seasons. However, there is a lower water output due to the reduced efficiency of the RO membrane. It is because the water viscosity (water thickness) increases in the winter season, which slows down the water flow through the membrane², resulting in a slow water purification system.

   

  Additionally, microbial activity during this time is less, but not eliminated, and mineral deposits may gradually become visible, especially in areas with hard water, affecting the efficient working of the RO membrane.

Why Are Multi-stage Water Purifiers the Best All-Season Water Purifiers?

Since water quality changes with the seasons, having a system that can purify any kind of impurity in any season can be a lifesaver. Here, a multi-stage water purifier becomes important as it:
 

• Comes with 6+ Stages of Filtration 

   

  These stages include:

   

  - Sediment filter: It removes the dust particles and prevents clogging of subsequent filters.
  - Particulate filter: It captures fine impurities and suspended particles that bypass the sediment filter.
  - Activated carbon filter: It removes the odour and improves the smell and taste of water.
  - Nanopore filtration: It removes the microscopic impurities from water using ultra-fine pores.
  - RO Maxx technology: It eliminates microplastics, heavy metals like lead, and industrial waste and pesticides from the water.
  - UV e-boiling technology: It eradicates pathogens, bacteria and other viruses from the water.
  - Utra-filtration (UF): It adds an extra layer of protection and ensures the water is crystal clear.

   

• Protect subsequent filters

   

  These systems contain pre-filters that catch dirt and debris first, preventing them from reaching the RO membrane, which can easily get clogged.

   

• Deliver safe and better-tasting water to drink

   

  Unlike the single-stage water purifiers, multi-stage water purifiers come with an activated carbon filter that removes the odour, organic matter and provides better-tasting water.

   

• Adding beneficial minerals

   

  Multi-stage water purifiers come with 3-in-one active copper technology, infusing the right amount of copper, calcium and magnesium in water for everyone. Additionally, some are equipped with alkaline cartridges, providing alkaline water to maintain pH balance in your body.

   

• High storage

   

  Most of the modern multi-stage water purifiers are equipped with a high storage facility ranging from 5-7L, which is suitable in the summer season when there is a water shortage issue and load shedding.

   

• Water delivery at zero pressure

   

  Some of the multi-stage water purifiers provide safe drinking water at zero or no water pressure, which makes them suitable in both summer (water shortage) and winter (water viscosity slows down the water output).

Eureka Forbes provides a comprehensive set of the best water purifiers that may suit your needs. 

1. AQUAGUARD AURA 2XLIFE RO+UV+TA 
 

• 8-stages of advanced purification consisting of mega sediment filter, sedi shield 2X, particulate filter, Chemi block 2X, RO maxx 2X, UV E-boiling, active copper and nanopore filter technology.
• Nanopore filter technology provides complete protection for almost 2 years against microplastics, pesticides and industrial waste like lead or mercury.
• Equipped with a storage capacity of 7 litres.
• Saves more than 40% of water.

2. AQUAGUARD AURA RO+UV+UF+MTDS
 

• Consists of RO+UV+UF with a 10-stage purification process, effectively removing contaminants like lead, harmful bacteria and viruses. 
• Designed for all kinds of water sources such as municipal water, borewell and tanker. 
• Equipped with a 7L storage capacity, it works effortlessly even at low or no water pressure.
  Saves upto 60% of water.

Warning Signs That Your Water Purifier is Struggling With the Seasonal Load

You may experience certain signs that might reflect that your water purifier is struggling with the seasonal change. These signs include:
 

• Slower water output flow due to clogging of pre-filters in the monsoon or high viscosity of water in winters.
• Unusual taste of water due to saturation of the activated carbon filter because of high organic or chlorine levels.
• Water purifiers usually start taking longer to purify water in the summer season due to high TDS levels, which usually reflects the RO membrane struggling to manage the load.
• Apparent discolouration of the water due to failure of the pre-filter because of heavy sediment load in the monsoon.

To avoid these issues, you can schedule a seasonal maintenance calendar for your water purifier.
 

Conclusion

Seasonal changes are a natural part of life, impacting the weather and the water cycle. However, their impact on water quality is quite underestimated. From an increased mineral content in summer to increased microbial growth in monsoon, each season brings its own set of challenges for the water purifier.

Being aware of these challenges, along with the water purifier price, one can buy the best water purifier, consisting of multi-stage purification with increased filter life, suitable for all water sources, to ensure an uninterrupted, clean and safe drinking water supply.

References

1. https://www.epa.gov/habs/climate-change-and-freshwater-harmful-algal-blooms 
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/14/1/5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

1. Does the monsoon season genuinely make the tap water more dangerous, even in cities with municipal treatment?
    

   Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, which introduces additional impurities in the form of surface runoff into the water sources. Municipal treatment reduces the risk, but it is advisable to buy a multi-stage water purifier to provide clean and safe drinking water.

    

2. Why does my RO purifier produce water so slowly in winter? Is something wrong with it?
    

   Low temperatures make water thick, which reduces the efficiency of the RO membrane, leading to slow water output. This is usually common in winter and not a cause of concern. However, you can schedule maintenance with your service provider for better service.
    

3. How do I know if my purifier’s filter change schedule needs to be accelerated in the monsoon?
    

   If you notice a slowdown in the water output or a change in the taste, it may indicate that your filters are clogging faster and need replacement. 
    

4. Should I clean or sanitise my purifier’s storage tank more often in summer?
    

   Yes, you should, as high temperatures provide optimum conditions for the breeding of bacteria in stagnant water.